1. Brakes: 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 check that the vehicle does not pull to one side.
Pupil Resources · Practical test preparation
Show Me, Tell Me Questions
Practise the vehicle safety questions you may be asked on your practical driving test. This guide uses photographs from Joe’s teaching car to help you recognise the controls and engine components.
How the questions work: you’ll be asked one Tell Me question at the start of your test, before you drive, and one Show Me question while driving. A wrong answer can result in a driving fault. If demonstrating a control affects your driving, wait until it is safe to do so.
The pictures show controls and components in Joe’s teaching car. The exact layout can vary between models, so use them as a guide and practise locating each control during your lessons.
Asked before you drive
The 14 Tell Me questions
Read each question and open it to reveal a simple answer you can practise saying in your own words.
2. Tyre pressures: Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Use the vehicle manufacturer’s information, such as the handbook or vehicle label. Check with a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold; adjust as needed and refit the valve caps. Check the spare tyre too if the vehicle has one.
3. Head restraint: 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 rigid part should be at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable. Some head restraints are not adjustable.
4. Tyre condition and tread: 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.
Look for cuts or bulges and check that tread is at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s breadth and around its entire outer circumference.
5. Headlights and tail lights: 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 would operate the light switch (turning on the ignition if needed), then walk around the vehicle to check the lights.
6. Anti-lock braking system (ABS): Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
The ABS warning light would indicate a fault if it remains on or comes on to show a problem, following the vehicle’s normal start-up checks.
7. Direction indicators: Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain that you would operate the indicators (turning on the ignition if needed), then walk around the vehicle to check that they are working.
8. Brake lights: Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain that you would press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help you check the lights.
9. Power-assisted steering: 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. With the engine started, gentle pressure on the steering wheel should result in a slight movement as assistance begins. Alternatively, turning the wheel just after moving off gives an indication that the assistance is working.
10. Rear fog lights: Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights and the ignition if needed) and check the warning light. Use rear fog lights only when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see more than 100 metres, and switch them off when visibility improves.
11. Dipped to main beam: 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 relevant lighting control with the ignition or engine on if necessary. Check that the blue main-beam warning light is illuminated.
12. Engine oil: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify the dipstick or electronic oil-level indicator. For a dipstick, park safely on level ground and follow the vehicle handbook: remove and wipe the dipstick, reinsert it fully, then remove it again and check that the level is between the minimum and maximum marks. Do not touch hot engine parts.
13. Engine coolant: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify the coolant expansion/header tank and explain that the level should be between the minimum and maximum markings. Check only when the engine is cool; never open a hot coolant cap.
14. Hydraulic brake fluid: 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 and explain that the fluid should be between the minimum and maximum markings. If the level is low, seek advice rather than ignoring it.
Demonstrated while driving
The 7 Show Me questions
Learn where each control is and what it does. On the test, demonstrate the action only when the examiner asks and it is safe to do so.
Show Me 1
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Use the rear-windscreen washer control on the right-hand steering-column stalk. On Joe’s teaching car, push the stalk away from you and hold briefly to apply washer fluid and operate the rear wiper. Keep your attention on the road and only do this when safe.
Show Me 2
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Use the front-windscreen washer control on the right-hand stalk. On Joe’s teaching car, pull the stalk towards you and hold briefly. The washer fluid and front wipers operate together.
Show Me 3
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights?
Locate the exterior-lighting dial on the dashboard and select dipped headlights. Check the correct symbol/setting for the car you are using. On Joe’s teaching car, the dial is to the right of the steering wheel.
Show Me 4
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would set the rear demister?
Use the rear-window demister button on the climate-control panel. Check the symbol showing a rectangular window with rising wavy lines. Press it to switch on; press again or allow it to switch off automatically, depending on the car.
Show Me 5
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would operate the horn?
Press the centre pad of the steering wheel. Only sound the horn when it is appropriate and safe to do so.
Show Me 6
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would demist the front windscreen?
Use the climate controls to direct airflow towards the front windscreen. On Joe’s teaching car, the MAX demist setting can help clear the screen quickly. Adjust the fan and temperature as needed, and keep your attention on the road.
Show Me 7
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would open and close the side window?
Use the electric window switch on the door panel: operate it in the appropriate direction to open or close the window. The layout can vary between cars.
Practise these with Joe
Use this guide to revise, then ask Joe to test you on a few questions during your next lesson. The aim is to understand the answer and confidently locate the controls, not just memorise a script.
Contact JoeSafety note: never open a hot coolant reservoir or touch hot engine components. For checks that involve the engine bay, follow the vehicle handbook and practise with your instructor when conditions are safe.
Official source: DVSA — Car ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ vehicle safety questions ↗.