Mastering Show Me Tell Me Questions for UK Driving Test

The UK practical driving test includes a crucial segment known as ‘show me, tell me’ questions, designed to evaluate your understanding of basic vehicle safety and maintenance. These questions appear at the start of your test and require you to either explain (‘tell me’) or demonstrate (‘show me’) how to perform essential checks. Getting these right is vital, as errors can result in minor faults that accumulate towards failure.

Understanding the Purpose and Format

Introduced by the DVSA, these questions ensure learner drivers possess practical knowledge to maintain roadworthy vehicles. You face one ‘tell me’ question before driving—purely verbal—and one ‘show me’ question during the drive, performed safely. From 21 possible questions (7 show me, 14 tell me), examiners select from 12 approved combinations. A wrong answer scores one minor fault; unsafe demonstration risks a serious or dangerous fault, potentially failing the test.

• Tell me: Explain the process without action, except opening the bonnet for some.
• Show me: Physically operate controls while driving safely, narrating steps.

Complete List of Show Me Questions

Practice these demonstrations in a safe environment like a car park. Always explain aloud to build confidence and clarity for the examiner.

1. Wash and clean the rear windscreen: Activate the rear wash/wipe switch, spray fluid, and wipe until clear. Explain checking fluid levels beforehand.
2. Wash and clean the front windscreen: Use the front washer/wiper stalk, ensuring even coverage and streak-free visibility.
3. Operate the demister controls: Turn on front and rear demisters via dashboard buttons, verifying heated airflow clears condensation.
4. Open and close the side window: Use window controls safely, demonstrating up and down without distraction.
5. Operate the headlights (high and dipped beam): Toggle headlight stalk to sidelights, dipped, and main beam, flashing briefly if needed.
6. Use the horn: Press center horn button for a short, appropriate toot, explaining courteous use.
7. Set the rear demister: Press rear demister button, confirming it activates and timer function.

Complete List of Tell Me Questions with Detailed Answers

For ‘tell me’ questions, provide thorough explanations referencing visual checks, dashboard warnings, and journey tests. Examiners value detail showing genuine comprehension.

1. Check brakes before journey: Press clutch (manual) or brake, test pedal feel—not spongy. During drive, ensure no pulling and ABS light off.
2. Check tyre pressures: Use gauge on cold tyres, compare to door sticker. Inspect tread depth (1.6mm minimum) and condition.
3. Adjust head restraint: Slide to eye level, tilt so back of head touches. Check for play.
4. Check tyres: Tread depth ≥1.6mm, no cracks/bulges, correct pressures, spare if applicable.
5. Check headlights: Walk around vehicle, verify all lights (high/low beam, indicators, brake, fog) illuminate correctly.
6. Check direction indicators: Hazard lights or ask bystander; check dashboard repeater.
7. Check steering control: Turn wheel lock-to-lock, feel for play/judders. Test power steering via dashboard/engine noise.
8. Check seatbelt: Inspect for frays/cuts, test buckle, ensure inertia reel works.
9. Check brake lights: Ask companion to press brake while you observe, or use reflection.
10. Check engine oil level: Open bonnet, dipstick clean/dip/check against marks, top up if low.
11. Check coolant level: Bonnet open, reservoir between min/max when cold, no leaks.
12. Check power steering fluid: Reservoir level correct, fluid clean, no leaks.
13. Check screen wash: Reservoir full, test spray function.
14. Check brake fluid: Reservoir between max/min, fluid clean, lid secure.

Proven Preparation Strategies

Success demands consistent practice. Allocate weekly sessions with your instructor.

• Memorize via flashcards: Question on front, answer on back.
• Verbal rehearsals: Explain to mirror or record yourself.
• Hands-on practice: Perform checks on lesson car, narrate aloud.
• Bonnet familiarity: Locate dipsticks/reservoirs confidently.
• Mock tests: Simulate full test sequence.

Review DVSA updates annually, as questions evolve. Recent 2025 changes emphasize electric vehicle adaptations, like battery checks.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Many fail due to nerves or vagueness. Counter with these insights:

• Don’t confuse show/tell: No actions for tell me unless specified.
• Unsafe show me: Wait for straight road, no junctions.
• Vague answers: Always mention specifics like ‘1.6mm tread’ or ‘spongy pedal’.
• Rush demo: Talk through slowly, maintain vehicle control.
• Forget narration: Verbalize boosts confidence, impresses examiner.

Stats show 15% of fails link to these questions indirectly via faults. Practice mitigates this.

Impact on Test Outcome and Beyond

Perfect responses signal competence, potentially offsetting minor driving errors. Post-pass, these habits prevent breakdowns, MOT fails. For electric cars, adapt: tyre checks same, but fluid levels irrelevant—focus on brakes, lights.

FAQs

What if I get both wrong?

Two minor faults; pass if under 15 total minors, no serious faults.

Can questions change mid-test?

No, fixed DVSA list; check gov.uk for latest.

EV differences?

Similar, but omit irrelevant fluids; emphasize regenerative braking checks.

How to practice alone?

Use parked car, apps with audio questions.

Fault for unsafe show me?

Yes, serious if endangering others.

Advanced Techniques for Confidence

Visualize success: Pre-test mental run-through. Pair with instructor feedback. Apps like Driving Test Success simulate. Group study: Quiz friends. Track progress in journal.

For instructors: Rotate questions randomly. Emphasize safety first.