Learn all the official “Show Me, Tell Me” questions and answers you’ll need for your driving test. Each question is explained in simple terms so you know exactly what the examiner is looking for.

What Are “Show Me, Tell Me” Questions?

As part of your practical driving test, the examiner will ask you two simple vehicle safety questions:

  • Tell Me Question – asked before you start driving. You explain how you’d carry out a safety task.
    Example: “Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working.”

  • Show Me Question – asked while driving. You actually demonstrate the safety task.
    Example: “Show me how you’d wash and clean the windscreen.”

Don’t worry — you’re not expected to be a mechanic! The examiner just wants to make sure you understand the essentials of keeping your car safe and roadworthy.

Why Are These Questions Important?

  • They form part of your practical driving test and can contribute to minor faults if answered incorrectly.

  • They help you become more confident about vehicle safety checks useful in everyday driving.

  • Knowing the answers can reduce test day nerves, since you’ll already know what to expect.

 Full List of “Show Me, Tell Me” Questions

Here’s the current DVSA-approved list:

 Tell Me Questions (Before Driving)

  1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

  2. Tell me where you’d find the recommended tyre pressures and how to check them.

  3. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure sufficient tread depth and safe condition.

  4. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

  5. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working.

  6. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working.

  7. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting.

  8. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and when to use them.

  9. Tell me how you’d switch from dipped to main beam headlights and how to know the main beam is on.

  10. Tell me how you’d check the engine oil level.

  11. Tell me how you’d check the engine coolant level.

  12. Tell me how you’d check the hydraulic brake fluid level.

 Show Me Questions (While Driving)

  1. When safe, show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.

  2. When safe, show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.

  3. When safe, show me how you switch on your dipped headlights.

  4. When safe, show me how you set the rear demister.

  5. When safe, show me how you operate the horn.

  6. When safe, show me how you demist the front windscreen.

  7. When safe, show me how you open and close the side window.

 Watch the DVSA “Show Me, Tell Me” Videos

For extra help, check out the official DVSA video guides:

 Final Tip

Practising these questions during your lessons will help you feel more confident on test day. At Pro Drivers Academy, we cover the full set of “Show Me, Tell Me” questions in your lessons, so there are no surprises when the examiner asks you.

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