Your practical driving test is a big milestone, and it’s normal to feel nervous, especially if it’s your first time.
But there's at least one area of your test that you can be confident you'll pass with enough revision – the 'show me, tell me' questions.
This guide will help you learn the answers and boost your confidence on test day.
What are the ‘show me’ driving test questions?
Your examiner will ask you one 'show me' question while you're driving. This is to check that you can use simple vehicle controls safely without losing focus on the road.
At some point during your test, they’ll ask:
“When it’s safe, show me how you would…”
- wash and clean the rear windscreen?
- wash and clean the front windscreen?
- switch on your dipped headlights?
- set the rear demister?
- operate the horn?
- demist the front windscreen?
- open and close the side window?
Your driving instructor should show you how to use these controls before you take your test. Make sure you practice them enough so you don't feel caught out on the day.
What are the ‘tell me’ driving test questions?
Your examiner will also ask you one 'tell me' question – usually before you start driving. This could be while you’re walking to the car or just before setting off.
You won't need to operate any of the controls for this part, just explain to the examiner how you would carry out a task. But for the last three questions, you'll need to open the bonnet first.
There are 14 questions you'll need to revise:
How would you check the brakes are working before starting a journey?
Answer:
- The brakes shouldn’t feel spongy or slack.
- Test them as you move off slowly.
- The vehicle shouldn’t pull to one side when you brake.
Where would you find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how should the tyre pressures be checked?
Answer:
- Check the vehicle handbook for the recommended tyre pressures.
- Use a reliable pressure gauge to check and adjust the pressures when the tyres are cold.
- Replace the valve caps after checking.
- Check the spare tyre if the vehicle has one.
How would you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash?
Answer:
- The rigid part should be at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears.
- It should be as close to the back of your head as is comfortable.
How would you check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road?
Answer:
- Check for any cuts or bulges.
- The tread depth must be at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
How would you check that the headlights and tail lights are working?
Answer:
- Switch on the lights.
- Walk around the vehicle to check they’re working correctly.
How would you know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system?
Answer:
- The anti-lock braking system warning light will come on if there’s a fault.
How would you check the direction indicators are working?
Answer:
- Switch on the indicators.
- Walk around the vehicle to make sure they're all working.
How would you check the brake lights are working on this car?
Answer:
- Press the brake pedal and ask someone to check the lights.
- If you're on your own, use a reflection in a window or another reflective surface.
How would you check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey?
Answer:
- Apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine.
- The steering should become lighter as the power assistance starts working.
- If it stays heavy, there may be a fault.
How would you switch on the rear fog lights and when would you use them?
Answer:
- Use the fog light switch.
- Only use rear fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced, usually below 100 metres.
How would you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and how would you know the main beam is on?
Answer:
- Use the headlight control to switch to main beam.
- A blue dashboard warning light shows when the main beam is on.
Open the bonnet and tell me how would you check that the engine has sufficient oil?
Answer:
- Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
- Reinsert it fully and remove it again.
- Check the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
Open the bonnet and tell me how would you check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant?
Answer:
- Check the coolant reservoir.
- The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
Open the bonnet and tell me how would you check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid?
Answer:
- Check the brake fluid reservoir.
- The fluid should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
Can I fail my test if I don’t know the ‘show me, tell me’ questions?
If you get one or both questions wrong, you’ll get a driving fault, sometimes called a minor fault.
You’ll only fail if your driving becomes dangerous, or potentially dangerous, while answering a ‘show me’ question.
Want to know the most common reasons people fail their driving test? Check out our guide to driving test fails and how to avoid them.
Why do I have to answer the ‘show me, tell me’ part of the test?
The ‘show me, tell me’ questions help show that you understand basic vehicle safety and how to use key controls. And these simple vehicle checks can help you spot problems early and stay safe on the road.
Before your test, ask your driving instructor to go through the questions with you. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel when test day arrives.
Good luck!
