Driving Test Show Me, Tell Me Questions — Answered
At the start of your driving test you'll be asked two vehicle safety questions — one "show me", one "tell me". Get either wrong and it's usually a minor fault, but lose control of the car while demonstrating and you can fail outright. Here's every question, answered in plain English.
Before you start any check
Never turn the engine on unless the examiner is sitting in the passenger seat — doing so alone counts as driving without a licence. Many modern cars show a diagnostic warning on the dashboard, but you can't rely on that alone for these checks; a manual check is what's expected. The one exception is the ABS check — it's safer to look for the warning light than to deliberately put the car into a skid.
"Show Me" Questions
1 Show me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering feels heavy, the system may not be working. Apply gentle pressure to the wheel as the engine starts — you should feel a slight, noticeable movement as the system kicks in. Alternatively, turn the wheel just after moving off; you'll immediately feel whether the assistance is working.
2 Show me how you'd check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, keeping control of the vehicle.
Apply the footbrake firmly, then demonstrate applying the parking brake so it secures itself before reaching the end of its working travel.
3 Show me how you'd check the horn is working (off-road only).
Press gently on the horn control, turning on the ignition first if needed.
4 Show me how you'd check the direction indicators are working.
Operate the indicator or hazard warning switch and check all indicators are functioning. You may need to switch on the ignition, but don't start the engine.
5 Show me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.
Operate the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or garage doors, or ask someone to help check. The examiner may assist by checking for you. Ignition on if needed, engine off.
6 Show me how you'd clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers and wipers.
Operate the control to wash and wipe the windscreen. Ignition on if needed, engine off.
7 Show me how you'd set the demister controls to clear all the windows, front and rear.
Set the fan, temperature, air direction and heated screen controls to clear the windscreen and windows. The engine doesn't need to be running for this one.
8 Show me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you'd use them.
Operate the rear fog light switch after switching on dipped headlights, check the switch is illuminated, and explain they should only be used when visibility drops to 100 metres or less.
9 Show me how you'd switch your headlights from dipped to main beam, and how you'd know main beam is on.
Move the stalk on the steering column forward — a blue warning light will illuminate on the instrument panel.
"Tell Me" Questions
1 Tell me how you'd check the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Test the brakes as you set off, applying gentle pressure at slow speed. They shouldn't feel spongy or slack, and the car shouldn't pull to one side.
2 Tell me where you'd find the recommended tyre pressures, and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Recommended pressures are in the manufacturer's handbook. Use a reliable pressure gauge, check when tyres are cold, don't forget the spare, and refit valve caps afterwards.
3 Tell me how you'd check the tyres have sufficient tread and are safe to use.
Check for cuts or bulges. There should be at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre's breadth, all the way round — checked with a tread depth gauge or the built-in tread markers.
4 Tell me how you'd make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.
Adjust the rigid part of the restraint so it sits close to the back of your head, level with your eyes or the top of your ears.
5 Tell me how you'd check the headlights and tail lights are working.
Turn on the relevant switch and walk around the car checking each one.
6 Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).
The ABS warning light on the instrument panel would illuminate if there's a fault.
7 Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify the dipstick or oil level indicator, and describe checking the level against the minimum and maximum markers.
8 Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check you have a safe level of brake fluid.
Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the level sits between the high and low markings.
9 Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check the engine coolant level.
Identify the high/low markings on the header tank (or radiator filler cap where fitted), and describe topping up to the correct level.
10 Tell me where the windscreen washer reservoir is and how you'd check the level.
Washer fluid should sit between the min and max markers on the side of the reservoir — you can also check by simply operating the washers.