Show Me, Tell Me Questions
Show me, tell me questions are vehicle safety questions that the examiner asks in your
DVSA practical driving test. You'll answer one "tell me" question at the start
of the test (before you start driving) and one "show me" question while you're driving. They
check that you understand basic safety checks and can use the main controls in a real car.
Use this Show Me, Tell Me Questions guide to learn what the examiner can ask, see example
answers, and understand how this part of the practical test fits in with your overall car, motorcycle and
professional driver training. It will help you feel more confident when you go for your
car theory test,
motorcycle theory test,
HGV / LGV theory test,
PCV theory test, or
ADI Part 1 DVSA theory test,
and later your practical driving test.
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What are show me, tell me questions?
Show me, tell me questions are short safety questions asked by the examiner in your car
practical driving test. They are split into:
-
"Tell me" questions β you answer these at the start of the test, explaining how you'd
carry out a safety check (for example, checking your tyres or lights).
-
"Show me" questions β you demonstrate a control while driving (for example, using the
demister, washers or horn) when the examiner asks.
These questions don't appear in the DVSA theory test, but they build on what you've learned from your theory
and hazard perception revision. They help prove you can apply your knowledge in a real vehicle.
Key show me, tell me facts for learner drivers
As a learner driver, you need to show the examiner that you understand basic vehicle safety and can use the
main controls without losing focus on the road. Here are the key show me, tell me facts you should know:
-
You'll be asked 1 "tell me" question before you start driving and
1 "show me" question while you're on the move.
-
The questions cover routine safety checks (like tyres, lights and brakes) and
controls you'll use while driving (like demisters, wipers and headlights).
-
If you get one or both questions wrong, you'll normally just get one driving fault (minor),
not an automatic fail, but repeated mistakes or unsafe use of controls could count as a serious fault.
-
You should practise these checks in the actual car you'll take to your test so you know exactly
where everything is and how it works.
-
Being confident with the show me, tell me questions makes the start of your practical test feel calmer and sets a
positive tone for the rest of the drive.
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Show me, tell me questions and example answers
During your DVSA car practical driving test, the examiner can choose any one "tell me" question
from the list below and any one "show me" question from the second list. Here are all the questions
you might be asked, plus the type of answer they expect.
"Tell me" questions β before you start driving
-
Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Press the brake pedal β it should feel firm, not soft. As you move off, gently try the brakes at low speed to make sure the car stops properly and does not pull to one side.
-
Tell me where you'd find the information for the correct tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
You'd look in the manufacturer's guide, then use a reliable pressure gauge to check and adjust all tyres (including the spare) when they're cold, and refit the valve caps.
-
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it gives the best protection in a crash.
The solid part of the head restraint should be roughly level with the top of your ears or eyes and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable. It must be properly locked in position.
-
Tell me how you'd check the tyres to make sure they are safe to use on the road.
You'd check for no cuts or bulges and make sure there is at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the whole outer edge.
-
Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
You'd switch them on (using the light switch, with ignition on if needed) and then walk around the car to see that all the lights are operating.
-
Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
A warning light on the dashboard would stay on or come on while driving to show there's a fault with the system.
-
Tell me how you'd check that the direction indicators are working.
You'd operate the indicators or hazard warning lights, then walk around the vehicle to make sure all the indicator lights flash.
-
Tell me how you'd check that the brake lights are working on this car.
You'd press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows, doors or mirrors to see the lights, or ask someone to stand behind the car and confirm they come on.
-
Tell me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering feels very heavy, the system might not be working. Before driving, gently turn the wheel while starting the engine to see if it lightens, or turn the steering slightly as you move off to check it feels normal.
-
Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you'd use them.
You'd turn on the dipped headlights and then the fog light switch (with ignition on if needed) and check the warning light on the dashboard. Rear fog lights are only used when visibility is seriously reduced, such as in thick fog.
-
Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and how you'd know the main beam is on.
You'd operate the headlight control to select main beam and look for the blue main beam warning symbol on the dashboard.
-
Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has enough oil.
You'd point to the dipstick or oil level indicator, remove and wipe it, put it back in, then check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
-
Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has enough engine coolant.
You'd point to the coolant tank or radiator header tank and check the fluid level against the high and low markings, topping up to the correct level when the engine is cool if needed.
-
Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
You'd point to the brake fluid reservoir and check the level against the minimum and maximum markings, making sure it stays within the correct range.
"Show me" questions β while you are driving
-
When it's safe, show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.
Use the rear washer and wiper control so the rear screen is sprayed and wiped while you keep control of the car.
-
When it's safe, show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.
Use the front washer and wiper control to spray and clear the windscreen while continuing to drive safely.
-
When it's safe, show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights.
Turn the headlight switch to the dipped beam setting so the headlights come on.
-
When it's safe, show me how you'd set the rear demister.
Press the rear screen demister button or switch so the heated rear window turns on.
-
When it's safe, show me how you'd operate the horn.
Press the horn control (usually in the centre of the steering wheel) briefly to sound it.
-
When it's safe, show me how you'd demist the front windscreen.
Use the heater, fan and air direction controls (and heated front screen if fitted) to blow warm air at the windscreen so it clears.
-
When it's safe, show me how you'd open and close the side window.
Use the window switch (or handle) to lower and raise the window while maintaining full control of the vehicle.
Show me, tell me in real driving situations
Show me, tell me questions aren't just there to tick a box in your practical driving test β they're all about everyday safe driving.
You'll use these checks and controls whenever you:
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Prepare the car before a journey and need to make sure your tyres, lights and brakes are safe.
-
Drive in poor weather and must quickly clear condensation, ice or rain from your windows.
-
Need to warn other road users of your presence or a hazard by using your horn or lights correctly.
-
Drive at night or in bad visibility and must choose the right lighting so you can see and be seen.
In your practical driving test, examiners will expect you to answer confidently, keep good control of the vehicle while using the
controls, and stay focused on what's happening on the road around you.
Source: Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (GOV.UK) - Car 'show me, tell me' vehicle safety questions. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.