Show Me, Tell Me Questions
All 21 official DVSA vehicle safety questions for the UK driving test. Study, flip through flashcards, or test yourself with our quiz mode.
Test fact: You'll be asked one Tell Me question at the start of your test and one Show Me question while driving. Getting one or both wrong is one driving fault (a minor). But if your driving becomes dangerous while you do the Show Me task, you fail.
'Tell Me' Questions
Asked at the start of your test, before you drive
You just need to explainwhat you'd do. No need to physically demonstrate.
Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
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.
Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle).
Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.
Tell me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you'd use it/them. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know the main beam is on.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
'Show Me' Questions
Asked while driving. Only do it when safe
You need to physically demonstrate the action while driving when the examiner asks.
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?
Controls are in different places in every car. Practise these in the car you will take your test in, so the answers are second nature on the day.
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T1: Tom Reynolds from Melbourne, Australia (CC BY 2.0); T2: Bindydad123 (CC BY-SA 4.0); T3: Thomas doerfer (CC BY-SA 3.0); T5: Andy / Andrew Fogg from near Cambridge, UK (CC BY 2.0); T7: Bindydad123 (CC BY-SA 4.0); T9: Bindydad123 (CC BY-SA 4.0); T10: Shixart1985 (CC BY 2.0); T11: Scoo (CC BY-SA 2.5); T12: Dvortygirl (CC BY-SA 3.0); T13: Filipograf (CC BY-SA 4.0); T14: Frettie (CC BY 3.0); S1: Rudolf Stricker, Bukk (CC BY-SA 3.0); S2: Lee J Haywood (CC BY-SA 2.0); S3: Kenneth Allen (CC BY-SA 2.0); S4: zeevveez (CC BY 2.0); S5: Richardcavell (CC BY-SA 3.0); S6: Bindydad123 (CC BY-SA 4.0); S7: Bindydad123 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Other photos are public domain.
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Common Questions
What happens if I get a Show Me Tell Me question wrong?
Getting one or both wrong counts as a single minor (driving) fault. But if your driving becomes dangerous while you do the Show Me task, you fail. So don't stress, but do learn them!
Which question will I be asked?
The examiner picks one Tell Me and one Show Me at random. You can't predict which, so learn all 21.
When are the questions asked?
The Tell Me question is asked at the start, before you drive off. The Show Me question is asked while you're driving. The examiner will say "when it's safe to do so".
Can I practise these in my car at home?
Yes. And you should! Sit in the car, find all the controls, and practise explaining/demonstrating each answer. Every car is slightly different.
Ready for Your Test?
Our instructors go through every Show Me Tell Me question with you before your test day.