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Preparation for your driving test.

To be able to sit your practical driving test you need to do the following;

1. Prepare, the documentation which you will have to present to the Examiner at the driving test centre on the day of your practical driving test exam;

1.1 the plastic card part of your provisional drivers licence (essential) in the case where you still have an old style provisional drivers licence you will need to present your passport as photo ID.

1.2 the counterpart, paper portion of your provisional drivers licence (essential)

1.3 the copy of your appointment letter, you should have received this in the post within three to four days after the appointment was made for the practical driving test. However, you can recover a copy of this by going online and printing of a screen copy of the practical driving test appointment. (This is not essential but it is important as your driving instructor and yourself can confirm the date and time, and most importantly, the place where your practical driving test is to take place.

1.4 copy of your theory certificate, the DSA in their documentation also mention that you should have a copy at hand of your theory certificate which you will have been given on the day that you passed your driving theory test. (From time to time the examiners do ask to see this document). However the electronic system run by the DSA for the bookings of the practical driving test will not allow us, or yourself, to make a booking if you have not passed the theory part of the driving test.

Further notes and important comments;

Since October of 2007 items 1.1 and 1.2 are essential and you will not be able to sit your practical drivers licence exam unless you have them available to present to the Examiner for his examination and confirmation on the day of your test.

Item 1.3 ~ it is extremely important to verify, and keep pace with the changes that occur from time to time with your practical driving test appointment. These changes may be as a result of adjustments that are done by the DSA, because of the availability (unavailability) or illness of the driving examiner's. Further changes may occur in your practical driving test appointment as a result of changes by your driving instructor or his organisation for practical reasons. There are three essential elements which are extremely important and need to be checked and confirmed by the documentation which is available to you and your instructor through the DSA system. The key elements are, (1) the date on which your practical driving test is to take place, (2) the driving test centre where your practical driving test has been scheduled, (3) and the time of your practical driving test. You may find it strange that we highlight this, but believe me, many things can go wrong in this area. Due to the nature of the practical driving test, it is extremely strenuous and emotionally taxing, getting any one of the three items wrong can result in you not being able to sit the practical driving test exam, this undoubtedly is always very disappointing and disrupting. Don't get this wrong!

Item 1.4 ~ Theory test pass certificate. This is nice to have, may be asked for, used mainly for further identification. The above and all the guides, herein are to be read in conjunction with the information as supplied by the DSA.

Please feel free to contact us if you need any further clarification on the above. If anything is unclear you have comments you would like to share with us we would welcome it.

Show me/tell me questions ?

Vehicle safety check questions (random checks) (cctmq)

These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. The checks have just recently been revised and updated and will be used as of Tuesday 1st July 2008. Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.
As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with electronic diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for a candidate to refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures.



Questions for car drivers.

The source material is to be found in the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) publication 'Driving the essential skills' and ' The official DSA driving test'. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook.

If you have any queries about this part of your practical test you should contact the Technical Standards Branch.



Below we have catergorised the questions into groups for ease of reference. You need to revise all the questions as the Examiner on the day of your practical driving test will choose two questions from the list below.


Candidates will be asked two questions, one show me and one tell me. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded. Please find examples of safety check questions for cars in the related content box.

The tables below of the "show me tell me questions" include our LMHWC (Lay Mans HighWay Code) version which is the simplified format without the bureaucracy elements and Camel design.

In the Car Questions ~ Controlls. (Table 1 Show me tell me questions.)
Show / Tell Q No. Question DSA Answer LMHWC Answer
Show me? B02 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. 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. With your car switched off, turn the steering wheel either left or right and hold it firmly in that position. Now when you fire the engine (start the car) there will be a noticeable movement of the steering wheel when the engine fires. If the steering does not become easier to move left or right after firing the engine then you either do not have power steering in the vehicle or it has become faulty.
Show me? B06 Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only)? Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary). You will need to sound the horn by pressing it. The light punch on the horn should produce an audible beep. In some cars it is necessary to turn on the ignition before the horn becomes operational.
Show me? B08

Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working?

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check unctioning of all indicators. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)

Switch on the hazard warning lights. Walk around the car, visually checking each of the indicator bulbs and pointing out to the Examiner that they are all working.
Tell me? B10 Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey? Brakes should not feel slack or spongy. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side. The footbrake should feel firm and not slack or spongy if you apply pressure to it. After moving off when you brake the car should not change direction (pull to one side ~ veering off course) as you brake.
Show me? B09 Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine)? Operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine).

Switch on the car without firing the engine (starting the car). Depress the brake pedal and the rear brake lights should illuminate. You can verify that they are all working by either making use of reflections or asking someone to stand behind the car and observed their operation for you when you depress the brake pedal.

The examiner would assist you with this!

