HGV Training Blog

Part of the LGV Module 3 driving test is answering approximately 5 tells me show me questions.

This part of the examination will be carried out at the start of your HGV driving test, just before you commence your reversing exercise.

The tell me show me questions have been introduced to confirm your knowledge and skills regarding vehicle and load safety and security. Drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are legally required to carry out pre-use vehicle checks to ensure road worthiness and identify any defects.

The questions are either tell me or show me so you are required to either verbally explain or practically demonstrate your answers using a vehicle. For each question you answer incorrectly you will awarded a minor fault so it is in your interests to know your subject and prepare adequately.

Your HGV training instructor will no doubt go through the tell me show me questions with you in advance of your test.
Below is the full bank of questions that your 5 will be taken from. Preparation is the key to success.

Topic: Doors
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show me how you would check that all the doors, including cargo doors are secure.
Answer: All doors must be closed and locking leavers for cargo doors are set in the recommended secured position.

Topic: Air
Show or Tell: Show:
Question: Show how you would check or air leaks on this vehicle
Answer: Charge the air tanks; consult gauges for drops in air pressure. Walk round the vehicle listening for any obvious leaks

Topic: Loads
Show or Tell: Tell
Question: Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle
Answer: The load should be evenly distributed throughout the length of the vehicle so as to not affect control while the vehicle is being driven. Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking.

Topic: Reflectors
Show or Tell: Tell
Question: Tell me how you would check the condition of the reflectors on this vehicle
Answer: Ensure that all reflectors are fitted, clean and working (not cracked or broken)

Topic: Windscreen
Show or Tell: Tell
Question: Tell me how you check the condition of the windscreen and windows on this vehicle
Answer: The windscreen and windows must be clean, clear and free from defects. No mascots or sticker/s that restricts view.

Topic: Mudguards
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show me how you would check the condition of the mudguards on this vehicle.
Answer: As part of the daily walk-round checks ensure mudguards and pray suspension equipment are secure.

Topic: Tyres
Show or Tell: tell
Question: 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
Answer: Follow manufacturers guide, using appropriate equipment, check and adjust pressure when tyres are cold. Tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1mm across ¾ of the breath of the tyre and in a continuous band around the entire circumference. There should be no cuts, damage or signs of cord visible at the sidewalls.

Topic: Wipers
Show or Tell: Tell
Question: Tell me how you would check the condition of the windscreen wipers on this vehicle.
Answer: Windscreen wipers must operate. Blades must be in a good condition with no cuts or tears visible.

Topic: Body
Show or Tell: Tell
Question: Tell me how you would check the condition of the body is safe on this vehicle.
Answer: As part of the daily walk-round, ensure the body is fully roadworthy and there are no significant defects. No loose panels or items and no sharp objects protruding which could endanger other road users. All inspection panels must be safe and secure.

Topic: Air
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show me how you would check the correct air pressure on this vehicle.
Answer: Ensure gauges are reading the correct pressures for the vehicle and that all warning lights are extinguished and audible warning devices are not sounding.

Topic: Oil
Show or Tell: Tell
Question: Identify where you would check if the oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer: Identify dipstick / oil level indicator (located on dashboard), describe check oil levels against the minimum / maximum markers.

Topic: Wheel nuts
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show me how you would check the wheel nuts are secure on this vehicle.
Answer: A visual check to identify any nuts that are obviously loose (check threads depths), and check that the wheel nut indicators (if fitted) are in alignment.

Topic: Audible warning
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show how you would check the operation (specify horn, warning device for reversing) of the audible warning devices on this vehicle
Answer: Demonstrate use of control/s

Topic: Suspension
Show or Tell: Tell
Question: Tell me how you would check the condition of the suspension on this vehicle
Answer: As part of a daily walk-round check, suspension should be checked for any obvious signs of deteriation or damage (if spring leaf, checks for cracks and integrity)

Topic: Brake lights
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this vehicle (The examiner may offer assistance in this exercise). You are not required to start the engine, just turn on the ignition.
Answer: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage door etc., or ask the examiner to assist.

