Show Me Tell Me Q & A – what is this all about?
At the start of your practical driving test you will be asked 2 from 19 questions relating to basic maintenance and auxiliary controls. The questions include either the phrase ‘show me’ or the phrase ‘tell me’. With ‘show me’ you will be expected to carry out the procedure.
For example, you may be asked to ‘Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working’. In this case you actually check that they work.
Or you may be asked ‘Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey’. In this case you would describe verbally how to do this.
At Kwik-Pass you will be given a complete list of the questions and answers for you to learn and, of course, your instructor will help.
How many driving lessons will I need?
You will hear from lots of people giving you advice about how many lessons it takes to learn to drive, but in truth – everybody is wrong! Everyone will offer in good faith all kinds of advice and guidance, which may be based on their own experience of learning to drive…
‘You will only need a few lessons to learn the test route’ or ‘I passed with only 15 lessons – nobody needs more than that’
When you keep hearing things like this you may start to feel a bit inadequate when you are on your 51st lesson! Or even that your instructor is giving unnecessary tuition.
Perhaps the first thing you need to take into consideration is that driving is more complex than it used to be and so people take more lessons now than they did even ten years ago – no one (or at least just one in a million) passes the modern UK driving test with as little as fifteen hours driving.
This might have previously been possible in 1974, but not today. When somebody who has passed recently lets you know that they just had a handful of lessons they are possibly being deceitful, or perhaps failing to mention the 30 or 40 hours practice they did along with Mum or even Dad.
The reality is that people learn in different conditions and at different rates; you are an individual and definitely will learn at your own pace. There is no reliable system with regards to working out how long it will take to learn to drive; the number of lessons required varies from one person to another.
Typically, the more mature you are the more time it takes to learn. Nevertheless, there usually are a good deal of examples to show this guideline incorrect. Regardless of what age you are, you should expect to take a minimum of 25 hour’s instruction with a Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Approved (or Licensed) driving Instructor. If you are not able to practice in between lessons that number could possibly be at least double.
Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency research has shown that on average people take close to 45 hours with an instructor plus an extra 22 hour’s practice in between lessons to reach driving test standard.
Frequently older people are astonished how long it takes to learn nowadays, but they overlook – the test is much more challenging than it used to be and the roads are actually a great deal busier. Lots of ‘experienced’ motorists would certainly fail the modern driving test. There’s an old saying: ‘Safe driving is no accident.’ Bear in mind, it’s not learning quickly that makes a good driver, it’s learning properly and remaining safe.
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.
