Show Me / Tell Me Questions: Irish Driving Test
Prepare for the vehicle checks and under-the-bonnet questions the examiner will ask at the start of your Irish driving test.
The Under-the-Bonnet Checks
The tester will ask you to open the bonnet and point out fluid levels and basic engine components.
- Engine oil dipstick and oil filler cap.
- Coolant reservoir.
- Brake fluid reservoir.
- Windscreen washer fluid.
Secondary Controls
Inside the car, you must show you can operate the secondary controls without looking down for too long.
- Windscreen wipers and washers (front and rear).
- Lights (dipped headlights, full beams, fog lights, parking lights).
- Demisters for the front and rear windows.
- Hazard warning lights and horn.
Why these questions matter
Vehicle-check knowledge is assessed as part of the test and contributes to the examiner’s overall marking. Practising the checks in the actual test car removes uncertainty and builds early confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I fail the driving test if I get a bonnet question wrong?
One incorrect answer does not automatically determine the whole result. The examiner records performance using the current RSA marking system, so prepare every vehicle-check topic rather than relying on a fixed allowance.
Do I need to touch the engine parts during the test?
Usually, you just need to point to the correct reservoir or dipstick and explain how you would check it. You rarely have to physically check the fluids on test day.
How can I practise the show me / tell me questions?
Open the bonnet of the car you will use for the test and have someone ask you to point out the fluids. Use our Under the Bonnet quiz to test your memory.
Official RSA & Department of Transport Sourced References
All test marking thresholds, legislation, and manoeuvre criteria are derived from current official Irish Road Safety Authority (RSA) and Department of Transport publications.
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