Show me, tell me questions: all 21 answers

What the examiner will ask on the practical test

On the UK practical driving test, the examiner asks one “tell me” question before you start driving and one “show me” question while you are driving. These are the DVSA vehicle safety questions. There are 21 in total: 14 “tell me” questions and 7 “show me” questions.

If you answer one or both incorrectly, you will usually get one driving fault. You do not fail just for forgetting where the rear fog light switch is. However, if you lose proper control while doing a “show me” task, such as drifting because you are staring at the dashboard, that can become a serious or dangerous fault.

What I see most often in the mirror is not a lack of knowledge; it is panic. Learners know the answer, then rush it. In lessons, I drill these as short routines: answer, demonstrate if safe, then move on. The examiner is not looking for a mechanic. They want to see you understand basic safety checks and can operate essential controls safely.

The 14 “tell me” questions and answers

These are asked at the test centre before you move off. You normally explain the check rather than physically doing a full maintenance task. If a check needs the bonnet open, the examiner may ask you to open it, but you are not expected to touch hot engine parts or dismantle anything.

• Brakes: Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey. Answer: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. They should be tested as you set off, and the vehicle should not pull to one side.
• Tyres: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures and how tyre pressures should be checked. Answer: Use the vehicle handbook or manufacturer’s plate. Check pressures with a reliable gauge when tyres are cold, include the spare if fitted, and refit valve caps.
• Head restraint: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted. Answer: The rigid part should be at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as practical. Some restraints are not adjustable.
• Tyre condition: Tell me how you would check tyres have sufficient tread depth and are safe. Answer: There should be no cuts or bulges, and at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the whole circumference.
• Headlights and tail lights: Tell me how you would check they are working. Answer: Turn them on, then walk round the vehicle to check. You do not need to physically walk round on test if the examiner is asking for an explanation.
• ABS: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system. Answer: A warning light should stay on if there is a fault.
• Indicators: Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working. Answer: Switch on the hazard warning lights and walk round to check all indicators are flashing.
• Brake lights: Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working. Answer: Operate the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
• Power steering: Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey. Answer: Gentle pressure on the steering wheel while starting the engine should result in a slight movement, or the steering should feel light as you move off.
• Rear fog lights: Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them. Answer: Turn on dipped headlights, then switch on the rear fog lights. Check the warning light. Use them when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres.
• Dipped headlights: Tell me how you switch headlights from dipped to main beam and how you know main beam is on. Answer: Operate the main beam control and check the blue main beam warning light.
• Engine oil: Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient oil. Answer: Identify the dipstick or electronic oil indicator, check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers, following the handbook.
• Engine coolant: Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient coolant. Answer: Identify the coolant reservoir and check the level is between the minimum and maximum marks. Do not open it when hot.
• Windscreen washer fluid: Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the washer fluid level. Answer: Identify the washer reservoir and check the level. Top it up as needed.

The 7 “show me” questions and answers

The “show me” question is asked while you are driving. The examiner will choose a suitable moment. If it is not safe, keep control and say you will do it when safe. That is better than swerving while trying to find a button.

Practise these in your instructor’s car and in any car you may use for private practice. Controls vary, but the principle is the same: quick glance, operate, eyes back to the road.

• Wash and clean the rear windscreen: Use the rear washer/wiper control. Keep steering steady and avoid looking down for more than a quick glance.
• Wash and clean the front windscreen: Use the front washer/wiper control. Make sure the screen clears and keep your speed and position steady.
• Switch on dipped headlights: Operate the dipped headlight switch. You do not need to stop unless the control is awkward or unsafe to use while moving.
• Set the rear demister: Press or turn on the rear window demister control. The symbol is usually a rectangle with wavy lines.
• Operate the horn: Press the horn control, but only when it is safe and legal. Do not use it while stationary on the road unless there is danger.
• Demist the front windscreen: Use the heater, fan, air direction and demist setting. In many cars, there is a dedicated front screen demist button.
• Open and close the side window: Use the electric or manual window control on your side, then close it again.

How I teach learners to remember them

I split the questions into three groups: outside checks, under-bonnet checks and cockpit controls. Most learners find it easier than trying to memorise a long DVSA list in order. The order does not matter on test. The wording does matter enough that your answer should cover the safety point.

For intensive courses, including Fast Track Driving Lessons courses from 10 to 40 hours at £61.23 per hour, I normally cover these early and then repeat them in short bursts. Two minutes at the start of a lesson is enough if it is done regularly. Theory knowledge helps too, so using free theory test practice at /theory is a sensible way to keep roadworthiness rules fresh.

1. 1Learn the 14 “tell me” questions from the DVSA wording, not from random social media clips.
2. 2Sit in the car and point to each relevant control: lights, fog light, demisters, horn, windows and washers.
3. 3Open the bonnet with your instructor and identify oil, coolant and washer fluid. Do not guess on test day.
4. 4Practise each “show me” task at 20 to 30mph on a quiet road, keeping your lane position steady.
5. 5Give short answers. For example: “Minimum 1.6mm across the central three-quarters and all the way round.”

What does not matter as much as learners think

You do not need to quote pages from the Highway Code. You do not need to know how to change a tyre, bleed brakes or service an engine. You also do not need to use exactly the same words as DVSA, provided your answer is correct and safe.

It also does not matter if your instructor’s car has different switches from your parents’ car. The examiner assesses whether you can operate the vehicle you bring to test. If you are taking the test in an unfamiliar car, spend time learning the controls before you drive to the test centre.

What does matter is control during the “show me” question. If you need an extra second, take it. Keep both hands where possible, check the road ahead, and avoid hunting through menus on a touchscreen while the car is moving. A calm “I’ll do that when it’s safe” is perfectly reasonable.

Test-day tips for the vehicle safety questions

Before the test, check the car is roadworthy: tyres legal, lights working, mirrors secure, washer fluid topped up, and no warning lights showing that make the car unsuitable. If your car is not suitable for test, the examiner can refuse to conduct it and you may lose your fee.

DVSA test fees can change, so always check GOV.UK when booking. The same applies to waiting times, which vary by test centre and time of year. The vehicle safety questions themselves are published by DVSA, so learn from the official list and practise them in the car you will actually use.

• Arrive knowing how to open the bonnet from inside and where the safety catch is.
• Check the horn only where it is legal and appropriate, not just because you are nervous.
• If the examiner asks a “show me” question on a busy road, keep driving safely first.
• If you make a mistake, correct it calmly. One fault is not the end of the test.
• Do not turn rear fog lights on unless asked or conditions require them.