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Show me, tell me questions

The official DVSA vehicle safety questions asked on your practical driving test.

Show me questions

During your practical test the examiner asks one "show me" question while you're driving.

1 When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
2 When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
3 When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?
4 When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?
5 When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?
6 When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?
7 When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?

Tell me questions

The examiner asks one "tell me" question at the start of your test, before you set off. Tap any question to see the official answer.

1 Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes shouldn't feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off the vehicle shouldn't 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.
Check the manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, and check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold, including the spare if fitted. Remember to refit valve caps.
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 head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part is at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as comfortably possible.
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.
No cuts or bulges, and a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre's breadth, all the way round.
5 Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
Operate the switch, turning on the ignition if necessary, then explain you'd walk round the vehicle to check the lights.
6 Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A warning light on the dashboard should illuminate if there's a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
7 Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
Operate the switch, turning on the ignition if necessary, then explain you'd walk round the vehicle to check the lights.
8 Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.
Operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc., or ask someone to check for you.
9 Tell me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If you turn the steering wheel and it feels stiff, the system may not be working. Gentle pressure on the wheel maintained as the engine starts should produce a slight movement as the assistance engages.
10 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.
Operate the switch, with dipped headlights and ignition on if necessary, and check the warning light is on. Explain you'd use it in poor visibility, generally below 100 metres.
11 Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know the main beam is on.
Operate the switch, with the ignition or engine on if necessary, and check the main beam warning light on the dashboard.
12 Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify the dipstick or oil level indicator, and describe how to check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
13 Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify the high and low level markings on the header tank or radiator filler cap where fitted, and describe how you'd check and top up.
14 Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify the reservoir, and check the level is between the high and low markings.