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Practical Test

Overview

Your BigG instructor will cover a detailed syllabus of lessons based on The National Standards for Learning to Drive to ensure you are fully prepared to be a safe, confident and independent driver. Your instructor will ensure you are fully ready no matter where you are taking your lessons. Once you are ready for the test, your instructor will advise you on how to book your test. Again, you need to use the official Government website, as booking through third-party booking sites charges more, and you might not be able to change or cancel your test without losing your fee.
Your test will be about 38-40mins and will involve driving on various roads and traffic. Before you get in the car, the examiner will ask to see your provisional driving license and will ask you to agree and sign a declaration on the test report (now on an iPad). Once you are out of the reception, they will check your eyesight by asking you to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5m. They will ask you one tell question, and whilst driving, they will ask you one show question.
You will also be tested on one Reverse Manoeuvre, about 20mins of independent driving (either using the SatNav or following direction signs) and possibly the emergency stop. Your driving instructor will coach you through to ensure your reach the required standard to pass the test.

Show Me / Tell Me Questions

During your practical driving test, the examiner will ask you 2 vehicle safety questions known as the “Show me Tell me. One question will be asked at the beginning of your test before you start your drive and one whilst you are driving. Below is a list of the questions.

Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and check the functioning of all indicators.

Operate the brake pedal (you may need to turn on the ignition, but do not start the engine), make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, other vehicles, etc, or ask someone to help.

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.

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

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use and tell them it should be switched on when visibility is reduced to 100m.

Operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), and check with the main beam warning light and blue headlight sign on the dashboard.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.

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 is comfortable.

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Operate the switch (turn on the ignition if necessary). As this is a ‘tell me’ question, there is no need to physically check the lights.

A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

The information would be found in the manufacturer’s guide; use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyres, and remember to refit valve caps.

Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum / maximum markers.

Identify high/low-level markings on the header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to the correct level.

Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the level.

Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

Press the horn, usually located on the steering wheel.

Operate control to wash and clean the front windscreen.

Ensure there are no distractions, and operate the headlight switch to dipped.

Ensure there are no distractions, and operate the front demister controls located on the dashboard. You may need to switch on the air conditioner to help to quickly demist the car.

Ensure there are no distractions, and operate the rear demister control located on the dashboard.

When it’s safe to do so, operate the front side window switch located on the driver’s door.

Practical Test

Overview

Show Me / Tell Me Questions

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Practical Test

Practical Test

Overview

Show Me / Tell Me Questions

1. TELL ME HOW YOU WOULD CHECK THAT THE DIRECTION INDICATORS ARE WORKING (YOU DO NOT NEED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE).

2. TELL ME HOW YOU WOULD CHECK THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE WORKING ON THIS CAR (YOU DO NOT NEED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE).

3. TELL ME OR EXPLAIN HOW YOU WOULD CHECK THAT THE POWER-ASSISTED STEERING IS WORKING BEFORE STARTING A JOURNEY.

4. TELL ME HOW YOU WOULD CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE (HANDBRAKE) FOR EXCESSIVE WEAR; MAKE SURE YOU KEEP SAFE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

5. TELL ME HOW YOU WOULD SWITCH ON THE REAR FOG LIGHT(S) AND EXPLAIN WHEN YOU WOULD USE IT/THEM.

6. TELL ME HOW YOU WOULD SWITCH YOUR HEADLIGHT FROM DIPPED TO THE MAIN BEAM AND EXPLAIN HOW YOU WOULD KNOW THE MAIN BEAM IS ON.

7. TELL ME HOW YOU WOULD CHECK THAT THE BRAKES ARE WORKING BEFORE STARTING A JOURNEY.

8. TELL ME HOW YOU MAKE SURE YOUR HEAD RESTRAINT IS CORRECTLY ADJUSTED SO IT PROVIDES THE BEST PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

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.

10. TELL ME HOW YOU WOULD CHECK THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS ARE WORKING (NO NEED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE).

11. TELL ME HOW YOU WOULD KNOW IF THERE WAS A FAULT WITH YOUR ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM.

12. TELL ME WHERE YOU WOULD FIND THE INFORMATION FOR THE RECOMMENDED TYRE PRESSURES FOR THIS CAR AND HOW TYRE PRESSURES SHOULD BE CHECKED.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. OPEN THE BONNET, IDENTIFY WHERE THE WINDSCREEN WASHER RESERVOIR IS AND TELL ME HOW YOU WOULD CHECK THE WINDSCREEN WASHER LEVEL.

16.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.

1. WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO, SHOW ME HOW YOU WOULD TEST THE HORN.

2. WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO, SHOW HOW YOU WOULD WASH AND CLEAN THE FRONT WINDSCREEN USING THE WASHER AND WIPERS.

3. WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO, SHOW HOW YOU WOULD WASH AND CLEAN THE FRONT WINDSCREEN USING THE WASHER AND WIPERS.

4. WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO, SHOW ME HOW YOU WILL SWITCH ON YOUR DIPPED HEADLIGHT.

5. WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO, SHOW HOW YOU WOULD SET THE FRONT DEMISTERS.

6. WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO, SHOW HOW YOU WOULD SET THE REAR DEMISTER.

7. When it is safe to do so, show me how to open and close your side window.

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