Tell Me’ and Show Me’ Questions

As part of the UK practical driving test, candidates are required to answer a set of ‘tell me’ and ‘show me’ questions. These questions assess your knowledge of basic vehicle safety and functionality, ensuring you are prepared to operate your vehicle safely. Here’s a detailed look at these questions and how you can prepare for them.

Tell Me’ Questions

The ‘tell me’ questions are asked at the beginning of the test, before you start driving. You will need to explain how you would carry out a safety check on your vehicle. Here are the common ‘tell me’ questions:

Question	Answer
Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey	Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off and ensure the vehicle doesn’t pull to one side
Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.	Refer to the manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, and don’t forget to check the spare tyre
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 is at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as comfortable
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	Tyres should have no cuts or bulges, with a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference
Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle	Explain that you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary) and then walk around the vehicle to check the lights
Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your 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. You don’t need to exit the vehicle	Explain that you’d operate the indicator switch or turn on the hazard warning lights, and then walk around the vehicle to check the lights
Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car	Explain that you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help check the lights.
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, apply gentle pressure on the steering wheel while the engine is started. There should be slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.
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 the switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary) and check the warning light. Explain that fog lights should only be used when visibility is less than 100 metres.
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on	Operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check the main beam warning light on the dashboard
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.	Identify the dipstick/oil level indicator, describe checking the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant	Identify the high/low-level markings on the header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to the correct level.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.	Identify the brake fluid reservoir, check the level against high/low markings.

Show Me’ Questions

The ‘show me’ questions are asked while you are driving. You will need to demonstrate how you would perform a particular safety task. Here are the common ‘show me’ questions:

Question	Answer
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?	Operate the relevant control to wash and clean the rear windscreen
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?	Operate the relevant control to wash and clean the front windscreen
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?	Operate the switch to turn on the dipped headlights
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?	Operate the control to set the rear demister
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?	Press the horn control to operate it
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?	Operate the relevant controls to set the front demister
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?	Operate the control to open and close the side window

Visit the official DVSA website to find out more.

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Tell Me’ and Show Me’ Questions