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 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 how you’d check the tyres have enough tread depth.
The legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire outer edge.
Tell me how you’d check the tyres are in a safe condition to use on the road.
There should be no cuts or bulges. Tread depth must be at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth, around the entire 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). Walk round and check the lights, or use a reflection in a window or garage door.
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.
If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working. Gently pressing on the steering wheel as you start the engine should give a slight movement, confirming assistance.
Tell me how you’d check the horn is working (off-road only).
Press the horn (turn on the ignition if necessary) and listen to confirm it works.
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.
“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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