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Show Me, Tell Me Questions

Grouped for easy revision. Watch the official DVSA videos, export to PDF, and check the latest wording on GOV.UK.

For exact, up-to-date wording, use the GOV.UK button at the bottom of this page.

About the questions

You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions during your car driving test.

  • One ‘tell me’ question (you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving.
  • One ‘show me’ question (you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving.

You’ll get one driving fault (‘minor’) if you get one or both questions wrong.

You can fail your test if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while answering the ‘show me’ question.

Official DVSA guide — Tell me questions.

Official DVSA guide — Show me questions.

  • Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working before a journey. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.
  • Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures and how they should be checked. Manufacturer’s guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge; check when tyres are cold; include the spare; refit valve caps.
  • 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. No cuts or bulges; at least 1.6 mm tread across the central three-quarters around the entire circumference.
  • Tell me how you’d check the headlights and tail lights are working. Operate the light switch (ignition on if needed), then walk around the vehicle.
  • Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your ABS. An ABS warning light would show if there’s a fault.
  • Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. Operate the indicators or hazard warning lights, then walk around the vehicle.
  • Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car. Press the brake pedal and use reflections to check, or ask someone to help.
  • Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey. Steering should not feel heavy. Gentle pressure on the wheel while starting the engine should result in slight movement; or turn the wheel just after moving off.
  • Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. Operate the fog-light switch (with dipped headlights and ignition if necessary); check the warning light is on. Use when visibility is seriously reduced (about 100 m).
  • Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know main beam is on. Operate the switch to change to main beam; the blue main-beam warning light will illuminate.
  • Tell me how you’d adjust your head restraint correctly. Rigid part at least as high as the eye or top of ears and as close to the back of the head as comfortable.
  • Tell me how you’d check you have enough windscreen washer fluid. Identify the reservoir, check the level, top up, and operate the washers to confirm spray.

  • Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil. Identify the dipstick or oil-level indicator and check against the minimum and maximum markers.
  • Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant. Identify the coolant tank; check side markings; top up to the correct level if low (only when the engine is cool).
  • 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 the level against the high/low markings.
Under the Bonnet – Suzuki Swift (video)

Watch a quick walkthrough showing where to find and how to check the Swift’s oil, coolant, brake fluid and screenwash.

Open resource

  • When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen? Operate the rear washer/wiper control.
  • When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen? Operate the front washer/wiper control.
  • When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights? Turn the headlight control to dipped beam.
  • When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister? Press the rear demister button.
  • When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn? Press the horn control on the steering wheel.
  • When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen? Adjust fan/temperature/airflow to clear the screen effectively.
  • When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window? Use the electric window switch down/up.
View the latest official wording on GOV.UK

Always revise using the GOV.UK page above for the exact phrasing and any updates.

1. Use “Category Thinking”

Instead of 19 separate questions, group them by themes — this massively reduces overwhelm and helps pattern recognition. You can teach or show this visually:

ThemeExample QuestionsTip
Brakes & SteeringBrakes check, ABS light, Power steeringThink: “Control & stopping safely”
Lights & VisibilityHeadlights, Indicators, Fog lights, Main beamThink: “Being seen”
Under the BonnetOil, Coolant, Brake fluidThink: “Car’s vital fluids”
TyresTyre pressure, Tyre treadThink: “Grip & contact”
Windows & MirrorsWasher fluid, DemistersThink: “Clear vision”
2. The Walkaround Story

Picture a quick “car tour”: bonnet (fluids) → tyres → lights → inside the car (fog/main beam/ABS) → visibility (washers/demisters).

3. Teach It Back

Begin a lesson by explaining one question aloud to your instructor or a friend. Teaching strengthens memory.

4. 5-Minute Flashcards

Make simple cards (or use Quizlet). Do a 5-minute daily drill — it’s short enough to stick, long enough to help.

5. Voice Memory Trick

Record yourself answering. Listen on the bus or before lessons. Hearing your own voice cements recall.

6. Trigger Word Anchors

Use cue words: “Brakes = firm pedal”, “Tyres = 1.6mm & no damage”, “Fog = warning light & ~100m”, “ABS = warning light”.

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