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Learn to Drive in Stoke on Trent – Show Me Tell Me Questions
If you want to learn to drive in Stoke on Trent you will need to learn what are know as ‘show me tell me’ questions. When you are learning to drive, your driving instructor, at some point, will talk to you about these Show Me Tell Me questions. They will normally incorporate them into your driving lessons, but you will need to do a little bit of studying yourself to learn all of the questions.
What are Show Me Tell Me questions, and when will they be asked?
Show Me Tell Me questions were introduced into the UK driving test to help learners understand the use of the cars ancillary controls, and to help them make basic maintenance checks related to the car. The subjects covered by these questions are things that you really need to know if you want to be driving, and will help you to perform basic maintenance checks to keep you and you car safely on the road. At the start of your driving test you will be asked 2 of these show me tell me questions.
What if I don’t know the answer, or get the question wrong?
The answers don’t need to be word perfect, or textbook answers. All the examiner is looking for, is that you have a general knowledge, and have a reasonable idea about what has been asked. However, if you do answer the question entirely wrong, or can’t give an answer, 1 driving (minor) fault will be recorded on your driving test report for each question answered incorrectly. So you could end up with 2 driving faults before you’ve even started to drive!
So, what questions could I be asked?
There are 19 questions that the driving test examiner may ask you. It’s important to listen to what they ask of you, and whether they want you to physically do something or whether they just want you to explain something to them. Below is a list of all the questions you may be asked. Click on the question to view our post with an instructional video, full guidance with the answers and reasons you would need to do the checks:
– Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
– Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine).
– Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
– Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
– (Show me) 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.
– (Show me) 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.
– (Show me) 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.
– Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only)
– Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
– Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
– 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)
– Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
– Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
– Tell Me where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
– Tell Me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
– Tell Me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
– 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.
– Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
– Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
For a copy of all the questions and answers visit our learner resources page or visit our YouTube channel
Would you like to learn to drive in Stoke on Trent?
Drive Ahead School of Motoring are based in Stoke on Trent and offer great driving lessons at competitive prices with free online theory training. You will benefit from the most modern teaching techniques helping you to pass your test faster and become a safer drive.
Call us today on 01782 906010 to book your first lesson!
Independent Driving on your Driving Test in Stoke on Trent
What is independent driving?
Independent Driving was introduced to the UK driving test in October 2010. It is a 10 minute section of the driving test, where the driver is expected to follow a series of directions, roadsigns, or a combination of both. For example, the examiner may say, at the end of the road turn left, then at the roundabout follow the road ahead, then take the next right. If required, the examiner may also show a diagram to support the instructions (see below). Alternatively, the examiner may ask the driver to follow road signs, or may give a combination of both. For example, the examiner may say “At the end of the road turn left, then follow the signs to Stoke on Trent”.
Why is there a need for independent driving?
Independent driving was introduced to ensure that drivers presented for the driving test were able to drive independently, without having to be directed for each individual junction. The reason behind this was that learners could easily fall into the habit of using directions as a prompt. What I mean by this is, traditionally learners are taught the MSM routine – Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre (further broken down to PSL – Position, Speed, and Look). They then get into the habit of whenever their driving instructor gives them a direction, they then see this as a prompt to start doing the MSM routine. The problem with this, is that once the learner has passed their driving test, although they may know when to turn left or right, without the direction (prompt) from the driving instructor, the new driver may forget to use the MSM routine.
Also, up until independent driving was introduced, drivers were not required to read directional road signs. Again, once the driver has passed their driving test, they may not have been able to read roadsigns, causing great difficulties, especially when the driver visits an area they are unfamiliar with.
So, what problems may that cause?