Show me? B04 Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle? Apply footbrake firmly. 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. Before releasing the handbrake you must secure the car by depressing the footbrake firmly. Now release the handbrake, and reapply it. The handbrake will apply itself before it reaches the end of its normal working travel. Once the handbrake has been properly applied you may release the footbrake.
Tell me? B18 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. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable. In most modern cars, the head restraint can be adjusted so that the thickest portion of the head restraint is in line with your ear. It should also be adjusted, where possible to be as close to the back of your head as is comfortable. The movement of your head should not be hindered or restricted by the head restraint. You should be able to move your head freely in order to be able to make the necessary observations.
Show me? B14 Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers? Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary). Switch on the ignition of the car but do not fire the engine. Briefly operate the windscreen washer squirt mechanism. In most cars when you operate this mechanism the windscreen wipers will be automatically switched on for a short period of time to clear the windscreen of the fluid. You should be able to switch on the windscreen wipers if necessary to clear the remaining fluid. Many cars today are fitted with rear windscreen wipers and a washer fluid mechanism. You will also be required to be able to operate this mechanism.
Show me? B15 Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens? Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration. Switch on the ignition of the car but do not fire the engine. Start by setting the front air vents so that the air is directed on to the windscreen. Turn up the fan speed and direct the vents towards the windows. It may also be necessary to increase the heat in the ventilation.
Switch on the rear demister. It is also useful to open the rear windows about half an inch to one inch to increase the flow of ventilation through the car. Be sure that the recycle setting for the internal ventilation of the driving cabin is set to fresh air. Many cars many different control systems.

In the Car Questions ~ Electronic Indicators (Dash). (Table 2 Show me tell me questions.)

Show / Tell Q No. Question DSA Answer LMHWC Answer
Tell me? B11 Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)? Explanation: 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.)
The examiner requires you to tell him how you would check that the lights are working. You would operate the light switch from inside the car and explain to him that you would walk around the car and check each of the lights individually to see if they are all working. You can also point out that the light on the dash will indicate that the lights have been switched on.
Show me in car? B16 Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them? (No need to exit vehicle) Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use. Switch on your main lights. Now locate and turn on the fog lights. The dashboard of your car's lights on indicator will be illuminated, as well as, the fog lights indicator which is normally yellow or amber. You should explain that the fog lights are only to be used when visibility has been reduced to 100 metres or less. Please read the Highway code rules 114, 226 and 236. Fog lights must only be used when required as they can dazzle other road users, thereby creating an unnecessary dangerous situation. Reproduced below for your convenience.

Tell me?

B19 Tell me how you would 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. If your car is fitted with anti-lock braking system (ABS) it will have an electronic monitoring system which continually checks that the ABS is functioning correctly. When you switch on the ignition of the car the ABS malfunction light will be briefly illuminated. If there is a problem with the system this light will illuminate and not be extinguished after it has run the initial checks after the car was switched on. If the ABS malfunction light remains on or is illuminated you should have the system checked by a professional as soon as possible.
Show me? B17 Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.? Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

Switch on the ignition of your car but do not fire the engine. Now switch on the main beams of the car. A green indicator light on the dashboard of the car should show that the main beams are on. A blue light on the dash would light up to show when the main beams are set too high beam. You will need to be able to demonstrate how to dip your lights and set them to high beam and correspondingly how to read this information from the indicator lights on your dashboard. If in doubt, read the manufacturers guide!

Under the Bonnet Questions. (Table 3 Show me tell me questions.)

Show / Tell Q No. Question DSA Answer LMHWC Answer
Show me where and tell me how? B07 Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid? Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings. Open the bonnet of the car. Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is located by pointing it out. Explain to the examiner how you would check the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir against the maximum and minimum markings on the side of the reservoir. Only top up with the correct fluid when and if required.
Show me where and tell me how? B05 Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen
washer level?
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level. Open the bonnet of the car. Identify the reservoir by pointing at it, and explain how to check the level of the windscreen washer fluid in the reservoir.
Show me where and tell me how? B03 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? Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level. (Only when its is Cold) Open the bonnet of the car. Identify the header tank or reservoir by pointing it out to the examiner. Explain how you would check the level of the fluid against the maximum and minimum markings on the side of the reservoir. Never ever open a header tank or radiator if they are hot.
Show me where and tell me how? B01 Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil? Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe how to check
the oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
Opene the bonnet of the car. Identified by pointing at the dipstick where it is located on the engine. Explain (but do not touch) how you would remove the dipstick, wipe it dry, reinsert it all the way, and remove it to observe the level of the oil against the maximum and minimum markers on the dipstick. You also need to know and be able to point out where the filler cap is in case you need to add some oil.

Tyre Questions. (Table 4 Show me tell me questions.)

Show / Tell Q No. Question DSA Answer LMHWC Answer
Tell me? B12 Tell me where you would 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. The correct tyre pressure for your vehicle can be found in the manufacturer's guide.
The tyres should be checked while they are still cold and by making use of a reliable pressure gauge. A reliable pressure gauge can normally be found at a service station or you may purchase your own from a respectable dealer.
Tell me? B13 Tell me how you would 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 > of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. On visual inspection the tyres should have no cuts or bulges on the side walls of the tyre or the tread area. There should be a minimum of 1.6 millimetres of tread depth, across the central threequarters of the breadth of the tyre around the entire circumference.


