The DSA show me, tell me questions are to test your knowledge on basic car maintenance and safety. The questions are at the start of the practical test and answering any of two questions incorrectly will gain one driving test fault. The test examiner will ask you two questions; one show me question and one tell me question. There are 19 different questions, which can be asked in 18 different combinations.
Below are examples of what you may be asked:
- Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine coolant level. Tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.
- Open the bonnet and identify where the brake fluid reservoir is. Tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
- Show me and explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
- Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine oil level. Show me how you would check that the engine has enough oil.
- Open the bonnet and identify where the Windscreen Washer reservoir is. Tell me how you check the level.
- Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.
- Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.