Practical Driving Test Preparation
Show Me, Tell Me Questions
Prepare for the vehicle-safety questions used in the UK car driving test. Learn what the examiner may ask, how to explain the checks clearly and which controls you may need to demonstrate while driving.
1 Tell Me question before driving • 1 Show Me question while driving • Official DVSA format
Tell Me
Explain a vehicle-safety check before you start driving.
Show Me
Demonstrate a control safely while you are driving.
If Answered Wrong
One or both incorrect answers normally result in one driving fault.
Safety First
Dangerous driving while completing the “show me” task can result in a serious or dangerous fault.
Before You Start Driving
The 14 “Tell Me” Checks
The examiner asks one question from this group. You explain how you would carry out the check. For the final three checks, you may need to open the bonnet and identify the relevant component.
Answer: The pedal should feel firm rather than spongy or loose. Test the brakes gently as you move off and make sure the vehicle does not pull to either side.
Answer: Use the vehicle manufacturer’s information and a reliable pressure gauge. Check tyres when cold, adjust as necessary, include the spare if applicable, and refit valve caps.
Answer: The rigid part should be at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears and positioned as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Some restraints are fixed.
Answer: Look for cuts, bulges and other damage. For cars, legal tread depth is at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the full circumference.
Answer: Operate the appropriate light switch, with the ignition on if required, then explain that you would walk around the vehicle to confirm the lights are working.
Answer: A warning light on the dashboard indicates a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Answer: Operate the indicator or hazard switch, with the ignition on if needed, then explain that you would check around the vehicle that the lamps are flashing correctly.
Answer: Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or doors, or ask another person to confirm the brake lights illuminate.
Answer: If the steering feels unusually heavy, the assistance may not be working. Gentle steering pressure while starting the engine should produce a slight movement, or assistance should be obvious just after moving off.
Answer: Use the correct switch, with dipped headlights and ignition on if required, and check the dashboard warning light. Rear fog lights are for seriously reduced visibility.
Answer: Operate the lighting control with the ignition or engine on if necessary and check for the main-beam warning symbol on the dashboard.
Answer: Identify the dipstick or electronic oil-level indicator and explain that the level should be between the minimum and maximum marks, following the manufacturer’s procedure.
Answer: Identify the coolant reservoir and its minimum/maximum markings. Explain how you would top up safely to the correct level when appropriate.
Answer: Identify the brake-fluid reservoir and make sure the fluid level is between the minimum and maximum markings.
While You Are Driving
The 7 “Show Me” Tasks
The examiner asks you to demonstrate one of these tasks when it is safe. Keep control of the vehicle, choose a safe moment and operate the control without becoming distracted.
Rear windscreen wash
Wash and clean the rear windscreen safely.
Front windscreen wash
Wash and clean the front windscreen safely.
Dipped headlights
Switch on the dipped headlights when asked.
Rear demister
Set the rear-window demister.
Horn
Operate the horn when it is safe and legal to do so.
Front windscreen demist
Use the ventilation/heating controls to demist the front windscreen.
Side window
Open and close a side window safely.
Test-Day Preparation
Practise in the Car You Will Use
Controls are positioned differently in different cars. Before your practical test, practise locating and operating the lights, washers, demisters, windows, horn and bonnet release in the vehicle you expect to use.
For the under-bonnet questions, make sure you can identify the oil check point, coolant reservoir and brake-fluid reservoir without guessing.
Quick Practice Checklist
• Know where every control is located
• Practise without looking down for long
• Learn the bonnet release and safety catch
• Identify oil, coolant and brake-fluid points
• Keep full control during “show me” tasks
Frequently Asked Questions
Show Me Tell Me FAQs
The “tell me” question is asked before you start driving. The “show me” question is asked while you are driving.
For the standard UK car driving test, you are asked two vehicle-safety questions: one “tell me” and one “show me”.
Getting one or both questions wrong normally results in one driving fault. However, unsafe or dangerous driving while carrying out the “show me” task can lead to a serious or dangerous fault.
You may need to open the bonnet if the examiner selects one of the under-bonnet “tell me” checks, such as oil, coolant or brake fluid.
The same standard car vehicle-safety question format applies whether your driving test is in a manual or automatic car.
Use the Official DVSA Question List
Vehicle controls can vary by model. Use the official GOV.UK list alongside practical training with your instructor, and always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
Pass2Success Driving School
Practise Show Me Tell Me With Your Instructor
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