All exams/Show me tell me questions
Show me tell me questions (2026): the full list with answers
On a UK car driving test the examiner asks you 2 vehicle safety questions: one “tell me” before you start driving and one “show me” while you drive. DVSA’s list has 14 “tell me” and 7 “show me” questions. A wrong answer is one driving fault, and you fail only if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer the “show me”.
14 tell me questions · 7 show me questions · Free quiz · FAQ
The 14 “tell me” questions and answers
Asked at the start of the test, before you drive. Questions 12, 13 and 14 are the bonnet questions: you open the bonnet and tell the examiner how you would do the check.
1Tell 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.
Remember: Firm, not spongy, and straight: test them as you set off.
2Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Remember: Manufacturer’s guide, reliable gauge, cold tyres, spare, valve caps.
3Tell 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.
Remember: Top of the head restraint level with your eyes or the top of your ears, and close to your head.
4Tell 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.
Remember: No cuts or bulges, and at least 1.6 mm across the middle three-quarters and all the way round.
5Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
Remember: Say you would work the switch, then walk round the car. You do not have to get out.
6Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Remember: A warning light on the dashboard comes on.
7Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
Remember: Same pattern as the lights: operate the switch, then walk round the car.
8Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
Remember: Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
9Tell 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, 2 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.
Remember: Heavy steering is the warning sign. Pressure on the wheel while you start the engine should give a slight movement, or turn the wheel just after moving off.
10Tell 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.
Remember: Switch on (dipped headlights and ignition on if needed), check the warning light, and explain when you would use them.
11Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Remember: Operate the switch and check the main beam warning light.
12Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
Remember: Find the dipstick or oil level indicator and read the level between minimum and maximum. You open the bonnet and tell the examiner.
13Open 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.
Remember: Find the high and low markings on the header tank (or the radiator filler cap) and say how you would top up to the right level.
14Open 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. You need to open the bonnet and tell the examiner how you’d do the check if you’re asked question 12, 13 or 14.
Remember: Find the reservoir and check the level against the high and low markings.
The 7 “show me” questions
Asked while you are driving, when it is safe to do so. DVSA publishes the questions but no written answers, because you demonstrate the control. The guidance below is ours and is general: where the control is varies between cars, so find each one in the car you will take your test in.
1When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Find the control for the rear washer and wiper and operate it. On many cars it is a stalk or switch near the steering wheel, but where it is varies by car.
2When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Use the front washer and wiper control, usually a stalk. Know which way to pull or press it before your test.
3When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
Find the light switch and select the dipped beam (ignition on if needed). A dashboard light confirms the headlights are on.
4When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
Find the rear heated screen button and press it (ignition on if needed). Many cars show a small light on the button when it is on.
5When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
Press the horn briefly, usually in the centre of the steering wheel, and only when it is safe to do so.
6When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
Set the heater or air conditioning controls to send air to the windscreen, with the fan on and temperature up, or use the front demist button if the car has one.
7When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Use the window switch or handle to open and close the side window. Check it moves fully and smoothly.
Free “tell me” quiz
Fourteen quick multiple-choice questions, one per “tell me” question. Free, no sign-up.
As you set off, what should the brakes feel like if they are working properly?
Common questions
DVSA's list for the car driving test has 21: 14 “tell me” questions and 7 “show me” questions. On the day you are asked 2: one “tell me” and one “show me”.
The examiner asks the “tell me” question at the start of your test, before you start driving. The “show me” question comes while you are driving.
You get one driving fault (sometimes called a “minor”) if you get one or both questions wrong. You fail only if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer the “show me” question.
Only for tell me questions 12, 13 and 14 (engine oil, coolant and brake fluid): DVSA's answer says you need to open the bonnet and tell the examiner how you would do the check.
Yes. DVSA publishes separate lists for other types of test. This page covers the car list.
The questions and the “tell me” answers are DVSA's, reproduced from GOV.UK under the Open Government Licence v3.0. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA. The quiz questions, tips and “show me” guidance are our own.
Source: DVSA, “Car ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions”, GOV.UK (page last updated 4 December 2017; read 14 October 2026). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The official questions and “tell me” answers are DVSA’s. The “remember” lines, “show me” guidance and quiz are our own writing. QuizCram is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.