Show Me, Tell Me
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Show Me, Tell Me
About the questions
You'll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions during your car driving test.
The examiner will ask you one:
- 'tell me' question (where you explain how you'd carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
- 'show me' question (where you show how you'd carry out a safety task) while you're driving
You'll get one driving fault (sometimes called a 'minor') if you get one or both questions wrong.
The full official list is published by the DVSA on gov.uk — the questions below match it.
Show Me, Tell Me
'Tell me' questions
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
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.
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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
Explain you'd operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a 'tell me' question, you don't need to physically check the lights).
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Explain you'd operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a 'tell me' question, you don't need to physically check the lights).
Explain you'd operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 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.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
(You need to open the bonnet and tell the examiner how you'd do the check if you're asked question 12, 13 or 14.)
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
(You need to open the bonnet and tell the examiner how you'd do the check if you're asked question 12, 13 or 14.)
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.
(You need to open the bonnet and tell the examiner how you'd do the check if you're asked question 12, 13 or 14.)
Show Me, Tell Me
'Show me' questions
- When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you 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?
- When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?
- When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?
- When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?
- When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?
- When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?
Common Questions
There are 21 in total: 14 'tell me' questions and 7 'show me' questions. You are not asked all of them. On the day the examiner asks you two, one of each.
The 'tell me' question comes first, at the start of your test, before you start driving. The 'show me' question comes later, while you are driving, and the examiner will ask it when it is safe to do so.
You get one driving fault, usually called a minor. It is still only one fault even if you get both questions wrong, so a wrong answer on its own will not fail your test.
The answer itself cannot. What can is how you drive while giving it. If you lose control of the car, drift out of your lane or stop observing properly while operating a demister or a window, that is judged as driving and can be marked a serious or dangerous fault.
No. You need to describe the right method, not recite a script. For the tyre question, for example, what matters is saying you would check the tread across the central three quarters of the tyre and around its whole circumference, with at least 1.6mm of tread.
The DVSA publishes it on gov.uk as 'Car show me, tell me vehicle safety questions'. The questions and answers on this page match that list.
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