Show Me, Tell Me Questions
You will be asked two vehicle safety questions on your driving test. The examiner asks one "tell me" question at the start, before you drive, and one "show me" question while you are driving.
Getting one or both wrong costs you a single driving fault, so it will not fail your test on its own – but it is the easiest mark on the whole test to keep, and it settles your nerves to start well.
There are 14 "tell me" questions and 7 "show me" questions in the DVSA's current list. All 21 are below, with the sort of answer the examiner is looking for. Learn where everything lives in the car you will actually be driving on the day – the controls differ from car to car.
Tell Me Questions
Asked at the start of your test, before you drive away.
Q1. Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A1. Test them as you move off. Apply gentle pressure at low speed – the brakes should not feel spongy or slack, and the car should slow in a straight line without pulling to either side.
Q2. Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A2. In the vehicle handbook, and usually on a label inside the driver's door frame or the fuel filler flap. Check them with a reliable pressure gauge while the tyres are cold, adjust to the recommended figure, don't forget the spare if the car carries one, and refit the valve caps.
Q3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
A3. The rigid part of the restraint should be as close to the back of your head as is comfortable, and high enough that the top of it is at least level with your eyes or the top of your ears.
Q4. Tell me how you'd check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A4. No cuts or bulges in the sidewall, and at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the tyre and right around the circumference.
Q5. Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
A5. Turn the ignition on if the car needs it, switch the lights on, then walk round the car and check – or ask someone else to check for you.
Q6. Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A6. The ABS warning light on the instrument panel would stay lit after starting, or come on while you were driving.
Q7. Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working.
A7. Switch the hazard warning lights on and walk round the car, checking that all four indicators flash. Or operate each indicator in turn and check the front and rear on that side.
Q8. Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.
A8. Press the brake pedal and have someone look behind, or reverse close to a window, garage door or another car and watch the reflection.
Q9. Tell me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A9. Two checks. Hold gentle pressure on the wheel as you start the engine – it should move slightly as the system takes over. Or turn the wheel just after moving off; it should feel light. If the steering feels heavy, the system may not be working.
Q10. Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you'd use it/them.
A10. Turn the ignition and dipped headlights on, then operate the rear fog light switch and check the warning light on the dashboard. Use them only when visibility is seriously reduced – generally less than 100 metres – and switch them off as soon as it clears, because they dazzle the driver behind.
Q11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know the main beam is on.
A11. Push or pull the light stalk to main beam. A blue warning light appears on the instrument panel.
Q12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil.
A12. Find the dipstick, pull it out, wipe it clean, push it fully back in, then pull it out again and read the level – it should sit between the minimum and maximum marks. Some cars show the oil level on the dashboard display instead.
Q13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
A13. Find the header tank and check the coolant sits between the minimum and maximum marks on the side, with the engine cold. Top up with the correct coolant mixture if it is low – never open the cap on a hot engine.
Q14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A14. Find the brake fluid reservoir and check the level sits between the minimum and maximum markings on the side of it.
Show Me Questions
Asked while you are driving. Carry out the task when it is safe to do so, keeping your eyes on the road.
Q15. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
A15. Operate the rear washer, usually by pushing or twisting the wiper stalk away from you, and let the wiper clear the screen.
Q16. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
A16. Pull the wiper stalk towards you to spray the screen; the wipers will run and clear it.
Q17. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?
A17. Turn the light switch to the dipped headlight position – usually the second click on the stalk or dial.
Q18. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?
A18. Press the rear demister button, marked with a rectangle and wavy arrows. A light on the button confirms it is on.
Q19. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?
A19. Press the horn symbol in the centre of the steering wheel.
Q20. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?
A20. Set the fan to a reasonable speed, direct the airflow to the windscreen vents, turn the temperature up, and switch the air conditioning on if the car has it.
Q21. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?
A21. Use the electric window switch on the door, or wind the handle if the car has manual windows.