Show Me, Tell Me Questions
Learn the vehicle safety questions you could be asked during your practical driving test.
Show Me, Tell Me Questions
How it works on your driving test
At the start of your test, before you begin driving, the examiner will ask you one Tell Me question. You will need to explain how you would carry out a particular vehicle safety check.
Later, while you are driving, the examiner will ask you one Show Me question. You will need to demonstrate the relevant control when it is safe to do so.
If you get one or both questions wrong, you will receive one driving fault. Don’t let it distract you. Concentrate on the rest of your drive.
Tell Me Questions
The examiner will ask one of these questions before you start driving. You don’t need to memorise the answers word for word, but you should understand the safety check and be able to explain it clearly.
1. How would you check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
Answer: The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off and make sure the vehicle does not pull to one side.
2. Where would you find the recommended tyre pressures and how should you check them?
Answer: Check the manufacturer’s guide for the correct pressures. Use a reliable pressure gauge and check and adjust the pressures when the tyres are cold. Remember the spare tyre if the vehicle has one and refit the valve caps afterwards.
3. How do you make sure the head restraint is correctly adjusted?
Answer: The rigid part of the head restraint 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 may not be adjustable.
4. How would you check the tyres have sufficient tread depth and are safe to use?
Answer: Check that there are no cuts or bulges. The tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
5. How would you check that the headlights and tail lights are working?
Answer: Operate the light switch, turning on the ignition if necessary, and explain that you would walk around the vehicle to check the lights are working.
6. How would you know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS)?
Answer: An ABS warning light would illuminate on the dashboard if there was a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
7. How would you check that the direction indicators are working?
Answer: Operate the indicators or hazard warning lights and explain that you would walk around the vehicle to check that all the indicators are working.
8. How would you check that the brake lights are working?
Answer: Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or doors to check the lights, or ask someone to stand behind the vehicle and confirm that they are working.
9. How would you check that the power-assisted steering is working?
Answer: If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working correctly. Apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine. You should feel a slight but noticeable movement as the power assistance begins to operate. Alternatively, turning the steering wheel just after moving off should show that the assistance is working.
10. How would you switch on the rear fog light and when would you use it?
Answer: Operate the rear fog light switch, with the dipped headlights and ignition on if necessary, and check that the warning light appears on the dashboard. Rear fog lights should be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres.
11. How would you switch from dipped headlights to main beam and know that main beam is on?
Answer: Operate the appropriate control, with the ignition or engine on if necessary. The main beam warning light on the dashboard will show that the main beam headlights are switched on.
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer: Identify the dipstick or oil level indicator and explain how you would check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum markings.
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient coolant.
Answer: Identify the high and low level markings on the coolant header tank, where fitted, and explain how you would top it up to the correct level.
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Answer: Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check that the fluid level is between the high and low markings.
Show Me Questions
The Show Me question is different because the examiner will ask you to demonstrate a control while you are driving. The examiner will say, “When it’s safe to do so…” before asking you to demonstrate one of the following.
1. Wash and clean the rear windscreen
Show: Operate the control that washes and wipes the rear windscreen while maintaining safe control of the vehicle.
2. Wash and clean the front windscreen
Show: Operate the windscreen washer and wiper control to wash and clean the front windscreen.
3. Switch on the dipped headlights
Show: Operate the vehicle’s headlight control and switch on the dipped headlights.
4. Set the rear demister
Show: Operate the heated rear window or rear demister control.
5. Operate the horn
Show: Use the horn when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
6. Demist the front windscreen
Show: Operate the heating or ventilation controls required to demist the front windscreen.
7. Open and close the side window
Show: Operate the window control to open and then close the side window while maintaining safe control of the car.
Practise Between Your Driving Lessons
Practise between your driving lessons
When you’re travelling as a passenger, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the vehicle’s basic controls. Look at where the lights, demisters, windscreen washers and wipers are operated and notice how the driver uses them.
Ask yourself: would I know which control to use if the examiner asked me? You can then practise the Show Me, Tell Me questions during private practice with an appropriate supervising driver between your professional driving lessons.
