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.







What Are Show Me Tell Me Questions?



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.







Why Are Show Me Tell Me Questions Important?



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.







When Are Show Me Tell Me Questions Asked?



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.







Common Tell Me Questions (Examples)



Here are some common Tell Me questions you might be asked:



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



You would explain that the brakes should not feel spongy or slack, and the car should not pull to one side when braking.



2. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures.



You would say in the vehicle manufacturer’s guide or handbook.



3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.



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.



4. Tell me how you check the tyres have sufficient tread depth.



You would explain that the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre around the entire circumference.



5. Tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient oil.



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.







Common Show Me Questions (Examples)



Here are examples of Show Me questions asked while driving:



1. Show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen.



You would operate the correct control to activate the washer and wipers.



2. Show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights.



Turn on the headlights using the appropriate control.



3. Show me how you would set the rear demister.



Operate the rear heated window control.



4. Show me how you would operate the horn.



Press the horn (only when safe and appropriate).



5. Show me how you would demist the front windscreen.



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.







How to Prepare for Show Me Tell Me Questions



Preparation is simple but essential. Here’s how to get ready:



1. Study the Official DVSA List



There is a fixed list of possible Show Me Tell Me questions. Ask your instructor for the full list or check the DVSA website.



2. Practice in Your Instructor’s Car



Different cars have slightly different controls. Make sure you know exactly where everything is located.



3. Understand, Don’t Memorise Blindly



Instead of just memorising answers, understand why checks are important. This makes it easier to explain naturally.



4. Practice Saying Answers Out Loud



Confidence matters. Practice answering clearly and calmly.



5. Stay Calm During the Test



The examiner is not trying to trick you. Listen carefully and answer what is being asked.







Common Mistakes to Avoid



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.







Do Show Me Tell Me Questions Change?



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.







How Many Marks Are Show Me Tell Me Questions Worth?



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.







Final Tips for Success



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.







Conclusion



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.