Show Me, Tell Me Questions
Prepare for the two vehicle-safety questions asked during the practical car driving test. Learn the official questions, understand the expected answers and practise the controls in your instructor’s car.
What the Examiner Will Ask
The vehicle-safety questions form part of the practical driving test in England, Scotland and Wales.
The “Tell Me” Question
The examiner asks you to explain how you would carry out a vehicle safety check. You may need to identify controls, warning lights or fluid reservoirs.
The “Show Me” Question
When it is safe, you demonstrate how to use a control such as the washers, demister, dipped headlights, horn or side window.
How It Is Marked
One driving fault is normally recorded if one or both answers are incorrect. Dangerous or potentially dangerous driving during the demonstration can result in failing the test.
Search Vehicle-Safety Topics
The 14 “Tell Me” Questions
Select each question to view the expected answer. Learn the principle, then practise identifying the relevant parts on your tuition vehicle.
The brake pedal should not feel spongy or slack. Test the brakes as you move off, and the vehicle should not pull to either side.
Use the manufacturer’s guide or vehicle information label. Check cold tyres with a reliable pressure gauge, adjust them to the recommended pressure, check the spare where applicable and replace the valve caps.
The rigid part should be at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Some restraints are not adjustable.
Check for cuts and bulges. There must be at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s width and around its complete outer circumference.
Operate the light switch, turning on the ignition if necessary, then walk around the vehicle to check each light. You do not need to leave the car during this verbal answer.
The ABS warning light would remain illuminated or come on to indicate a fault in the anti-lock braking system.
Operate the indicators or hazard-warning switch, turn on the ignition if necessary, then walk around the vehicle to check them. You only need to explain this during the test.
Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows, doors or another reflective surface, or ask someone to stand behind the car and confirm that the lights work.
Steering that becomes unusually heavy may indicate a fault. Apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine; a slight movement should be felt. You can also check that the steering feels assisted just after moving off.
Turn on the dipped headlights and ignition if required, operate the rear fog-light control and check the warning light. Use rear fog lights only when visibility is seriously reduced.
Operate the headlight or stalk control with the ignition or engine on if necessary. The main-beam warning light on the dashboard confirms that main beam is selected.
Identify the dipstick or electronic oil-level indicator and explain that the oil level should be checked against the minimum and maximum markers, following the vehicle manufacturer’s guidance.
Identify the coolant header tank and its high and low markings, or the radiator filler cap where appropriate. Explain how the coolant would be topped up safely to the correct level when the engine is cold.
Identify the brake-fluid reservoir and check that the fluid is between the high and low level markings.
Questions 12, 13 and 14 require you to open the bonnet and identify the correct component. Practise this with your instructor before test day.
The 7 “Show Me” Questions
Only carry out the task when it is safe. Maintain control, observation and awareness while operating the requested control.
Wash and Clean the Rear Windscreen
Operate the rear washer and wiper control when it is safe to do so.
Wash and Clean the Front Windscreen
Use the front windscreen washer and wiper control without losing control of the car.
Switch On the Dipped Headlights
Operate the correct lighting control and remain focused on the road.
Set the Rear Demister
Press or operate the heated rear-window control when safe.
Operate the Horn
Use the horn control only when requested and when it is safe and lawful.
Demist the Front Windscreen
Use the fan, airflow, temperature and demist controls as fitted to the vehicle.
Open and Close the Side Window
Operate the window control while maintaining safe steering and observation.
How to Prepare Before Test Day
The words of the answer matter, but knowing your test car is just as important. Control positions vary between makes and models.
- Practise every control in the car you expect to use for the test
- Open the bonnet and identify oil, coolant and brake-fluid points
- Learn dashboard warning lights and symbols
- Answer in your own words while covering every safety point
- Practise demonstrations without looking down for too long
- Ask your instructor to test you in a random order
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful guidance before your practical driving test.
You are asked one “tell me” question before driving and one “show me” question while driving.
An incorrect answer to one or both questions normally results in one driving fault. You can fail if your driving becomes dangerous or potentially dangerous while answering the “show me” question.
No. Explain the correct safety procedure clearly in your own words, making sure you include the essential points.
You may be asked one of the questions about engine oil, engine coolant or brake fluid. These require you to open the bonnet and identify the correct component.
Yes. Ask politely if you did not hear or understand the question. Do not guess because you feel rushed.
No. Their location and operation vary. Practise in the actual vehicle you expect to use for your driving test.
Review the Official Question List
Use the GOV.UK vehicle-safety question page alongside your practical training and your vehicle manufacturer’s handbook.
Need Help Practising in the Car?
Book a driving lesson and ask your instructor to practise every show me, tell me question with you.