'SHOW ME, TELL ME' This page contains the complete article on 'European changes to the practical driving test' which as published on the DSA web site. Both Instructors and Learners may find this of use as it has yet to be added into any of the DSA's books 'Driving, the essential skills' and 'The official driving test'. European changes to the practical driving test Jump to safety questions for: Car, Motorcycle, Lorry & Bus | Car & Trailer This article provides further information on the changes, vehicle safety questions and the assessment criteria that will be introduced in September 2003. Before we get into the details of the changes, a previous article included a photograph of tyres being checked with a tyre pressure gauge. This may have given the impression that driving test candidates would be required to check tyre pressures with a gauge. This will not be the case. If asked a question by the examiner on tyre pressures, the candidate will be asked to explain what they would do and will not be required to carry out a physical check. Additionally, a previous article incorrectly stated that Category D+E would be required to reverse up to a loading platform. The requirement to reverse and park safely at a loading platform only applies to candidates taking a Large Goods Vehicle (C, C1 & C+E, C1+E) driving test. Vehicle safety check questions (Random Checks) These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. 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. Examples of the questions that will be asked and the assessment criteria. CAR TESTS 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. 'SHOW ME, TELL ME' Q & A Back to top Safety check questions for cars Vehicle Safety Checks have always been part of the officially recommended syllabus for learning to drive. The source material is to be found in the 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. Combinations of questions to be used on test. Combination 1  Question  Answer   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 check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.  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. Combination 2  Question  Answer  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. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear. Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel. Combination 3  Question  Answer 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. 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). Combination 4  Question  Answer 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. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. Combination 5  Question  Answer Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear. Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel. Combination 6  Question  Answer Tell me how you would 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. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle. Combination 7  Question  Answer 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. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. Combination 8  Question  Answer 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 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle. Combination 9  Question  Answer 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 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. 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). Combination 10  Question  Answer 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. 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. Combination 11  Question  Answer 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 check of oil level against the minimum/maximum marker. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle. Combination 12  Question  Answer 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. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. Back to top Safety check questions for motorcycles Vehicle Safety Checks have always been part of the officially recommended syllabus for learning to drive. The source material is to be found in the DSA publication 'Riding the essential skills'. The manufacture's handbook should also be consulted. Combinations of questions to be used on test. Combination 1  Question  Answer Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil. Identify where to check level, ie dipstick or sight glass. Explain that level should be between max and min marks. For dipstick remove dipstick and wipe clean, return and remove again to check oil level against max/min marks. For sight glass, ensure glass is clean when checking. Show me how you would check that the horn is working on this machine (off road only). Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary). Combination 2  Question  Answer Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid. Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings Show me how you would check that the lights & brake lights and reflectors are clean and working. Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), identify reflectors. Check visually for cleanliness and operation. Combination 3  Question  Answer Tell me how you would check the condition of the chain on this machine. Check for chain wear, correct tension and rear wheel alignment. Tension should be adjusted as specified in the machine handbook. Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure that excessive wear does not take place. Show me what checks you would make on the steering movement before using the machine. Handlebars should be free to move smoothly from full left lock to full right lock without any control cables being stretched, trapped or pinched and without any snagging between moving and fixed parts. Combination 4  Question  Answer Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road. Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in the owner's manual. Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge. Tread depth must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band at least 3/4 of the breadth of the tread and all the way around. There should be no lumps, bulges or tears. Show me how you would check the operation of the front brake on this machine. Wheel the machine forward and apply the front brake. Combination 5  Question  Answer Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil. Identify where to check level, ie dipstick or sight glass. Explain that level should be between max and min marks. For dipstick remove dipstick and wipe clean, return and remove again to check oil level against max/min marks. For sight glass, ensure glass is clean when checking. Show me how you would check that the lights & brake lights and reflectors are clean and working. Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), identify reflectors. Check visually for cleanliness and operation. Combination 6  Question  Answer Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road. Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in the owner's manual. Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge. Tread depth must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band at least 3/4 of the breadth of the tread and all the way around. There should be no lumps, bulges or tears. Show me how you would check the operation of the brakes on this machine. Check for excessive travel on the brake lever and the brake pedal and for unusual play or sponginess. Combination 7  Question  Answer Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil. Identify where to check level, ie dipstick or sight glass. Explain that level should be between max and min marks. For dipstick remove dipstick and wipe clean, return and remove again to check oil level against max/min marks. For sight glass, ensure glass is clean when checking. Show me how you would check the operation of the engine cut out switch. Start engine, operate switch. Combination 8  Question  Answer Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road. Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in the owner's manual. Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge. Tread depth must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band at least 3/4 of the breadth of the tread and all the way around. There should be no lumps, bulges or tears. Show me what checks you would make on the steering movement before using the machine. Handlebars should be free to move smoothly from full left lock to full right lock without any control cables being stretched, trapped or pinched and without any snagging between moving and fixed parts. Combination 9  Question  Answer Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid. Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings. Show me how you would check the operation of the engine cut out switch. Start engine, operate switch. Combination 10  Question  Answer Tell me how you would check the condition of the chain on this machine. Check for chain wear, correct tension and rear wheel alignment. Tension should be adjusted as specified in the machine handbook. Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure that excessive wear does not take place. Show me how you would check that the horn is working on this machine (off road only). Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary). Combination 11  Question  Answer Tell me how you would check the condition of the chain on this machine. Check for chain wear, correct tension and rear wheel alignment. Tension should be adjusted as specified in the machine handbook. Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure that excessive wear does not take place. Show me how you would check that the horn is working on this machine (off road only). Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary). Back to top Safety check questions for lorries and buses See below for vehicles towing a trailer C & C1, D & D1 Vehicle Safety Checks have always been part of the officially recommended syllabus for learning to drive. The source material for LGV tests is to be found in the DSA publication 'Driving goods vehicles, the official DSA syllabus'. The source material for PCV tests is to be found in the DSA publication 'Driving buses & coaches the official DSA syllabus' Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook. Combinations of questions to be used on test Combination 1  Question  Answer Show me how you would check that all doors including cargo doors are secure. All doors must be closed and locking levers for cargo doors are set in the recommended secured position. Show me how you would check for air leaks on this vehicle. Charge the air tanks, Charge the air tanks, consult gauges for drops in air pressure. Walk round vehicle listening for any obvious leaks.  Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle.  The load should be evenly distributed throughout the length of the vehicle so as not to affect control while the vehicle is being driven. Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking.  Tell me how you would check the condition of the reflectors on this vehicle.  Ensure that all reflectors are fitted, clean, and functional (not cracked or broken)  Tell me how you would check the condition of the windscreen & windows on this vehicle.  The windscreen and windows must be clean, clear and free from defects. No mascots or sticker that restrict view. Combination 2  Question  Answer Show me how you would check the condition of the mudguards on this vehicle. As part of daily walk-round check ensure mudguards and spray suppression equipment are secure. Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road. Follow manufacturer's guide, using appropriate equipment, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold. Must have a tread depth of at least 1mm across 3/4 of the breadth of the tread and in a continuous band around the entire circumference. There should be no cuts, damage or signs of cord visible at the sidewalls. Tell me how you would check the condition of the windscreen wipers on this vehicle. Windscreen wipers must operate. Blades should be in good condition. Tell me how you would check the condition of the body is safe on this vehicle. As part of a daily walk-round check, ensure the body is fully roadworthy and there are no significant defects. No loose panels or items, which could endanger other road users. All inspection panels must be secure. Show me how you would check for the correct air pressure on this vehicle. Ensure gauges are reading the correct pressures for the vehicle and that all warning lights are extinguished and audible warning devices are not sounding. Combination 3  Question  Answer 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 check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers. Show me how you would check the wheel nuts are secure on this vehicle. A visual check to identify any nuts that are obviously loose, and check that the wheel nut indicators (if fitted) are in alignment. Show me how you would check the operation (specify horn, warning device for reversing) of the audible warning devices on this vehicle. Demonstrate use of control. Tell me how you would check the condition of the suspension on this vehicle. As part of a daily walk-round check, suspension should be checked for any obvious signs of deterioration or damage. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working. Operate brake pedal, ask someone to help. Combination 4  Question  Answer 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. Show me how you would check that the headlamps, sidelights & tail lights are working. Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle. Show me how you would replace the tachograph disc on this vehicle. Candidate to demonstrate how to insert tachograph disc. Tell me how you would operate the loading mechanism on this vehicle (vehicle specific i.e. Tail Lift). Candidates should be able to explain briefly the correct operation and safe working practice of specific machinery fitted to the vehicle, eg tail lift, kneeling bus. Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working. 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. Combination 5  Question  Answer Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. 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. Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road. Follow manufacturer's guide, using appropriate equipment, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold. Must have a tread depth of at least 1mm across 3/4 of the breadth of the tread and in a continuous band around the entire circumference. There should be no cuts, damage or signs of cord visible at the side walls. Show me what instrument checks you would make before and after starting the engine on this vehicle. Check to make sure all gauges and warning systems are working. Ensure that all gauges are reading correctly and that warning lights / audible warning devices are extinguished before moving away. Tell me how you would check the condition of the windscreen wipers on this vehicle. Windscreen wipers must operate. Blades should be in good condition. Combination 6  Question  Answer 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 check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers. Show me how you would check that the wheel nuts are secure on this vehicle. A visual check to identify any nuts that are obviously loose, and check that the wheel nut indicators (if fitted) are in alignment. Tell me how you would check the condition of the windscreen & windows on this vehicle. The windscreen and windows must be clean, clear and free from defects. No mascots or sticker that restrict view. Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle. The load should be evenly distributed throughout the length of the vehicle so as not to affect control while the vehicle is being driven. Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking. LORRY AND TRAILER, PCV AND TRAILER (Categories: C+E & C1+E, D+E & D1+E) Combination 1  Question  Answer Tell me how you would check the condition of the body is safe on this vehicle. As part of a daily walk-round check, ensure the body is fully roadworthy and there are no significant defects. No loose panels or items, which could endanger other road users. All inspection panels must be secure. Show me how you would replace the tachograph disc on this vehicle. Candidate to demonstrate how to insert tachograph disc. Combination 2  Question  Answer Tell me how you would operate the loading mechanism on this vehicle (Vehicle specific. eg. Tail Lift). Candidates should be able to explain briefly the correct operation and safe working practice of specific machinery fitted to the vehicle, eg tail lift, kneeling bus. Show me how you would check that the wheel nuts are secure on this vehicle. A visual check to identify any nuts that are obviously loose, and check that the wheel nut indicators (if fitted) are in alignment. Combination 3  Question  Answer Tell me how you would check the condition of the windscreen wipers on this vehicle. Windscreen wipers must operate. Blades should be in good condition. Show me how you would check that all doors including cargo doors are secure. All doors must be closed and locking levers for cargo doors set in the recommended secured position. Combination 4  Question  Answer Tell me how you would check the condition of the reflectors on this vehicle. Ensure that all reflectors are fitted, clean, and functional (not cracked or broken) Show me how you would check the condition of the mudguards on this vehicle. As part of daily walk-round check ensure mudguards and spray suppression equipment are secure. Combination 5  Question  Answer Tell me how you would check the condition of the suspension on this vehicle. As part of a daily walk-round check, suspension should be checked for any obvious signs of deterioration or damage. Show me what instrument checks you would make before and after starting the engine on this vehicle. Check to make sure all gauges and warning systems are working. Ensure that all gauges are reading correctly and that warning lights / audible warning devices are extinguished before moving away. Combination 6  Question  Answer Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle. The load should be evenly distributed throughout the length of the vehicle so as not to affect control while the vehicle is being driven. Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking. Show me how you would check for air leaks on this vehicle. Charge the air tanks, consult gauges for drops in air pressure. Walk round vehicle listening for any obvious leaks. Back to top Safety check questions for cars and trailers Safety check questions to be used for B+E. Vehicle Safety Checks have always been part of the officially recommended syllabus for learning to drive. The source material is to be found in the DSA publication 'Driving the essential skills', 'Driving goods vehicles, the official DSA syllabus' 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. Combinations of questions to be used on test Combination 1  Question  Answer 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. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and checking functioning of all indicators. Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle. The load should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer. Heavy items should be loaded as low as possible so that they are mainly over the axle(s). Bulkier, lighter items should be distributed to give a suitable 'nose weight' at the towing coupling. The nose weight should never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. Tell me the main safety factors involved in securing a load on this vehicle Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking. Show me how you would check that your vehicle & trailer doors are secure Physical checks should be made to ensure that windows, rooflight and all doors, including cargo doors, are properly closed. Combination 2  Question  Answer 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 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. 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). Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle. The load should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer. Heavy items should be loaded as low as possible so that they are mainly over the axle(s). Bulkier, lighter items should be distributed to give a suitable 'nose weight' at the towing coupling. The nose weight should never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. Tell me the main safety factors involved in securing a load on this vehicle Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking. Show me how you would check that your vehicle & trailer doors are secure Physical checks should be made to ensure that windows, rooflight and all doors, including cargo doors, are properly closed. Combination 3  Question  Answer 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. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear. Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel. Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle. The load should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer. Heavy items should be loaded as low as possible so that they are mainly over the axle(s). Bulkier, lighter items should be distributed to give a suitable 'nose weight' at the towing coupling. The nose weight should never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. Tell me the main safety factors involved in securing a load on this vehicle. Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking. Show me how you would check that your vehicle & trailer doors are secure Physical checks should be made to ensure that windows, rooflight and all doors, including cargo doors, are properly closed. Back to top Copyright © 2003 Driving Standards Agency