The DSA show me, tell me questions test your knowledge on basic car maintenance and safety. At the start of the practical driving test the show me, tell me questions will begin. The driving test examiner will ask you two questions, one show me and one tell me. Answer any of these two questions incorrectly and you will gain one driving test fault.

There are 19 different questions which can be asked in 18 different combinations. Below are the questions & answers.

Under the bonnet

1. 1.  Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has enough oil.
   A.  Identify the dipstick, pull it out and check the oil level against the min/max markings.
   
   

2. 2.  Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.
   A.  Identify the coolant tank and check the coolant level against the min/max markings.
   
   

3. 3.  Open the bonnet and identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
   A.  Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max markings.
   
   

4. 4.  Open the bonnet and identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
   A.  Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the level.
   

Inside the car

5. 5.  Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
   A.  If the steering becomes heavy it may be faulty. Before starting a journey apply gentle pressure on the steering wheel then start the engine. This should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate (steering should be lighter).
   
   

6. 6.  Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
   A.  Press the horn and listen (turn on ignition if necessary).
   
   

7. 7.  Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
   A.  Check the brake pedal does not feel slack or spongy then move off and test them at a low speed making sure the vehicle doesn’t pull to one side.
   
   

8. 8.  Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
   A.  Hold the car still by using the footbrake, release the parking brake and make sure that when it is re-applied it fastens itself securely and doesn’t come to the end of it’s working travel.
   
   

9. 9.  Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
   A.  The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at eye level and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.
   
   

10. 10.  Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
    A.  Operate the control to wash and wipe the windscreen (turn on the ignition if necessary).
    
    

11. 11.  Show me how you would set the de-mister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both the front and rear screens.
    A.  Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction/source and heated rear screen to clear both windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
    
    

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

Lights

13. 13.  Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
    A.  Operate the switch (with the ignition on if necessary) and check that the main beam warning light comes on (blue light).
    
    

14. 14.  Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them (no need to exit vehicle).
    A.  Switch the headlamps onto dipped beam and operate the switch for the fog light(s). Check that the warning light is on. To be used when weather conditions deteriorate and visibility is reduced to 100m or less or when tail lights are no longer effective.
    
    

15. 15.  Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.
    A.  Activate the indicators of hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly.
    
    

16. 16.  Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
    A.  Turn on the lights (turn on the ignition if necessary) and walk around the car to check the lights are working.
    
    

17. 17.  Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working (I can assist you, if you need to switch on the ignition, please don’t start the engine).
    A.  Operate the brake pedal and make use of reflections in garage doors, etc to see if the brake lights come on. If this is not possible, ask for some assistance.
    
    

Tyres

18. 18.  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 will be found in the car manufacturer’s manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget the spare tyre and remember to refit the valve caps.
    
    

19. 19.  Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
    A.  A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6 mm across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.