Show me, tell me questions
There are 14 tell me questions and 7 show me questions, and the examiner picks one of each. The full list is published, so there is nothing to guess: read them once, then check you can actually find the dipstick and the demister in the car you will be tested in.
Tell me questions
Asked at the roadside before you start driving. You explain; you do not have to demonstrate.
1. Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off: the car should not pull to one side.
2. Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
In the handbook, and usually on a sticker inside the driver door or the fuel flap. Check with a gauge when the tyres are cold, and do not forget the spare.
3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The rigid part 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.
4. 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.
At least 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tread and all the way round. Look for cuts, bulges and anything embedded in it.
5. Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
Switch them on and walk round, or check a reflection in a window or wall. Explaining what you would do is enough.
6. Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A warning light on the dashboard stays lit after you start the engine.
7. Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
Switch on the hazard warning lights and walk round, or use the indicator and listen for the tick while watching the dashboard.
8. Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.
Press the brake pedal and use a reflection, or ask someone to look. Some cars show a warning if a bulb has failed.
9. Tell me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
With the engine off, press gently against the steering. Start the engine and it should give slightly, which shows the assistance has come in.
10. Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you'd use it/them.
Use the switch, and the dashboard tells you it is on. Only when visibility drops below about 100 metres, and switch it off when it clears so you do not dazzle the car behind.
11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know the main beam is on.
Push or pull the stalk, depending on the car. A blue light on the dashboard tells you main beam is on.
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Find the dipstick, wipe it, put it back fully, pull it out again and read the level against the minimum and maximum marks.
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Check the level in the expansion tank against the marks on the side. Never open it while the engine is hot.
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Find the reservoir and check the level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
Show me questions
Asked while you are driving. Do it when it is safe, and say so if it is not safe yet.
1. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Operate the rear washer and wiper, usually a twist or push on the wiper stalk.
2. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Pull or press the washer control and let the wipers clear it.
3. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?
Turn the light switch to the dipped headlight position.
4. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?
Press the rear demister button. A light on the button or the dashboard confirms it.
5. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?
Press the horn, normally in the centre of the steering wheel.
6. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?
Direct the airflow to the windscreen, turn up the fan and the heat, and use air conditioning if the car has it.
7. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?
Use the window switch on the door, or the winder on an older car.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The questions are taken from gov.uk, last updated 4 December 2017 and checked by us on 26 August 2026, and are used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The short answers beside each question are ours.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has given permission for the reproduction of Crown copyright material. DVSA does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of the reproduction.
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