Since the 1st September 2003 the examiner will ask candidates 2

Since the 1st September 2003 the examiner will ask candidates 2, "show me/tell me" questions at the start of the test. Should the candidate fail to answer either one or both questions correctly, this would be assessed as 1 driving fault and would not therefore constitute a reason for failing the test in its own right.

A candidate will have to either SHOW or EXPLAIN how to do simple maintenance tasks.
At the start of the practical test the Examiner will ask the pupil a 'Tell Me' question, for example "Tell me how you would change a tyre". This would be followed by a 'Show Me' question, for example "Show me where to check the oil level". A candidate will not FAIL a Driving Test for a wrong answer however they will get ONE Driving Fault if they are wrong. This test will be included inside the existing time limit for the practical test which means less time spend out on the road.
This section has been designed to help you through this element of the practical test.

When performing any inspection or maintenance work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to the vehicle. The following are general precautions which should be observed.

Park your vehicle on a level surface, apply the hand brake and chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle moving. If you have a automatic, move the control lever to neutral ("N").
Turn off the engine and wait until it cools down. Do not work while the engine is hot.
If you have to work with the engine running, keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools away from moving parts such as the fan belt and fans. It is advisable to remove ties and jewellery, such as rings, watches.
If the engine is running in a enclosed space such as a garage, make sure there is proper ventilation for exhaust fumes.
Never get under the vehicle while it is only supported by a jack. Support the vehicle with safety stands.
Never smoke and keep flames and sparks away from the fuel and battery.
Never connect or disconnect either the battery or any other electrical components while the ignition is switched on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 ¾ 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

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 ¾ 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

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.

Combination 11

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

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.

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.