Show me, Tell me questions
For the ‘Show me Tell me’ questions on the driving test the examiner will ask you only 2 questions. One will be at the beginning of the test and the other during the test.
The first one is the ‘tell me’ question. Here you would explain how you would carry out the safety task before you start driving.
The second is the ‘show me’ question where you will show the examiner how you’d carry out a safety task while you’re driving
Let’s start with the ‘Tell me’ questions...
‘Tell me’ questions
1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Apply the brakes and the brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you
set off. Vehicle 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.
Check in the manufacturer’s guide or manual, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures
when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit 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 head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid (middle) part of the head restraint is at least as high
as the eye or the top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some
restraints might not be adjustable.
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 and bulges, a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth
of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit
the vehicle.
Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this
is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain that you would operate the hazard warning switch and then walk around the vehicle (as this is
a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey,
2 simple checks can be made.
Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t
need to exit the vehicle.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on.
Explain that you would use them when visibility is less than 100 metres especially in foggy conditions.
11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main
beam is on.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light (usually
a blue light).
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how
to top up to correct level.
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings. You need to open the bonnet and tell the
examiner how you’d do the check if you’re asked question 12, 13 or 14.
If you need to book a driving test you can use the DVSA website.
If you need an earlier driving test, use us.
‘Show me’ questions
1. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
2. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
3. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
4. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
5. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
6. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
7. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?