Show me, tell me questions and answers

How they work on the test

• You'll be asked two vehicle safety questions.
• A tell me question at the start, before you drive. You explain how you'd do a safety check.
• A show me question while you're driving. You do it, safely, on the move.
• Get one or both wrong and you get one driving fault.
• Losing control of the car while doing a show me task can be a serious or dangerous fault.

Practise them in your own lesson car, as every car's controls are in slightly different places.

The 14 tell me questions

1. How would you check the brakes are working before a journey?
   They shouldn't feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off: the car shouldn't pull to one side.
2. Where would you find the recommended tyre pressures, and how would you check them?
   In the vehicle handbook. Use a reliable gauge, check when the tyres are cold, and don't forget the spare.
3. How would you make sure the head restraint is correctly adjusted?
   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. How would you check the tyres have enough tread and are safe?
   No cuts or bulges. At least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way round.
5. How would you check the headlights and tail lights are working?
   Switch them on (turning the ignition on if needed), then walk round the car to check.
6. How would you know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system?
   The ABS warning light would stay on, or come on while you're driving.
7. How would you check the indicators are working?
   Switch on the hazard warning lights and walk round the car to check every indicator.
8. How would you check the brake lights are working?
   Press the brake pedal and look for the reflection in windows or garage doors, or ask someone to help.
9. How would you check the power-assisted steering is working before a journey?
   Hold the wheel gently as you start the engine and it should move slightly. Or turn the wheel just after moving off: it should feel light.
10. How would you switch on the rear fog lights, and when would you use them?
    Show the switch and the warning light. Use them when visibility drops below 100 metres.
11. How do you switch from dipped to main beam, and how would you know it's on?
    Show the control. A blue warning light shows on the dashboard when main beam is on.
12. Open the bonnet. How would you check the engine has enough oil?
    Find the dipstick, pull it out, wipe it, put it back and check the level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
13. Open the bonnet. How would you check there's enough engine coolant?
    Find the coolant reservoir and check the level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
14. Open the bonnet. How would you check you have a safe level of brake fluid?
    Find the brake fluid reservoir and check the level is between the minimum and maximum marks.

The 7 show me questions

1. Show me how you'd wash and clean the rear windscreen.
   Use the rear wash and wipe control.
2. Show me how you'd wash and clean the front windscreen.
   Use the front wash and wipe control.
3. Show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights.
   Turn on the dipped headlights. Keep your eyes on the road.
4. Show me how you'd set the rear demister.
   Press the rear demister switch.
5. Show me how you'd operate the horn.
   Press the horn, only when it's safe and appropriate.
6. Show me how you'd demist the front windscreen.
   Set the fan, temperature and air direction (and air conditioning if fitted) to clear the screen.
7. Show me how you'd open and close the side window.
   Use the window switch or winder, briefly, keeping control of the car.

Questions

How many show me, tell me questions are there on the driving test?

Two. One tell me question at the start, before you drive, and one show me question while you're driving.

What happens if I get one wrong?

You get one driving fault if you get one or both questions wrong. It won't fail you on its own.

Can a show me question fail my test?

Only if you do it unsafely, for example losing control of the car or taking your eyes off the road for too long. That can be a serious or dangerous fault.

Do I have to know every question?

Yes. The examiner can pick any of them, so learn them all. They're easy marks once you've practised them in your own lesson car.

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