During your practical driving test, you will be asked two (of a possible fourteen) ‘Show Me, Tell me’ Questions. It is important that you revise these before the test date to ensure you don’t get a minor. I wanted to devote a few blog posts as to what these questions entail and the correct answers to give:
1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A: Brakes shouldn’t feel spongy or slack. If brakes do feel like this it could seriously hinder how quickly the vehicle can stop in general transit and in an emergency. 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 pressure should be checked.
A: It will be in the manufacturer’s guidebook. Use an accurate pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre, and remember to refit all valve caps before continuing.
3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of crash.
A: 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.
Whether taking driving lessons in Thatcham or Newbury, it’s important to ask your instructor to go through these questions with you to ensure you are confident to both show and tell the right info.