The Test

The Northern Ireland Driving Test

The practical driving test includes an eyesight check, safety questions and about 40 minutes of driving which involves a section of independent driving.

What are the Show Me/Tell Me questions for the Driving Test in Northern Ireland?

The Examiner Will Ask You One:

Tell Me “Question (Where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving”.

“Show Me “Question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving”.

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1. Tell me how you’d 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.

2. Tell me where you’d 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.

3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides
the best protection in the event of a crash.

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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

4. Tell me how you’d 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 three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t
need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

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

7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to
exit the vehicle..

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

9. Tell me how you’d check 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, 2 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.

10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use
it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how
you’d know the main beam is on.

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

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

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient
engine coolant.

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

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of
hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is Independent Driving?

Independent driving is part of the practical driving test in England. Examiners give candidates step-by-step instructions during the test, apart from a section where the candidate will be asked to drive independently.

In the independent driving section of the test, you’ll have to drive independently by either following:

Traffic Signs

Series of Directions

Combination of Both

To help you understand where you are going when following verbal directions, the examiner will show you a diagram like this:

Forgetting the Directions

It doesn’t matter if you don’t remember every direction or if you go the wrong way that can happen to the most experienced drivers.

Independent driving is not a test of how you follow directions. Driving independently means making your own decisions – this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you’re going.

If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will confirm them to you. Don’t worry If you go off the independent driving route as it won’t affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault. If you go off the route or take a wrong turning, the examiner will help you to get back on the route. You can then continue with the independent driving

Poor traffic signs

If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign. You won’t need to have a detailed knowledge of the area.

Sat nav

You can’t use a sat nav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. Independent driving tests require you to make your own decisions.

Special needs

The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) has procedures to help identify candidates who have special needs and/or disabilities when tests are booked. The examiner then knows which type of special needs you have so reasonable adjustment can be made.

For the independent driving section, this could be by asking you which method you prefer – following traffic signs, following a series of directions (a maximum of three), which are supported by a diagram or a combination of both.