This is a direct link to the DSA "show me tell me" advisory document which was used as source for the above information as Published in the DSA guidance for Revised Questions and Combinations to be used as from Tuesday 1st July 2008 for the practical driving test show me tell me questions. Please be advised although we have an atempt and taken care to reflect this information accurately it is still your responsibility to read this information with reference to the DSA's official literature and further referenced literature. We cannot be held responsible for any errors which may be found herein.

The Below information and links are an exact extract from the DSA Update as of the 1st July 2008 and includes there links. This information can be found at http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Form.asp?id=2621

DT1 - Internal guidance document

The DT1 document contains internal operational guidance for driving examiners in the conduct of driving tests and consists of 9 chapters. Click on a link to the right to download any chapter of the document.

Vehicle Safety Questions

DSA introduced the "Show me, tell me" safety questions for all categories of tests in September 2003. The subjects that can be included in the safety questions are laid down in the EC 2nd Directive. We made a commitment, at that time, to review the questions and this has now taken place.
The review raised the need for some additional questions to be included to more accurately reflect the need for candidates to have the skills and knowledge to ensure they and their vehicles are safe to be on the road. Additional questions will cover the use of wipers, demisters, brake lights, fog lights, head restraints, ABS warning lights and the correct operation of relevant controls and switches.
The number of questions to be asked will remain unaltered. Set combinations of questions will be retained for Category B car tests, these combinations have been updated. For all other categories examiners will choose a selection of two or five questions (dependant on the type of test) from the Question Bank. Questions will suit the vehicle presented for test and the location the test is being delivered from. Answers to the questions can be found in the relevant DSA Essential Skills publication. There is no change to the level of assessment.

Revised Questions and Combinations to be used from Tuesday 1st July 2008

Safety Show me tell me Questions for Category A (motorcycle)
Safety Show me tell me Questions and Combinations for Category B (car)
Safety Show me tell me Questions for Category B+E (car and trailer)
Safety Show me tell me Questions for Categories C and D (LGV/PCV)
Safety Show me tell me Questions for Categories C and D trailer tests (includes C1 and D1)
Taxi Show me tell me Safety Check Questions
Safety Show me tell me Questions for ADI Part 2
Annex 6 - Guide to Assessment/ Marking / Show me tell me

DSA Revision show me tell me questions http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Form.asp?id=2621

DSA the new and revised show me tell me questions for the practical Catergory B driving test questions in PDF format as published by the DSA;




Notes and references;
Definitions;


LMHWC
(Lay Mans Highway Code)

The code of practice as used by the man on the street. Just the simple trimmed down version that should see you through. Trying to cut out the unnecessary bureaucracy and keeping the text in precis form and accurate.
Fire the engine.
This is the process in which you activate the starter motor of the car until the engine fires and runs by itself. Starting the car normally involves switching on the ignition and then firing the engine (activating the starter motor).
Cold tyres
A cold tyre is one that has not been driven for an extended time and or at high speed. If tyres are not properly inflated (have lost some air due to leakage) and have been driven in this state the tyre will heat up due to excessive friction and flexing, and the air inside the tyre will subsequently due to the heat expand, thereby not reflecting the true tyre pressure. This can be very detrimental, and even dangerous. It is therefore recommended that the tyres pressure be checked while they are still cold.
End of its working travel.
This term is specifically used in relation to the handbrake and it reflects a situation wherein if the handbrake was capable of reaching the end of its working travel before it secured the car then either it was out of adjustment or there is a major failure of the cables or brake pads. Under no circumstances should the operator be able to pull a handbrake to the point where the handbrake lever has managed to move to the full extremity of its available travel.
Never ever open a header tank or radiator while they are hot.
If you are experiencing problems with the level of your radiator fluid/engine coolant, the engine may be overheating. The radiator or engine cooling system is a pressurised system. The coolant itself often operates above the temperature of boiling water. Therefore, opening the header tank, or the radiator when they are hot, can release an almost explosive amount of superheated steam. This can and invariably will burn you, it is possible that you can severely injure yourself endangering your arms, face and eyes. Our recommendation is that you should never try to top up or open a header tank or radiator while your car is hot. This routine maintenance should only be done before the engine has been fired and the engine has completely cooled down. If you are losing fluid from the cooling system of your engine you should have it attended to by a professional as soon as possible.
Not to use front or rear fog lights unless it is necesary.

Rule 114 from the official Highway Code.

You MUST NOT

  • use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders
  • use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users (see Rule 226)

In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. This will minimise glare to road users behind until the traffic moves again.

____________________________________

Rule 226 from the official Highway Code.

You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves (see Rule 236).

____________________________________

Rule 236 from the official Highway Code.

You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226) as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.


Terms and Conditions. (The below terms and conditions should be read in conjuction with our main terms and conditions.)

These terms and conditions should be read in conjunction with the information on this page and must form an important part of how you use the information as supplied to you on this web page. It is always to be remembered that you should read and make use of all information available to you through the dSA and any other reference guides to form a balanced opinion.


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