The ‘show me, tell me’ questions are a key part of your UK practical driving test. You will be asked two vehicle safety questions: one ‘tell me’ question before you start driving and one ‘show me’ question while you are driving. An incorrect answer results in one minor driving fault.
This guide provides the full list of official DVSA questions and answers to help you feel confident and prepared for your 2026 driving test.
What Are Show Me, Tell Me Questions?
‘Show me, tell me’ questions are a set of vehicle safety checks that your driving examiner will ask you during your practical test. They are designed to prove you have a basic understanding of how to carry out essential maintenance and safety checks on your car.
The questions are sourced directly from the official Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) car ‘show me, tell me’ questions list. The ‘tell me’ questions require you to explain how you would perform a check, while the ‘show me’ questions require you to physically demonstrate a check.
When Are They Asked in the UK Driving Test?
The examiner will ask you two questions in total at different points during your test.
- The ‘Tell Me’ Question: This is asked at the very beginning of your test, before you start the engine and drive away from the test centre.
- The ‘Show Me’ Question: This is asked while you are driving. The examiner will wait for a safe and appropriate time, such as when you are parked on the side of the road or in quiet traffic, to ask you to demonstrate one of the safety tasks.
Do You Fail If You Get One Wrong?
No, you will not automatically fail your driving test if you get a ‘show me’ or ‘tell me’ question wrong.
Answering one or both questions incorrectly will result in one minor driving fault being recorded on your test sheet. To pass your driving test, you must have no more than 15 minor faults and zero serious or dangerous faults. While a single minor fault for these questions won’t fail you, it’s always best to aim for a clean sheet. Knowing the answers will show the examiner you are a competent and safe driver.
Full List of ‘Tell Me’ Questions with Answers
The examiner will ask you one of the following questions at the start of your test, before you begin driving.
Tell Me Question: How would you check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
Answer: Brakes should be tested as you set off. They should not feel spongy or slack, and the vehicle should not pull to one side when you apply them.
Tell Me Question: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Answer: I would find the recommended pressures in the manufacturer’s guide or handbook. I would use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust the pressures when the tyres are cold, and not forget to check the spare tyre and refit the valve caps.
Tell Me Question: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Answer: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
Tell Me Question: Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
Answer: I would check for any cuts and bulges. I would also check that there is at least 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, using a tread depth gauge.
Tell Me Question: Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Answer: I would explain that I’d turn on the ignition (if necessary), then operate the light switch. As I can’t see the lights from inside the car, I would then walk around the vehicle to check that the lights are on.
Tell me question: Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Answer: A warning light for the ABS would illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault.
Tell me question: Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Answer: I would explain that I’d operate the indicator switch or hazard warning switch and then walk around the vehicle to check that all indicators are working correctly.
Tell me question: Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Answer: I would explain that I’d operate the brake pedal, and make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help me by checking from the outside.
Tell me question: Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Answer: If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, two 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.
Tell me question: 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.
Answer: I would operate the switch (after turning on dipped headlights if necessary). I would then check that the warning light is on. I would explain that I’d use them when visibility is seriously reduced to less than 100 metres.
Tell me question: Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Answer: I would operate the light switch (with ignition on if necessary) and check that the main beam warning light, which is usually blue, is displayed on the dashboard.
Tell me question: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer: I would identify the dipstick/oil level indicator. I would then explain that I would remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, re-insert it fully, and then remove it again to check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
Tell me question: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Answer: I would identify the high and low-level markings on the header tank where the coolant is stored. I would explain that the level should be between these marks, and if it needed topping up, I would do so with the correct coolant type when the engine is cold.
Tell me question: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Answer: I would identify the brake fluid reservoir. I would then explain that I would check the level against the high and low markings on the side of the container.
Full List of ‘Show Me’ Questions with Answers
The examiner will ask you to perform one of these tasks while you are driving. They will ensure it is safe to do so.
Show Me Question: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Answer: Operate the control for the rear windscreen washer and wiper. This is typically a stalk on the steering column.
Show Me Question: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Answer: Operate the control for the front windscreen washer and wiper. This is also usually a stalk on the steering column.
Show Me Question: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
Answer: Operate the light switch to the dipped beam position. Check the corresponding symbol is lit on the dashboard.
Show Me Question: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
Answer: Operate the switch for the heated rear screen. This is usually a button on the centre console.
Show Me Question: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
Answer: Press the horn control, which is usually in the centre of the steering wheel. Do this briefly and without causing alarm to other road users.
Show Me Question: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
Answer: Operate the fan, temperature, and air direction controls to direct hot air onto the front windscreen. Some cars have a specific ‘front demist’ button.
Show Me Question: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Answer: Operate the control for your driver’s side window, opening and closing it.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Learners can sometimes feel flustered by these questions, but with practice, they become second nature. Here are a few common slip-ups to avoid:
- Forgetting the Controls: During the test, nerves can make you forget where a button or switch is. Practice using all the car’s secondary controls until you don’t have to think about it.
- Not Checking the Warning Lights: For questions involving lights (like main beam or fog lights), remember to mention checking the corresponding warning light on the dashboard.
- Rushing the ‘Show Me’ Question: Listen carefully to the examiner. They will always say, “When it’s safe to do so.” Don’t rush to perform the action. Wait for a safe, straight piece of road with no hazards.
- Incorrect Wording: While you don’t need to be word-perfect, key safety details are important. For the tyre tread depth question, for example, remembering the “1.6mm” figure is crucial.
How to Practise Show Me, Tell Me Questions Effectively
The best way to prepare is through active practice, not just memorisation.
- Use Your Lessons: Ask your driving instructor to quiz you during your lessons. They can show you the exact location of all the controls and components in the car you’ll be taking your test in.
- Practice with a Family Member: If you have access to a family member’s car (with appropriate insurance), sit in the driver’s seat and have them ask you the questions. Practice pointing to the components under the bonnet and operating the controls inside the car.
- Visualise the Answers: For the ‘tell me’ questions, don’t just learn the words. Picture yourself actually performing the check. This will help the answer stick in your mind.
- Say It Out Loud: Practise explaining the ‘tell me’ answers out loud. This helps you get comfortable with the wording and ensures you can explain it clearly to the examiner.
At Flex Driving Academy, our instructors practise Show Me, Tell Me questions in every mock test so learners feel fully confident on test day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many Show Me Tell Me questions are there in total?
There are 14 ‘tell me’ questions and 7 ‘show me’ questions in the official DVSA list, making 21 questions in total. You will only be asked two on your test: one ‘tell me’ and one ‘show me’.
Can I fail if I get both questions wrong?
No, you cannot fail your test solely for answering both questions incorrectly. This will result in one single minor fault. However, if the examiner has to intervene and take control of the car when you attempt a ‘show me’ question, this could result in a serious or dangerous fault, which would be a test fail.
Are the questions different for automatic cars?
The ‘show me, tell me’ questions are the same for both manual and automatic cars. The location of controls may differ slightly between vehicles, but the principles behind the safety checks remain identical.
Do examiners ask the same questions every time?
No, the examiner will choose one ‘show me’ and one ‘tell me’ question at random from the official DVSA list for each test. You will not know which questions you are going to get in advance.
Where can I practise them?
The best place to practise is in the car you learn to drive in with your driving instructor. They can show you exactly where every component and control is. You can also practise in a friend’s or family member’s car when it is parked.