Show Me, Tell Me Questions
Before you set off on your practical driving test, your examiner will ask you a vehicle safety question. During the drive, you'll also be asked to demonstrate how to operate one of the car's controls.
These are known as the Tell Me and Show Me questions. Understanding how your car works and knowing where its controls are will help you feel more prepared and confident on test day.
Two questions. Two different tasks.
Both questions are designed to check that you understand basic vehicle safety and can operate important controls. The difference is when you're asked and what you need to do.
Explain how you would carry out a safety check
At the beginning of your practical test, before you start driving, the examiner will ask you one Tell Me question.
You'll need to explain how you would carry out a particular vehicle safety check. You won't normally need to demonstrate it physically, but you should be able to describe the correct procedure clearly.
Demonstrate how to operate a vehicle control
During your practical test, the examiner will ask you one Show Me question while you're driving.
You'll need to demonstrate how to operate a particular control, such as washing the windscreen or switching on the dipped headlights, while maintaining control of the vehicle.
How are the questions assessed?
The examiner is looking for an understanding of basic vehicle safety and the ability to operate the relevant controls. You don't need to give a lengthy explanation, but you should know what to do and why it matters.
Don't just learn a script. Make sure you understand what each control does, where to find it in your car and how the check helps keep the vehicle safe.
The seven Show Me questions
The examiner will choose one of these seven questions and ask you to demonstrate the relevant vehicle control while you're driving. Practise each one in the car you'll be using for your test.
Every Show Me question begins with the instruction to carry out the task when it's safe to do so. Keep your attention on the road, maintain control of the vehicle and choose a suitable moment to operate the control.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Locate and operate the rear windscreen washer and wiper control. Show that you can activate the washer and clear the rear screen.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Locate and operate the front windscreen washer and wiper control. Demonstrate how to spray washer fluid onto the windscreen and operate the wipers.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?
Locate the lighting controls and switch on the dipped headlights. Make sure you know how to distinguish dipped headlights from sidelights and main beam.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?
Locate and operate the rear heated screen control. You should recognise the correct button or switch, usually identified by a rectangular window symbol with upward wavy lines.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?
Locate the horn control, usually operated by pressing the centre or designated area of the steering wheel. Demonstrate that you know how to operate it without losing control of the vehicle.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?
Set the ventilation controls to direct airflow towards the front windscreen. You may need to adjust the fan speed and temperature, and use the air conditioning or heated windscreen if fitted.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?
Locate the appropriate window switch and demonstrate opening and closing the side window. Make sure you know which switch operates the relevant window.
Controls can be in different places depending on the make and model of the car. Spend time familiarising yourself with the washers, wipers, lights, demisters, horn and window switches. You should be able to find and operate them without taking your attention away from driving.
The 14 Tell Me questions
At the beginning of your practical test, the examiner will ask you one question about vehicle safety. You'll need to explain how you would carry out the relevant check.
You don't need to be a mechanic. You do need to understand the basic safety checks, know where to find the relevant information and be able to explain how you would check your vehicle.
Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Explain that you would check the brakes as you set off. The brakes should not feel spongy or slack, and the vehicle should not pull to one side when you apply them. You should test them gently at a low speed in a safe place.
Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Explain that the recommended pressures can be found in the vehicle handbook or on the manufacturer's information label, often inside a door opening or fuel filler flap. Use a reliable pressure gauge, check when the tyres are cold, and adjust to the recommended pressures. Don't forget the spare tyre if the vehicle has one.
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Explain that 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 restraints cannot be adjusted.
Tell me how you'd check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
Explain that you would check for cuts, bulges and other damage, and make sure there is at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the entire circumference. This is the legal minimum for cars in the UK.
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 switch on the lights, then walk around the vehicle to check that the headlights and tail lights are illuminated. The examiner does not require you to get out of the car for this question.
Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Explain that the ABS warning light would indicate a fault if it remained illuminated after the system's initial check, or came on while driving. You should have the vehicle checked and repaired.
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 or hazard warning lights and then walk around the vehicle to check that all the indicator lights are working correctly.
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 that the brake lights illuminate. You can also use a suitable reflective surface where available.
Tell me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering feels heavy, the system may not be working properly. You can check by applying gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine; there should be a noticeable movement as the assistance begins. For electric power steering, follow the vehicle handbook guidance.
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.
Explain that you would switch on the dipped headlights and operate the rear fog light control, checking the warning light on the dashboard. Rear fog lights should be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres. Switch them off when visibility improves.
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know the main beam is on.
Explain how you operate the main beam control, usually using a stalk or switch. You would know main beam is on because a blue warning light appears on the dashboard. Remember to dip your headlights when necessary so you don't dazzle other road users.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify the dipstick or electronic oil-level indicator. If using a dipstick, explain that you would remove it, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully and remove it again to check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify the coolant reservoir and explain that you would check the coolant level against the minimum and maximum markings on the side. If the level is low, top it up using the correct coolant mixture specified by the manufacturer. Never remove a coolant cap when the engine is hot.
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 check that the level is between the minimum and maximum markings. If the level is low, the vehicle should be checked by a qualified professional rather than simply topping it up and ignoring the cause.
Practise explaining each check in your own words. Make sure you can identify the relevant components under the bonnet and understand what the warning lights mean. The location of components and controls can vary between vehicles, so use your vehicle handbook and ask your instructor to help you become familiar with the car.
How to prepare for the questions
You don't need to leave these questions until the week before your test. A little preparation throughout your learning journey will help you understand your vehicle and feel more confident when the examiner asks you.
Understand the checks
Learn what you're checking, where to find the relevant components and why each check matters for vehicle safety.
Get familiar with the controls
Practise locating and operating the controls in your lesson car so you can demonstrate them safely and confidently.
Six ways to prepare
Start early
Don't wait until your test is approaching. Begin learning the questions alongside your practical lessons so the information becomes familiar.
Learn in your lesson car
Vehicle controls and component locations can differ. Practise using the actual car you'll be taking your test in.
Understand, don't just memorise
Know why you're checking tyre tread, fluid levels, lights and warning indicators. Understanding makes it easier to explain your answer.
Practise explaining aloud
Ask someone to choose a question at random. Explain what you would do in your own words rather than relying on a rehearsed script.
Use your lesson time
Ask your instructor to include vehicle safety questions in your lessons. You can practise controls and checks while becoming more familiar with the car.
Test yourself regularly
Revisit the questions every so often. Practising a few at a time is often more useful than trying to learn everything in one sitting.
Are you ready?
These questions are not just something to get through on test day. Understanding how to check your vehicle and operate its controls is part of taking responsibility for your safety and the safety of others.
Be prepared. Be confident. Be a thinking driver.
The Show Me, Tell Me questions are just one part of becoming a safe and responsible driver. Understanding your vehicle and knowing how to check it properly will help you long after you've passed your test.