Motorcycle Show Me Tell Me Questions

Licence category A for module 2 of the motorcycle practical riding test will involve the examiner asking you Show Me Tell Me questions.

The Show Me Tell Me questions were originally introduced to practical tests in September 2003 to ensure that potential drivers and motorcycle riders possess the knowledge for keeping their vehicle safe, legal, roadworthy and maintained.

At the start of the motorcycle practical test, the examiner will ask you one ‘Show Me questions and one ‘Tell Me’ question. You will also be asked one or possibly two pillion question, where you’ll have to explain to the examiner how you would carry a pillion passenger, what affects on the motorcycle a pillion passenger makes and what adjustments to the machine can be made. See motorcycle test pillion questions for further information.

If you get one or all of the questions incorrect, you’ll receive one fault on your test report. You will not fail the practical riding test for answering the questions incorrectly, or failing to answer the questions at all. Compulsory basic training (CBT) will cover all aspects of vehicle safety checks and a such, will provide the knowledge needed for the Show Me Tell Me answers.

Listed below are the motorcycle Show Me Tell Me questions for the 2018 module 2 practical riding test.

QUESTION 1

• Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

• Put the bike upright on a level surface. Identify where to check level, i.e. dipstick or sight glass. Explain that level should be between max and min marks. For dipstick remove dipstick and wipe clean, return and remove again to check oil level against max/min marks. For sight glass, ensure glass is clean when checking.

QUESTION 2

• Show me how you would check that the horn is working on this machine (off road only).

• Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

QUESTION 3

• Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid.

• Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

QUESTION 4

• Tell me how you would check that the lights and reflectors are clean and working.

• Explanation only: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), identify reflectors. Check visually for cleanliness and operation.

QUESTION 5

• Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working.

• Operate brake, place hand over light or make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help.

QUESTION 6

• Tell me how you would check the condition of the chain on this machine.

• Check for chain wear, correct tension and rear wheel alignment. Tension should be adjusted as specified in the machine handbook. Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure that excessive wear does not take place.

QUESTION 7

• Show me what checks you would make on the steering movement before using the machine.

• Handlebars should be free to move smoothly from full left lock to full right lock without any control cables being stretched, trapped or pinched and without any snagging between moving and fixed parts.

QUESTION 8

• Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

• Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in the owner’s manual. Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge. Tread depth must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band at least 3/4 of the breadth of the tread and all the way around. There should be no lumps, bulges or tears.

QUESTION 9

• Show me how you would check the operation of the front brake on this machine.

• Wheel the machine forward and apply the front brake.

QUESTION 10

• Show me how you would check the operation of the brakes on this machine.

• Check for excessive travel on the brake lever and the brake pedal and for unusual play or sponginess.

QUESTION 11

• Show me how you would check the operation of the engine cut out switch.

• Operate switch, without the engine being started.

QUESTION 12

• Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain when you would use it (if fitted).

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

QUESTION 13

• Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam.

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

Further information

You’ll also be asked questions in regards to carrying a pillion passenger. For potential questions you’ll be asked along with appropriate answers, see:

• Motorcycle test pillion questions