Show Me, Tell Me Questions

Another update saw the driving test change on 4th December 2017. Below are the new set of questions which you will be asked from this date. There are also two video's which you will find useful to watch.

The 'Show Me Tell Me' questions require you to explain to your driving test examiner where and how to check tyres, brakes, fluid levels, lights, direction indicators, head restraint, operation of windscreen washers, window demisters, fog lights, power steering, window operation and horn.

The Tell Me question will be asked at the test centre before you go for your drive and the Show Me question will be asked on the move whilst on your test.

You will be asked two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me' question. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded (a minor as you may know it). However if you refuse to complete the Show Me question this will result in a fail for the test. If you have forgotten how to operate for example the demister on the move the examiner will pull you over and explain how to do it, they will then ask you to pull away and complete the question. If you then forget again but attempt to do it or operate the window instead of the demister you will then be marked a minor because at least you attempted to do it.

Tell Me Questions

One of these questions will be asked by your driving examiner at the test centre at the beginning of your test.

1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle 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.

Look in the manufacturer's guidebook or on the car door pillar, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, not forgetting the spare tyre and remember to refit dust valve caps afterwards.

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 of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

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 and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit the vehicle).

Explain how to operate light switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk around vehicle checking each side light, dipped headlight and taillights. (As this is a 'Tell Me' question there is no need to physically check the lights).

6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

Warning light should illuminate on the instrument panel if there is 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.

Explain you’d operate the hazard switch or use the indicator switch (turn on ignition if necessary but do not start the engine), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘Tell Me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, (turn on ignition but do not start the engine) make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, two simple checks can be made.

Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

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 switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use (you would switch the rear fog lights on when visibility is below 100m, otherwise it will dazzle the drivers behind).

11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped beam to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

Operate switch (turn ignition on if necessary), check main beam warning light is on which is coloured blue on the instrument panel.

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, then explain that you would remove the dipstick, wipe with a clean cloth, replace the dipstick fully, remove again and check oil level against the markers. This is best done when the vehicle has stood on level ground for more than 30 minutes.

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level. This should only be done when the engine is cold.

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.

DVSA official video on Tell Me questions

Show Me Questions

Don't forget these questions will be asked while you are moving. Your Drive Safe instructor will show you exactly how to do this which will be specific to their tuition vehicle.

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 demist the front windscreen?

6. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?

7. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?

DVSA official video on Show Me questions

Site Last Updated

19/03/2024