Show tell me a question

The examiner wants to see whether you understand the ins-and-outs of the car you’re driving, and whether you’ll be able to carry out some simple mechanical actions. This is where the ‘show me, tell me’ questions come in.

What’s the difference between ‘show me’ and ‘tell me’ questions?

With a ‘tell me’ question, you only have to explain how you would carry out that task. Usually, you’ll get asked one right at the start of your driving test.

However, with a ‘show me’ question, you have to actually demonstrate the task. This typically happens during the driving test because the examiner wants to see if you can perform the task in real-time.

Here’s a few examples of ‘tell me’ questions.

1. Tell me when you need to switch to rear fog lights and how you would turn them on.

First, explain that you would only use the rear fog lights when visibility is decreased to 100 metres or less. Then tell the examiner that you would
turn on the ignition and switch the headlights to dipped.

To turn on the fog lights, explain that you would press the switch in the centre console and ensure the warning light is on.

2. Tell me how you check the rear brake lights are working.

Explain to the examiner that you would first ask a passenger to stand at the back of your car. While using the brake pedal, you would ask them to tell you if the light is working or not.

If you didn’t have a passenger with you, you would park close to a reflective surface like a window or mirrored wall. That way, you can look back and see when you push on the brake pedal if your lights come on.

3. Tell me where you can find your car’s recommended tyre pressure.

Explain to the examiner that you can find your car’s recommended tyre pressure in your car manual. In some cars, this information will also be printed on the fuel filler lid as well as the inside of the driver’s door.

4. Tell me how you check the tyres to see if they have sufficient tyre tread.

Explain to the examiner that you would first check the tyres to ensure there are no cuts or bulges in the tyre wall. Then you would check the tyre tread depth with a tread depth gauge. The tyre tread should be no less than 1.6mm across from the central three-quarters breadth, all around the tyres.