Show me, tell me questions
The vehicle safety questions you’ll be asked on your driving test - with simple answers to learn.
At the start of every UK practical driving test, the examiner asks two vehicle safety questions: one “tell me” question (how you would carry out a safety check) before you drive, and one “show me” question (demonstrating a check) while you’re driving. Get either wrong and it’s one minor driving fault. Below are the most common questions with clear answers to practise.
“Tell me” questions
Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. They should be tested as you set off - the car should not pull to one side.
Tell me where you’d find the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how you’d check them.
Check the vehicle handbook or the plate/sticker (often inside the driver’s door or fuel flap). Use a reliable pressure gauge and check pressures - including the spare - when the tyres are cold, then refit the valve caps.
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 part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: some restraints might not be adjustable.
Tell me how you’d check the tyres have sufficient tread depth and are in a safe condition to use on the road.
There should be no cuts or bulges, and the tread depth must be at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s breadth, all the way around its outer circumference.
Tell me how you’d check the headlights and tail lights are working.
Operate the light switch (you may need to turn the ignition on), then walk round and check the lights - or use a reflection in a window or garage door.
Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
A warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault with the ABS.
Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working.
Switch on the hazard warning lights or operate the indicators and walk round the vehicle to check all four are flashing.
Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Operate the brake pedal and check the reflection of the lights in a window, garage door or by asking someone to confirm.
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. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel as the engine is started should give a slight but noticeable movement - or turning the wheel just after moving off should show the assistance working straight away.
Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use them.
Operate the switch (dipped headlights and ignition on if needed) and check the warning light comes on. Use rear fog lights only when visibility drops below 100 metres, and switch off again once it improves.
Tell me how you’d switch your headlights from dipped to main beam, and how you’d know main beam is on.
Operate the light stalk/switch (with the ignition or engine on if needed). A blue main-beam warning light shows on the dashboard when it’s active.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine has sufficient oil.
Locate the dipstick or oil level indicator and check the oil level sits between the minimum and maximum markers.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify the high and low level markings on the header tank (or radiator filler cap) and check the level sits between them, topping up when the engine is cold if needed.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Locate the brake fluid reservoir and check the level sits between the minimum and maximum markings.
“Show me” questions
Show me how you’d wash and clean the rear windscreen.
Operate the rear washer and wiper using the relevant control switch or stalk.
Show me how you’d wash and clean the front windscreen.
Operate the front washer and wiper using the control stalk so the screen is cleaned.
Show me how you’d switch on the dipped headlights.
Operate the light switch to dipped beam (the green dipped-beam symbol shows on the dashboard).
Show me how you’d set the rear demister.
Operate the rear-demister switch (the engine usually needs to be on). The relevant warning light shows it is active.
Show me how you’d operate the horn.
Press the centre of the steering wheel (or the relevant control) to sound the horn.
Show me how you’d demist the front windscreen.
Set the heater controls to direct warm air to the windscreen, turn the fan up, and switch on air-con or the front demister if fitted.
Show me how you’d open and close the side window.
Operate the electric window switch (ignition may need to be on) or the manual winder.
The official, complete list is maintained by the DVSA on GOV.UK. Your instructor will run through all of them with you before test day.
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