Trailer test questions – Vehicle safety

The first part of any trailer towing test is the trailer test questions. These are referred to as the “Show me, tell me questions”. You may have seen these on your driving test but these are used on all vocational tests. We will tell you what you need to know to pass this part of the test and where to find some answers.

An example of the question you may be asked is below. Just pretend you are on your test and the examiner asks you a question. How would you answer that question?

• “Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle”.  A candidate should know how to answer this question correctly because it’s a safety issue. There will be 5 questions in total along with 3 other elements of the test.
• In our training package, we will supply the questions and answers as part of what we offer so that you can prepare. We want you to pass but you do not have to learn these words perfectly. In fact, a candidate just has to have an understanding so that you are safe.

In short, the test is designed to see that you are safe to tow a trailer on the road. The examiner wants to know that you understand the safety issues involved in towing. This includes how you load a trailer but also what checks you do.

Call us today to find out more 07818 408336 or 07984 493798 or email us. 

Finding out more about the trailer test questions and vehicle safety questions.

The examiner will ask questions to test your knowledge of both the car and the trailer. You’ll be asked 5 vehicle safety questions so that you show understanding. These are also known as the “show me, tell me” questions.

The examiner will ask you these questions, where you’ll have to demonstrate how someone would carry out a vehicle safety check. This is because they want to understand

You’ll also be asked ‘tell me’ questions, where you’ll have to explain to the examiner how you’d carry out the check.

The questions help to understand basic safety checks. Questions do not need to be answered word-perfect, because it is not a test for remembering words. Some examples of these questions can be found here:

Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

This is a “show me” question so identify the reservoir, check level against high/low markings and show them where these are.

“Show me” how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

You may need to switch the ignition on and then applying the indicators or hazard warning switch you should walk around checking the functioning of all indicators.

“Tell me” the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle.

The load should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer. Heavy items should be loaded as low as possible so that they are mainly over the axle(s). Bulkier, lighter items should be distributed to give a suitable ‘nose weight’ at the towing coupling. The nose weight should never exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.

The more training you do, the more you will understand the answers to the questions and be confident in your responses.

What if I get the trailer test questions wrong?

In summary, if a candidate gets the trailer test questions wrong and answers poorly, it will likely be 1 driving fault added. After all, unless it is a safety issue his is not a serious fault. It is unlikely to impact the overall test especially if there remain no serious or dangerous faults added.

A total of 15 driving faults are currently allowed on a car and trailer test. It is unlikely you will get all 5 questions wrong because we supply them to you and you can practice remembering them. Every time you read the questions and practice on our vehicle, you find yourself doing it without thinking.

People can find out more about the trailer tests by visiting the DVSA website here.

Call us on 07818 408336 or 07984 493798. and we will be happy to help you with the trailer test questions.