On The Day Of Your Test
At the beginning of your driving test, after you have been asked by the DSA examiner to read a number plate at a distance of 20.5 meters. Once you get back to your car (or your driving instructors car), you will be asked 2 of the DSA show me, tell me questions.If you are taking your driving test in a driving school car, you should ensure that you become familiar with where to find the required aspects that you may be asked to identify during your driving lessons.
These questions are designed to check your knowledge of basic car safety and will include one 'show me' aspect, where you actually have to demonstrate how and what you would do to check / adjust something, and one 'tell me' aspect where you would simply have to explain how you would do something.
DSA Show Me, Tell Me Questions 2012
Q1: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level & tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
A1: Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum / maximum markers.
Q2: Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey. If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly.
A2: Before starting a journey two 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.
Q3: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
A3: Identify high / low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap & describe how to top up to correct level.
Q4: Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear.
A4: Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.(Make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle apply foot brake firmly).
Q5: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is & tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A5: Identify reservoir & explain how to check level.
Q6: Show me how you would check that the horn is working (Off road only).
A6: Check is carried out by using control. (Turn on ignition if necessary).
Q7: Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is & tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A7: Identify reservoir, check level against high / low markings.
Q8: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A8: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch & check functioning of all indicators. (you may need to switch ignition on).
Q9: Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (The examiner can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, don't start the engine).
A9: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (You may need to switch ignition on, but do not actually start engine).
Q10: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A10: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q11: Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle).
A11: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights).
Q12: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car & how tyre pressures should be checked.
A12: Check the Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check & adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Q13: Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth & that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A13: No cuts & bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Q14: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A14: Operate control to wash & wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).
Q15: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front & rear screens.
A15: Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source & heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. (Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration).
Q16: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) & explain when you would use it / them. (No need to exit vehicle).
A16: Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights & ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use. (When visability is below 100 meters).
Q17: Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam & explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
A17: Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Q18: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
A18: 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 & as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. (Some restraints might not be adjustable).
Q19: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system (ABS).
A19: Warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
If you would like any further information please contact a member of our team on 01189612055 or send us an email at info@msm-online.co.uk
For driving lessons in Reading contact MSM.
MSM - Matthew's School of Motoring - www.msm-online.co.uk
