Show Me Tell Me
About the questions
The examiner will ask you one:
- ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
- ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving
'Tell me' questions
1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.
4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made.
Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.
'Show me' questions
1. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
2. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
3. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
4. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
5. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
6. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
7. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Pupil Testimonials
What do our pupils say about us?
Finally passed my test today after 4 tries due to my nerves always getting the better of me! Rob is the most patient and calming instructor and has always supported me and been on my side when I thought I couldn’t do it! So thanks Rob, I shall miss our lessons loads, will be definitely booking to get my kiddo on the road, 10/10 thanks for everything!
Carrie Glover // 25th January 2024
Hey Rob, i just want to say thank you again i couldn't have passed my driving test it it wasn't for you, you was so patience lol. all the moaning about the car yet i passed in it! might have to buy one for my first car😂 anyways thank you again and i'm sure i'll see you around!
Liz Wilson
Rob it has been a pleasure driving with you it has been lovely to have met you and I would recommend you to anyone who asks. My daughter will be ready in a few years so be ready. Thank you for all your help :))
Louise Degia // Passed 20th July 2021.
Amazing driving instructor, very patient and calms your nerves! Especially on the big day for me as I was very nervous but he got me through it 👍🏻Highly recommend him! Thanks again Rob
Jess Hendley
Rob is an amazing teacher and during the few lessons I had with him my confidence grew a lot and he got me prepared for my test which I passed first time
Max Watson
Rob! Amazing driving instructor! So patient and calms your nerves on the big day! Always up for a laugh and still gets the job done. strongly recommend him! Thanks again Rob
Leah Powell
A MASSIVE thank you to Rob!!! He is an excellent teacher and somehow managed to get me through the test with my bundle of nerves! 100% recommend to anyone thinking about starting lessons!!
Shreeya Patel
Rob is FABULOUS!!! In 6 lessons he got me prepared for my test and I was able to PASS first time!!! I am so pleased with his driving school and I would HIGHLY reccomend!!!
Katie Jepson
Thank you Rob!! fantastic driving instructor recommend to anyone!
Clare Wakefield
Cheers for everything Rob, made it very enjoyable! Thanks for having the patience with me, I will fully recommend you to everyone about to start lessons! Thanks Rob
Oliver Kirk // Past Pupil
Just wanted to say a massive thank you to rob for all his help. Rob is fantastically patient, reassuring and a knowledgable instructor and I would recommend him to anyone.
Aron Simpson // Past Pupil
I chose LFE Driving School because my friends said it is a local school with an excellent reputation and I’m so glad I did! Thank you for getting me through the test first time and for making the process so enjoyable.
Fran Russen // Past Pupil
I had 10 refresher lessons with LFE driving school with Rob. Rob was proficient and professional and restored much of the confidence in me that I needed in order to drive again after five years absent. I would highly recommend LFE driving school and Rob as an instructor. Many thanks for all of your help.
Jenny Trent // Past Pupil
I’m so glad that I chose LFE Driving School. My instructor Rob made the lessons very interesting and enjoyable, and taught me everything I needed to know to pass easily. Thanks to him I passed first time. Rob made the lessons so enjoyable that I looked forward to each lesson. Thank you.
James Edwards // Past Pupil