Show Me / Tell Me Practice

Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a long 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 assisted steering is functioning.

Show how you would check your helmet fit before a ride.

Check the strap is secure, the helmet sits level, and movement is minimal when you move your head.

Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear, making sure you keep control of your vehicle.

Apply footbrake firmly, demonstrate by applying parking brake so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Show how you would check the front brake works before moving off.

Roll the bike forward slowly and apply the front brake progressively to confirm firm stopping action.

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

Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and walk around the vehicle, checking the functioning of all indicators. You may need to switch the ignition on, however you should not start the engine.

Show how you would check the rear brake works before moving off.

Roll slowly and apply the rear brake to confirm smooth stopping without unusual travel.

Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car (switch ignition on if necessary).

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. As this is now a show me question the examiner may check the brake lights for you. You may need to switch the ignition on, however you should not start the engine.

Show how you would check the horn is working.

Operate the horn control and confirm a clear audible warning.

Show me how you would switch on your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.

Move the stalk attached to the steering column forwards which will illuminate a blue warning light on the instrument panel.

Show how you would check lights and indicators before a ride.

Switch on the lights and indicators, then check front and rear operation and indicator cancel behavior.

Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them.

Operate the rear fog switch after switching on dipped headlights, check switch is illuminated and explain that they should only be used when visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less. UNDER THE BONNET

Show where the engine cut-out switch is and how you would use it.

Identify the kill switch and explain it stops the engine quickly in an emergency.

Tell me the legal minimum motorcycle tyre tread requirement in the UK.

At least 1 mm of tread depth in a continuous band around at least three-quarters of the tyre breadth, with no deep cuts or bulges.

Tell me how you would check final-drive chain condition.

Check tension against manufacturer guidance, ensure smooth movement, and keep the chain clean and properly lubricated.

Tell me how you would check steering before a journey.

With the front wheel lightened as appropriate, move bars lock-to-lock for smooth travel without notchiness or tight spots.

Tell me how you would check suspension is in a safe condition.

Compress front and rear suspension to confirm smooth return and inspect for leaks or visible damage.

Tell me how you make sure that 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 comfortable.

Tell me how you would check brake fluid and hydraulic safety.

Check fluid level is between markers in the reservoir and inspect for leaks around hoses and calipers.

Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should be tested as you set off by applying gentle pressure at a slow speed. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and the vehicle should not pull to one side.

Tell me how you would check headlight condition and aim.

Confirm the lens is clean, light output is steady, and beam aim is adjusted for load according to guidance.

Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Check the manufacturer's guide, use a reliable tyre pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold, not forgetting the spare tyre and remembering to refit the valve caps.

Tell me how you would decide what protective kit to wear for a ride.

Use a legal helmet plus suitable gloves, jacket, trousers, and boots designed for motorcycle protection and weather conditions.

Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti-locking braking system.

The ABS light would illuminate on the instrument panel if there is a fault.

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.

Tyres should be checked to ensure that there are no cuts and bulges. They should have 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. This can be checked with a tyre depth gauge or the depth markers in the tyres themselves.

Tell me how you would check the headlights and tail lights are working.

Operate the switch and walk around the vehicle checking that lights are illuminated. SHOW ME on the move

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 full and low markers.

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 fluid level is between full and low markers.

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 full and low level markers on the tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Identify reservoir and explain how the washer fluid should be filled to a level that you can see. DVSA and GOV.UK guidance

Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen.

Show me how you would clean the rear window using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Operate control to wash and wipe rear window.

Show me how you would operate the horn.

Press on the control which is situated on the steering wheel.

Show me how you would demist the windscreen.

Select the relevant control including temperature (if required) to clear windscreen.

Show me how you would demist the rear window.

Select the relevant control to clear rear window.

Show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights.

Twist the stalk attached to the steering column which will illuminate a green light on the instrument panel.

Show me how you would open and close the side window.

Select the relevant control to open and close the side window.