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If you’re preparing for your practical driving test in the UK, understanding Show Me Tell Me questions is essential. These vehicle safety questions form an important part of the test and can make the difference between a pass and a fail. Many learners focus heavily on driving skills but overlook this section, even though it’s relatively easy marks if you prepare properly.
In this complete guide, we’ll explain what Show Me Tell Me questions are, when they are asked, provide examples, and share tips to help you answer confidently on test day.
Show Me Tell Me questions are vehicle safety questions asked during the UK practical driving test. They are designed to check your knowledge of basic car maintenance and safety checks.
The questions are split into two parts:
“Tell Me” question – Asked at the start of the driving test, before you begin driving.
“Show Me” question – Asked during the driving test while you are driving.
The examiner will ask one Tell Me question and one Show Me question. You must answer both correctly to avoid faults.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) includes Show Me Tell Me questions to ensure that new drivers understand basic vehicle safety. Knowing how to check your lights, tyres, brakes, and fluid levels is crucial for safe driving.
If you answer one or both questions incorrectly, you will receive one driving fault (also known as a minor fault). While one minor fault won’t fail you, it’s always best to avoid unnecessary mistakes.
Remember: too many minor faults (15 or more) will result in a test failure.
Since the 2017 driving test changes:
The Tell Me question is asked at the beginning of the test before you start driving.
The Show Me question is asked during the driving section of the test.
For the Show Me question, you must demonstrate how to operate a control safely while continuing to drive. The examiner will ensure it is safe before asking you.
Here are some common Tell Me questions you might be asked:
You would explain that the brakes should not feel spongy or slack, and the car should not pull to one side when braking.
You would say in the vehicle manufacturer’s guide or handbook.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part is at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears and close to the back of the head.
You would explain that the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre around the entire circumference.
You would describe using the dipstick to check oil level against minimum and maximum markers.
Practicing these responses will help you answer confidently and clearly.
Here are examples of Show Me questions asked while driving:
You would operate the correct control to activate the washer and wipers.
Turn on the headlights using the appropriate control.
Operate the rear heated window control.
Press the horn (only when safe and appropriate).
Adjust the heating and airflow controls accordingly.
Always keep your eyes on the road and maintain full control of the vehicle while performing these tasks.
Preparation is simple but essential. Here’s how to get ready:
There is a fixed list of possible Show Me Tell Me questions. Ask your instructor for the full list or check the DVSA website.
Different cars have slightly different controls. Make sure you know exactly where everything is located.
Instead of just memorising answers, understand why checks are important. This makes it easier to explain naturally.
Confidence matters. Practice answering clearly and calmly.
The examiner is not trying to trick you. Listen carefully and answer what is being asked.
Many learners lose marks unnecessarily. Here are common errors:
Giving incomplete answers
Confusing oil checks with coolant checks
Forgetting the legal tyre tread depth (1.6mm)
Taking eyes off the road for too long during a Show Me question
Panicking and overthinking the question
Avoiding these mistakes increases your chances of a clean sheet.
The DVSA occasionally updates test formats, but the core Show Me Tell Me questions remain fairly consistent. Always check for the latest guidance before your test.
You will receive:
1 minor fault for one incorrect answer
1 minor fault total if both are incorrect
They cannot directly cause a serious fault unless your driving becomes unsafe while answering a Show Me question.
To succeed with Show Me Tell Me questions:
Revise all official questions
Practice regularly
Stay relaxed
Keep control of the vehicle at all times
Answer clearly and confidently
Remember, this section of the test is one of the easiest to prepare for. With just a little effort, you can secure these marks and boost your confidence before the driving portion even begins.
Mastering Show Me Tell Me questions is a key part of passing your UK driving test. While they may seem small compared to the driving element, they demonstrate your understanding of essential vehicle safety checks.
By studying the official questions, practicing in your car, and staying calm during the test, you can handle this section with ease. Preparation is the key to success.