Show Me Tell Me Questions: A Guide
During your driving test, your examiner will ask you two “show me tell me” questions that you will need to respond to. The “tell me” question requires you to explain how you would perform an action in your vehicle, while the “show me” question requires you to demonstrate the action for the examiner. These questions show the instructor that you understand how to operate the car in different situations. So, what sort of questions are the instructors likely to ask you and how do you prepare for them?
Types of “Show Me” Questions
Here are some of the “Show Me” questions that the examiner could ask you to demonstrate:
- Show me how to find out if your indicators are working.
- Please show me how to clean the windscreen with the washer and windscreen wipers.
- When it is safe to do so, show me where you would check the oil level of your engine and how you would know there is enough oil.
- Show me how to check the power assisted steering works.
- Can you show me how you would check the handbrake for excessive wear?
- When it is safe to do so, show me how to check if the horn is working.
For all these questions, you need to actually demonstrate the full process to the examiner.
Types of “Tell Me” Questions
Here are some of the “Tell Me” questions that the examiner could ask you to answer:
- Tell me how to check that your headlights and taillights are functioning.
- Please tell me how you would find out if that your brakes are working before driving off.
- Could you tell me how to find the correct tyre pressure of the car and how to check the current pressure of your tyres?
- Tell me how to identify if there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system.
- If you can, tell me how to turn on the rear fog lights and when you would use them.
- Tell me how to switch your headlight between dipped and main beam and how you would know this was working.
For all of these questions, you only need to explain the process to your examiner in as much detail as possible.
Tips for Passing The “Show Me Tell Me” Questions
- Listen out for the words “show” and “tell” during the test. This will indicate when you are expected to verbalise your knowledge and when you are expected to demonstrate what you know.
- Give as much detail as possible in your response. It is better to be overly detailed than risk sounding vague.
- If you are doing your test in the family car, make sure you understand all its features beforehand.
- Remember, you will not automatically fail your test if you answer the “Show Me Tell Me” questions incorrectly. But, by proving your knowledge on these questions, you can show the examiner that you are well informed and confident.
Our instructors will make sure you are fully prepared before you take your practical driving test. If you’re ready to begin your driving lessons, get in touch with us today!
