'Show me tell me' explanation

You will be asked one 'show me' question and one 'tell me' question on your driving test. You will most likely be using these controls during driving lessons but below is a reminder. Please familiarise yourself with these questions so you don't stumble before you head out for your test.

The following is based on my Ford Focus ST Line.

For a full list and explanations of the 'tell me' questions, please have a look at the DVSA website.

'When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd wash and clean the rear windscreen?'

Using the right-hand stalk, gently push this backwards towards the windscreen and hold for a couple of seconds. This will release screenwash for the rear windscreen and automatically activate the rear wiper.

'When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd wash and clean the front windscreen?'

Using the right-hand stalk, gently pull this towards you and hold for a couple of seconds. This will release screenwash for the front windscreen and automatically activate the front wipers.

'When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?'

Locate the sidelight/headlight dial, turn it to the position shown below. Remember to switch it back to the 'Auto' position.

'When it's safe to do so, can you show me how'd set the rear demister?'

Locate the button shown below, press it to switch on, press again to switch it off.

'When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?'

Press the centre part of the steering wheel, just below the VW badge.

'When it's safe to do so, can you show me how'd demist the front windscreen?'

Locate the temperature control unit. Ensure the right dial is set on the windscreen (as shown.) Set the temperature to cold and the fan speed to 6.

'When it's safe to do so, can you show me how'd open and close the side window?'

Using the buttons on the door panel, push down to open, pull up to close.

You may be asked to open the bonnet and identify one of the following three items. This is categorised as a 'tell me' question. The bonnet release lever is beneath the glove box. Pull the lever towards you, walk round to the front of the vehicle, lift the bonnet up slightly. Just to the left of the centre of the gap is a lever (this is shown as figure 1 in the picture below). Gently slide this to the right and the bonnet will release. Lift this up and secure it with the strut.

1. Bonnet release lever. 2. Dipstick. 3. Engine coolant tank. 4. Brake fluid reservoir.

'Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.'

Locate the dipstick, explain that you'd pull it out, wipe it with a clean cloth, push it back in, remove it again and the oil level should be between the markers shown on the dipstick.

'Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient engine coolant.'

Locate the engine coolant tank, explain that the coolant level should remain between the 'minimum' and 'maximum' levels as indicated on the side of the tank.

'Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.'

Locate the brake fluid reservoir, explain that the brake fluid level should remain between the 'minimum' and 'maximum' levels as indicated on the side of the reservoir.

The remaining 'tell me' questions can be found on the DVSA website.

I'd love your feedback on this blog. If you find anything confusing or are unsure of how I've explained it, please let me know.