Show me tell me DSA 19 Theory Questions & Answers

The “show me / tell me” questions or maintenance questions are a series of 19 questions regarding the correct maintenance and safe use of the car. two questions will be asked by the examiner at the beginning of the driving test.

Q. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked?
A. Information in the manufactures guide,use a reliable pressure gauge,check when they are cold and don’t forget the spare.

Q. Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car?
A. Operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help you check.

Q. Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check there is a safe level?
A. Identify reservoir, check the level against the high / low markings.

Q. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the correct level?
A. Identify the high / low markings on the header tank and describe how to fill to the correct level.

Q. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient oil?
A. Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe how to check level against the min / max markers.

Q. Open the bonnet, identify the windscreen washer reservoir and tell me how you would check the level?
A. Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the level.

Q. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, both front and rear screens?
A. Set the relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows.

Q. Tell me how you would check the head & tail lights are working?
A. Identify / operate the switch, then walk around the vehicle, check front & rear.

Q. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer & wipers?
A. Operate control to wash / wipe the windscreen.

Q. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights & explain when you would use them?
A. Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights first) check warning light & explain that they should only be used in fog.

Q. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear?
A. Apply foot brake, demonstrate by applying the parking brake so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and its not at the end of its working travel.

Q. Tell me how you would make sure the head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash?
A. Adjust the head restraint so the rigid part is at least as high as your eyes or top of the ears & close to the back of the neck.

Q. Show me how you would check the directional indicators are working?
A. Apply the hazard warning switch (or indicator switch) and check all functioning indicators.

Q. Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey?
A. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. brakes should be tested as you set off. vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q. Show me / explain how you would check the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey?
A. If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. before starting a journey move the wheel left & right to check for assistance.

Q. Tell me how you would know there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system?
A. A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault.

Q. Show me how you would check that the horn is working?
A. Depress the horn.

Q. Tell me how you check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe for use on the road?
A. No cut and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the width of the tyre and around the entire circumference.

Q. Show how you switch your head lights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know main beam is on?
A. Operate switch and check the main beam warning light.