The MSM routine is used to assess the traffic situation behind you, signal your intention to other road users, before completing the manoeuvre itself. If just 1 element is missing from this approach, the driver may be creating a dangerous situations. For example, when making a left turn, if the driver doesn’t check their mirrors, they will not be aware if a car behind is following too closely. If the subsequent signal is also missing, the following car will not be aware of the drivers intention to turn, and then may be taken by surprise when the driver brakes to slow down for the junction, potentially leading the following driver to crash into the back of the leading car.
In relation to roadsigns, if a driver was unable to read the directions given on signs, they may get lost, causing stress to the driver, or they may suddenly change direction when they realise they are going the wrong way causing dangers to other road users.
How does independent driving help?
Independent driving promotes thinking on behalf of the driver. Although the examiner may still give directions, they are usually given in groups of three. The junctions may be quite close together, or they may be far away from each other. This means that the driver needs to think about where the junction is, or to read a sign and decide on the direction to be taken, then plan how they are going to approach it on their own, without the usual prompt of an instruction.
But what if I take the wrong turning, miss a turn, or don’t see the signs?
Providing you drive safely YOU WILL NOT have a fault marked on your driving test report! The aim of independent driving is that you demonstrate how to drive safely on your own, and it is not there to test your ability to follow instructions. An example of this would be, the examiner has asked you to take the second road on the left, and you mistakenly take the first turn on the left. Providing you approached using the correct MSM routine then you will not be marked down. If the examiner can see that you are going to turn the wrong way, and it may take you a long way from the set route, they may remind you of the direction required to try and encourage you to go in the correct way. And again, providing you do everything safely, you will not normally be marked down for this. If you have taken a wrong turning, the examiner will tell you so, and then either give you directions to get back onto the same route, or change the route slightly.
Finally, what if I forget where I’m supposed to be going?
Just ask! There will be no problem if you ask the examiner to repeat his instructions, it’s better to do that than just carry on driving aimlessly. What you would be penalised for though, is if you just arrive at a junction, with no signals, and no idea where you are going, because you will not have given traffic around you any indication as to where you are going. If you get to a junction and you are not sure where to go, it is much better to choose a direction, follow your instinct and make a safe turning.
Do you want to start, or are you already taking driving lessons in Stoke on Trent?
Why not give us a call and speak to one of our highly experienced driving instructors about how we can help you to pass your driving test. Our driving lessons are taught using the most modern techniques and we have a great reputation in Stoke on Trent. For more details, please visit our website www.driveahead.co.uk or give us a call on 01782 906010
Turning Right Using a Gyratory / Spiral Roundabout – Longport, Stoke on Trent
This video shows you how to turn right when using a gyratory or spiral roundabout. The roundabout I used in this video is Longport roundabout in Stoke on Trent. When you take your driving lessons in Stoke on Trent it is pretty certain you’ll come across this roundabout at some point.
Approaching to turn left
As with any roundabout, when you are driving towards this roundabout you will be positioned in the left lane, signalling left, and keeping close towards the kerb towards the first exit.
Approaching to go ahead
As this is a busy roundabout you may use both lanes on the approach to travel ahead at the roundabout. If you are driving in the left lane you must stay around the left (outside) of the roundabout. If you approach in the right hand lane to go ahead, then initially you enter the roundabout towards the right. It’s then important that as you are driving around the roundabout you watch for the road markings as you will need spiral towards the centre lane as you get part way around the roundabout.
Approaching to turn right
When you approach a gyratory roundabout to turn right you will approach in the right hand lane. As you drive onto the roundabout you will be positioned to the right, this lane will then split into 2 lanes. The first lane is road marked to go ahead and right, and the right lane is marked right only. Whenever there is a choice of lanes to go to the same direction, in this instance both lanes are available to turn right, you should always use the left of the 2 lanes. The 2nd lane is used for overtaking or if you need to drive all the way around the roundabout. The video above shows how to correctly negotiate this roundabout when you’re turning right.
Please feel free to leave any comments on the usefulness of this video, or visit our website https://www.driveahead.co.uk/driving-lessons-stoke-on-trent/