One part of the practical driving test that many learners overlook is the ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ questions. Although they only make up a small part of the test, answering them correctly demonstrates that you understand basic vehicle safety and maintenance.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the Show Me, Tell Me questions are, how they’re asked during the driving test and how you can prepare to answer them with confidence.
At a Glance
- You’ll be asked two vehicle safety questions during your practical driving test.
- One is a “Tell Me” question before you start driving.
- One is a “Show Me” question while you’re driving.
- Getting one or both questions wrong won’t automatically fail your test.
- Preparing in advance makes this part of the test straightforward.
Many learners worry unnecessarily about the Show Me, Tell Me questions. With a little preparation and practice, they’re one of the easiest parts of the practical driving test to get right.
What are the Show Me, Tell Me questions?
The Show Me, Tell Me questions are vehicle safety questions asked by the driving examiner during your practical driving test.
The “Tell Me” question is asked before you begin driving and requires you to explain how you would carry out a simple safety check.
The “Show Me” question is asked while you’re driving and requires you to demonstrate a simple vehicle control, such as operating the windscreen washers or rear demister safely.
How are the Show Me, Tell Me questions marked?
The Show Me, Tell Me questions are worth one driving fault if you answer one or both questions incorrectly. Getting them wrong won’t automatically result in a fail, but it’s an easy driving fault to avoid with a little preparation.
The examiner isn’t expecting you to be a mechanic. They’re simply checking that you understand basic vehicle safety checks and know how to operate essential controls safely.
What are the Tell Me questions
The Tell Me question is asked before you start driving. The examiner will ask you to explain how you would carry out a vehicle safety check.
Examples include checking:
- The tyres
- The brakes
- The headlights
- The indicators
- Engine oil
- Engine coolant
- Brake fluid
- The horn
- Windscreen washers
Understanding how to answer these questions confidently can help you avoid an unnecessary driving fault before your test even begins.
What are the Show Me questions?
The Show Me question is asked while you’re driving. The examiner will ask you to safely demonstrate a simple vehicle control without losing control of the vehicle.
Examples include:
- Cleaning the windscreen using the washers and wipers.
- Operating the rear demister.
- Operating the front demister.
- Opening and closing the driver’s window.
Always keep your attention on the road while carrying out the instruction.
Complete Show Me, Tell Me Questions
Below are examples of the official Show Me, Tell Me questions you may be asked during your practical driving test. While the exact wording may vary slightly, preparing these questions in advance will help you feel more confident on test day.
Tell Me Questions
The following Tell Me questions are asked before you begin driving and require you to explain how you would carry out a vehicle safety check.
| Question | What the examiner is looking for |
| Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. | The brakes should not feel spongy or slack, and the vehicle should not pull to one side when the brakes are applied. |
| Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. | The information is found in the manufacturer’s handbook or vehicle information, and tyres should be checked when cold using a reliable pressure gauge. |
| Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and are safe to use. | Tyres should have at least 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre and be free from cuts, bulges and damage. |
| Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. | Switch them on and walk around the vehicle to check they are working. |
| Tell me how you would know there is a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS). | The ABS warning light should illuminate when the ignition is switched on and then go out. If it stays on, there may be a fault. |
| Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. | Operate the indicators and check them visually or ask someone to help you. |
| Tell me how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey. | The steering should feel light once the engine has started. If it remains heavy, there may be a fault. |
| Tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil. | Identify the dipstick, check the oil level against the markings and top up if necessary. |
| Tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant. | Identify the coolant reservoir and check the level is between the minimum and maximum markings. |
| Tell me how you would check that the horn is working. | Press the horn briefly when it is safe and appropriate to do so. |
| Tell me how you would check the windscreen washers are working. | Operate the windscreen washers and ensure there is sufficient washer fluid available. |
Show Me Questions
The following Show Me questions are asked while you’re driving and require you to demonstrate a simple vehicle control safely.
| Question | What you need to do |
| Show me how you would wash and clean the front windscreen. | Operate the front windscreen washers and wipers safely. |
| Show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen. | Operate the rear window washer and wiper safely. |
| Show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights. | Operate the headlight controls correctly. |
| Show me how you would set the rear demister. | Operate the rear heated window control. |
| Show me how you would set the front demister. | Operate the appropriate controls to demist the front windscreen. |
| Show me how you would operate the horn. | Press the horn control when it is safe to do so. |
| Show me how you would open and close the driver’s side window. | Operate the driver’s window controls safely while maintaining control of the vehicle. |
Top Tips for Remembering the Show Me, Tell Me Questions
Don’t try to memorise the answers word for word. Instead, understand what each question is asking and practise the checks with your driving instructor during your lessons.
If possible, sit in the driver’s seat of a parked car and physically practise using the vehicle controls. Repeating the questions a few times before your practical driving test will help you answer confidently on the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fail your driving test by getting a Show Me or Tell Me question wrong?
No. Answering one or both questions incorrectly will normally result in one driving fault, but it won’t automatically cause you to fail your practical driving test.
How many Show Me, Tell Me questions are there?
You’ll be asked two questions during your practical driving test—one Tell Me question before you start driving and one Show Me question while you’re driving.
Are the Show Me, Tell Me questions always the same?
The examiner will choose from the official DVSA list of Show Me and Tell Me questions. Preparing all of them gives you the best chance of answering confidently.
Should I learn the answers word for word?
No. It’s more important to understand the purpose of each vehicle safety check than to memorise the exact wording.
Preparing the Show Me, Tell Me questions before your practical driving test can help you avoid an unnecessary driving fault and boost your confidence on test day.
Ready to prepare for your driving test?
Whether you’re preparing for your first practical driving test or simply want to improve your confidence, our experienced instructors can help. We offer professional driving lessons, automatic driving lessons and intensive driving courses across Kent & East Sussex. Get in touch today to book your lessons.
Looking for more learner driver advice? Visit our Learn to Drive Hub for expert guides covering driving lessons, theory tests and practical driving test preparation.
