When you book a practical driving test, you should be prepared for more than simply proving that you can manoeuvre a car along the road. Your instructor will ask you a number of questions from the approved list of ‘DSA Questions and Answers’.
The questions are related to aspects of basic car maintenance, and are reviewed and updated every year In order to remain appropriate to the changes in car design. The questions will either start with ‘show me’ or tell me’ and you will be required to either show the examiner how to do a practical task, or explain how something works. If you get the answers wrong you will not fail your driving test, but you could receive a driving fault by failing to answer them.
What About the Car?
All of the questions that you will be asked are based upon the Ford Fiesta. Don’t worry if this is not the same make and model of car that you are learning in, most cars are basically the same under the bonnet. Many of the questions will relate to turning on the car’s ignition. All you need to do is turn the key enough to switch on the electrics and not get the engine running.
Tell Me – What?
As part of the ‘tell me’ questions you could be asked a number of things relating to basic car maintenance. For example, you may be asked to explain how to refill your windscreen washer reservoir, or you could be asked to tell you examiner exactly how you would check that your car had enough oil. In which case you would explain how to check the oil level using the dipstick. You could also be asked to explain how you check the levels of engine coolant, something you should only do when the engine is cold. Make sure you know where all of these parts of the car are located and how to go about checking fluid levels.
Ensure you also know things like how to ensure your brakes are working correctly, as well as how to check and adjust your tyre pressure and ensure that is has enough tread to remain road legal. Get familiar with the lights on your dashboard and make sure you understand what each warning light means.
Show Me – What?
The way that you handle the ‘show me’ questions proves that you have a practical understanding of how the car works. You may be asked to show the examiner how you would check that your brake lights are working, or how you should check that your steering is working, especially power assisted steering, before you set off on a journey. A common one is to show the examiner how to clean the windscreen whilst driving, or use the car’s demister to clear the windscreen when frosted over.
All of these questions and practical tests can sound a little daunting, but they should all be second nature to you by the time you are ready to book your DSA practical driving test. Take your time answering the questions, try not to get flustered, and remember to think before you speak.
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