Topic: Coolant
Show or Tell: Tell
Question: Identify how you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you check that the engine has the correct level.
Answer: Identify high / low level markings on the header tank (where fitted) or radiator cap. Show how you would top up if required.

Topic: Lights
Show or Tell: Tell
Question: Show me how you would check that the headlamps, sidelights and tail lights are working correctly.
Answer: Explain and operate switch (if needed turn on engine) then walk round vehicle.

Topic: Tail lifts
Show or Tell: Tell
Question: Tell me how you would operate the loading mechanism (e.g. tail lift) on this vehicle
Answer: You should be able to briefly explain the correct operation and safe working practice of specific machinery fitted to the vehicle, including for example a tail lift.

Topic: Steering
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working.
Answer: If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before commencing a journey 2 simple checks can be made. Apply gentle pressure on the steering wheel; maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the systems begins to operate. Also turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is working.

Topic: Indicators
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Answer: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check the functioning of all indicators. It is advised you test the direction indicators without the use hazard switch as it typically operates under a separate relay.

Topic: Washer fluid
Show or Tell: Tell
Question: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level
Answer: Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

Topic: Tachogragh
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show me how you would replace the tachogragh on this vehicle (analogue only)
Answer: You must demonstrate how to insert a tachogragh disc (under stylist, right side up etc.) For this exercise the ignition must be switched on. Digital tachograghs will require an explanation only for this exercise.

Topic: Instruments
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show me what instrument checks you would make before and after starting the engine on this vehicle.
Answer: Check to make sure all gauges and warning system are working. Ensure all gauges are reading correctly and that warning lights / audible warning devices (buzzers etc.) are extinguished before moving away.

Topic: First Aid
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show me where the first aid equipment is kept on this vehicle
Answer: You must show where this equipment is stored on the vehicle. Where a 1st aid kit is not carried you must explain under what circumstances this is permitted (i.e. type of goods carried, type of vehicle etc.)

Topic: Windscreen washers
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Answer: Operate control/s to wash and wipe windscreen (you may need to switch on the ignition to carry out this exercise)

Topic: Windscreen demister
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show how you would set the windscreen demister to clear the windscreen effectively
Answer: Set all relevant controls including fan, temperature, direction of air and source (all set to demist.) You do not need to switch the engine on to demonstrate your answer.

Topic: Rear fog light
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show me how you would switch the rear fog lights and explain under what circumstance you would use your fog light/s.
Answer: Operate switch (turn on the ignition and dipped headlights, if required). Confirm fog light warning light is displayed. You would use your fog light/s if visibility was less than 100 metres.

Topic: Headlights
Show or Tell: Show
Question: Show me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam.
Answer: Operate light switch (switch on ignition if required). For main beam operation check the “main beam” warning light is showing.

We recommend you listen carefully to what the examiner is asking you and you should keep your responses concise and to the point.
For more advice and assistance we also recommend you go direct to the experts in your area. www.hgvlgvtraining.co.uk promotes HGV training companies who choose to invest in DSA Instructor approval.

The DSA qualification confirms and recognises the abilities of the professional HGV Instructor. Don’t use a third party. Go direct to independent approved HGV training providers in your area.

Approximately 500,000 professional Medium Goods Vehicle (MGV) and Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Drivers will need to complete 35 hours Periodic Driver CPC training every 5 years. Driver CPC applies to all professional Drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle weight (GVW.) There are a few Drivers who are exempt from Driver CPC.
If you are considering completing Driver CPC training it makes good sense to try and get another vocational qualification at the same time. A good example of this is ADR training An ADR licence is a requirement for drivers who transport dangerous goods by road (dangerous goods that come into scope of the provisions of ADR.)
ADR training courses can count towards Driver CPC periodic training. Attending an ADR initial Packaged Goods course can count as up to 21 hours Driver CPC. Please note. It can only be counted as Driver CPC if the training company has invested in attaining ADR (JAUPT) approval.
For more info we recommend you contact a local ADR training provider in your area.