Show me, tell me questions and answers

At the start of your practical driving test, the examiner will ask two vehicle safety questions. one "tell me" question (you explain how you'd do something) and one "show me" question (you demonstrate while driving). Getting one or both wrong results in a minor fault, not a fail. But they're easy marks, so it's worth learning them.

Tell me questions (before you drive)

The examiner picks one of these. You answer verbally.

Tyres

Q: Tell me how you'd check that the tyres have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A: The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the entire circumference. Check by using a tread depth gauge or the 20p test. if you can see the outer band of the coin, the tread is too low. Also check for cuts, bulges, and uneven wear.

Head restraint

Q: Tell me how you'd check the head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in a crash.

A: The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as comfortable.

Brakes

Q: Tell me how you'd check the brakes are working before starting a journey.

A: The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Press the brake pedal. it should feel firm and not go to the floor. When you set off, the car should not pull to one side. Also check the brake warning light goes off after starting the engine.

Headlights and tail lights

Q: Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.

A: Turn on the ignition, switch on the headlights, then walk around the car to check. or explain that you'd ask someone to help, or use reflections in a window or garage door.

ABS warning light

Q: Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

A: A warning light on the dashboard will illuminate if there's an ABS fault. It should come on when you turn the ignition on and go off shortly after. if it stays on, there's a problem.

Power-assisted steering

Q: Tell me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A: If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working. Before starting the engine, gentle pressure on the steering wheel should feel heavy; once the engine is running, it should feel lighter. Unusual noise when turning could also indicate a problem.

Horn

Q: Tell me how you'd check the horn is working (off-road only).

A: Press the horn. It should sound clearly.

Show me questions (while driving)

The examiner picks one of these. You demonstrate while driving safely.

Windscreen washers

Q: When it's safe to do so, show me how you'd wash and clean the front windscreen.

A: Operate the windscreen washer lever or button when the road ahead is clear.

Rear demister

Q: When it's safe to do so, show me how you'd switch on the rear demister.

A: Press the rear demister button (usually marked with a rectangle with wavy lines).

Main beam headlights

Q: When it's safe to do so, show me how you'd switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know the main beam is on.

A: Push the headlight stalk forward. The blue dashboard light indicates main beam is on.

Demister controls

Q: When it's safe to do so, show me how you'd set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively.

A: Set blower speed, temperature to warm, and direct airflow to the windscreen. You can also press the air conditioning button if available.

Tips

• Your instructor will practise these with you. make sure you know the answers for the specific car you'll be tested in
• Getting one or both wrong is only a minor fault. don't panic
• For "show me" questions, wait until it's genuinely safe before operating any controls