The Practical Driving Test
Show Me Tell Me

Safety questions you'll be asked on test.

Show Me Tell Me Introduction

From a list of 21 questions, learner drivers will be asked to describe ("tell me") how to perform a check on the condition and safety of one component and demonstrate ("show me") an actual check on the use of another.

For administrative purposes there are various combinations of questions used for the test, but there is little point in listing these as pupils will need to know how to answer every question, regardless of which combination it falls in.

In the driving test only one driving (minor) fault is allocated to this section of the test, even if both questions are answered incorrectly. You will not fail your test with this section.

A single Tell Me Question will be asked at the beginning of the test, before you actually set off. A single Show Me Question will be asked at some point during the driving part of the test.

You can view the Official DVSA Show Me Tell Me video here.

Show Me Tell Me At The Test Centre

Tell Me Questions

Q- Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.: A- Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q- Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.: A- Manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Q - Tell Me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.: A- 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.
Q- Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.: A- Explain that you would operate the Hazard Warning Lights switch, turning on the ignition if necessary, and then walk around the vehicle. (As this is a Tell Me question you don't need too physically check the lights).
Q- Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.: A- Explain you would operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.
Q- Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle): A- Explain you would operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights).
Q- Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle).: A- Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
Q- Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.: A- Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Q- Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.: A- Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
Q- Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.: A- 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. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Q- Open the bonnet and identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.: A- Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Q- Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.: A- Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
Q- Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.: A- Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
Q- Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.: A- Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Q- Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.: A- No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Show Me Tell Me On The Move

Show Me Questions