Every car driving test includes 2 vehicle safety questions, known as show me tell me questions. This page lists all the official questions from DVSA with short, clear answers, so you can practise them before your test in Manchester.
The examiner asks you one tell me question at the start of the test, before you drive. You answer one show me question while you are driving. Getting one or both wrong gives you one driving fault. You fail if your driving becomes dangerous while you answer the show me question. The official list is on GOV.UK.
Driving Test Preparation Book a Lesson
Show Me Tell Me Questions at a Glance
| Tell me question | Show me question | |
|---|---|---|
| When | At the start, before you drive | While you are driving |
| What you do | Explain how you would do a safety check | Show how you use a control in the car |
| How many | 1 from a list of 14 | 1 from a list of 7 |
| If you get it wrong | 1 driving fault | 1 driving fault, or a fail if your driving becomes dangerous |
Tell Me Questions and Answers
| Question | How to answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. | Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off. The car should not pull to one side. |
| 2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. | In the manufacturer’s guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust when the tyres are cold, include the spare and refit the valve caps. |
| 3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash. | The rigid part should be at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable. |
| 4. 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. | No cuts or bulges, and at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three quarters of the tyre, all the way round. |
| 5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. | Turn on the lights (and ignition if needed), then walk round the car. You do not need to get out. |
| 6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system. | The ABS warning light comes on if there is a fault. |
| 7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. | Switch on the indicators (and ignition if needed), then walk round the car. You do not need to get out. |
| 8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car. | Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or garage doors, or ask someone to look. |
| 9. Tell me how you’d check the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey. | Keep gentle pressure on the wheel while you start the engine and feel a slight movement, or turn the wheel just after moving off. Heavy steering means it may not be working. |
| 10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. | Turn on dipped headlights, then the fog light switch, and check the warning light. Use them when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres. |
| 11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on. | Use the headlight stalk and check the blue main beam warning light on the dashboard. |
| 12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil. | Find the dipstick or oil level indicator and check the level is between the minimum and maximum marks. |
| 13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant. | Find the coolant header tank and check the level is between the high and low marks. Explain how you would top it up. |
| 14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid. | Find the brake fluid reservoir and check the level against the high and low marks. |
For questions 12, 13 and 14 you need to open the bonnet and point to the right part. Every car is laid out a little differently, so practise these in the car you will use on test day.
Show Me Questions
Each question starts with “When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d…” Only do it when the road ahead is clear, and keep your eyes on the road.
| Show me how you’d… | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Wash and clean the rear windscreen | Use the rear wiper and washer control, usually on the right or left stalk. |
| 2. Wash and clean the front windscreen | Use the front washer and wiper control on the stalk. |
| 3. Switch on your dipped headlights | Turn the light switch to dipped headlights and check the dashboard symbol. |
| 4. Set the rear demister | Press the rear demister button and check its light comes on. |
| 5. Operate the horn | Press the horn briefly. |
| 6. Demist the front windscreen | Set the fan and air flow to the windscreen and turn on air conditioning if fitted. |
| 7. Open and close the side window | Use the window switch on your door, then close it again. |
How to Practise Show Me Tell Me Questions
- Ask your instructor to give you one tell me question at the start of each lesson in your final weeks.
- Find every control in your test car while it is parked, so you are not searching while you drive.
- For show me questions, practise checking mirrors and the road before you take a hand off the wheel.
- Say your tell me answers out loud. Short answers are fine as long as they are correct.
- Try a full mock driving test so the questions feel normal on the day.
Your Questions Answered
How many show me tell me questions are there?
There are 14 tell me questions and 7 show me questions. You are asked one of each in your car driving test.
Do you fail if you get a show me tell me question wrong?
No. Getting one or both wrong gives you one driving fault. You fail only if your driving becomes dangerous while you answer the show me question.
When are the questions asked?
The tell me question comes at the start of the test, before you drive. The show me question comes while you are driving.
Can I use my instructor’s car for the test?
Many learners do, because they already know where every control is. Ask us before you book so we can check the car and instructor are free.
Can you help me practise in Urdu or Punjabi?
Yes. All our instructors speak English, Urdu and Punjabi, so we can explain each check in the language you prefer. The examiner will ask the questions in English, so we practise them in English too.
