Learners
What are the ‘show me, tell me’ driving test questions?
How many test questions can you expect?
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 20/10/2025
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 20/10/2025
There’s a lot to remember when you’re doing your practical driving test. As well as knowing whose right of way it is on a mini roundabout and how to parallel park, you’ll need to be ready to answer some questions.
These driving test questions are there to make sure you know how to keep yourself and your car safe. The good news? You can prepare for them before test day.
The Q&A part of your practical test is known as ‘show me, tell me‘. These questions are designed by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and they’re there to make sure that, once you’re on your own behind the wheel, you can keep your car roadworthy and handle basic safety checks.
They ultimately test your ability to spot potential problems before they become serious. After all, knowing how to demist your windscreen or check your tyre pressure isn’t just useful; it could be the difference between a smooth, safe drive and an accident or roadside breakdown.
During your practical test, you’ll answer two questions:
If you’re taking driving lessons with an instructor, they will talk you through these questions so that you can get used to them. You can run through them in between lessons, too.
Should a friend or family member be teaching you to drive, spend some time making sure you’re familiar with the ‘show me, tell me’ part of the driving test.
There are seven possible ‘show me’ questions. The examiner will ask you one of these while you’re driving – remember to stay focused on the road while demonstrating your answer.
The questions are:
Find the rear washer control, push or twist it and hold it until water sprays onto the glass.
Use the front washer control to spray water and clear the windscreen – usually a pull or push on the same stalk.
Turn the headlight switch to the dipped beam setting.
Find the rear demister button, which usually has a rectangular symbol with three upward arrows, and press it.
A quick tap in the centre of the steering wheel is enough – just make sure it’s safe to do so!
Adjust the heating controls to direct air towards the windscreen, increase the fan speed and raise the temperature.
Use the electric window controls (normally on the driver’s door) to lower and raise the window.
There are 14 possible ‘tell me’ questions that you could be asked before you set off in the car. You’ll need to explain how you’d carry out the check.
These questions are:
Press the brake pedal. It should feel firm, not spongy, and the car shouldn’t pull to one side when moving.
In the car’s manual. Use a pressure gauge, check when the tyres are cold and don’t forget the spare!
The rigid part should be at least as high as your eyes or ears and close to the back of your head.
The tread should be at least 1.6mm deep across the middle three-quarters of the tyre, with no cuts or bulges.
Turn them on and walk around the car to check they’re working.
A warning light on the dashboard will illuminate if there’s an issue.
Turn them on and walk around the car or use hazard lights to check all at once.
Press the brake pedal and either check reflections in windows or ask someone to help.
Turn the steering wheel just after starting the engine. It should feel light.
Turn them on using the relevant control when visibility is seriously reduced (less than 100m).
Turn on the headlights, then switch to main beam (usually by pushing the stalk forward).
Open the bonnet and find the dipstick. Remove it, wipe it clean, then dip it back in. When you remove it this time, check the level of fluid on the stick is between the minimum and maximum markers.
Open the bonnet and check the coolant level against the minimum and maximum markers on the tank.
Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the bonnet and ensure the level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
You need to get both questions right when the examiner asks you. Getting one or both questions wrong won’t cause you to fail but it will count as a driving fault (minor fault). Too many minors and you could still fail the test.
However, you’ll fail your test if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer the ‘show me’ question. Remember to focus on your driving and only answer this part when you feel it’s safe. Your examiner will expect you to reply when you’re ready.
Being taught to drive by a friend or family member? If you’re using their car on the day of the driving test, you’ll need to get used to the vehicle so that you can comfortably answer the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.
While you’re learning to drive from your parent or friend, you’ll also need to take out insurance. Cover for learner drivers means you have a policy in place while you’re getting used to being on the road. Better still, if you just want your mum or best mate to take you out for a drive in between your lessons with your instructor, you’re covered then too.
To find out more, get a quote online today. If you have any questions or need further advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Yes! You only need to avoid serious or dangerous faults to pass. Missing a ‘show me, tell me’ question during the driving test isn’t the end of the world. It can be helpful to pass this part of the test, however, as it’s one fewer minor fault that you could receive.
No, they count as minor faults. If you lose control of the car while answering a ‘show me’ question, though, that could be more serious.
If something goes wrong during the ‘tell me’ part of your driving test, don’t stress about it. This question happens before you start driving, so there’s no risk of making a mistake on the road.
If you don’t know the answer or get it wrong, the examiner will mark it as a driving fault (minor fault) but it won’t automatically fail you. Just do your best to answer confidently.
If you realise you’ve made a mistake, correct yourself if you can. If you’re unsure, it’s better to admit it rather than guess. The important thing is to focus on the rest of the test and show the examiner that you’re a safe, capable driver.
If you get flustered, just stay calm. Ask the examiner to repeat the question if you need to but keep driving safely. They won’t fail you for a simple mistake. Just show that you can stay in control.
In your driving test, two vehicle safety questions are posed: a 'tell me' question testing car maintenance knowledge, like checking tyre tread, and a 'show me' question, where you demonstrate a safety task, such as washing the rear windscreen, when safe. Errors may result in minor faults, but dangerous situations during 'show me' can cause test failure. GOV.UK lists possible questions.
The toughest aspects of the driving test will depend on the individual, but they often include navigating busy junctions and roundabouts, executing complex manoeuvres like parallel parking, and mastering clutch control for hill starts. These require precision, observational skills, and coordination, especially under test pressure. However, with ample practice, effective observation, calmness, and mastering basic skills, these challenges can be overcome. Even minor errors aren't catastrophic; maintain focus and continue.
To increase your likelihood of passing the practical driving test, refine your driving skills, especially observation, junction management, and planning. Use mock tests, familiarise yourself with Show Me, Tell Me questions, and rest well before the test. Arrive early, remain calm, and demonstrate confidence, awareness, and defensive driving skills. Remember, success hinges on practice and preparation.
During your driving test, expect questions on road signs, vehicle safety, and driving conditions, such as recognising a 'no entry' sign or checking brake functionality. Situational queries like handling pedestrians at zebra crossings may also be asked. Preparation can boost your confidence. The examiner's aim is to assess your safe driving skills, not to trick you.
Although this very much depends on the individual, parallel parking often challenges learner drivers. It requires precise accuracy and spatial awareness, skills that may not be innate for beginner drivers. The solution to mastering this task? Regular practice.
The UK driving test includes show me, tell me questions on vehicle safety. A tell me question, asked before driving, requires explanation of a safety check, like brake testing. A show me question, asked while driving, requires performance of a safety task, such as washing the rear windscreen. Incorrect responses earn a minor fault. For all potential questions, consult the official GOV.UK site.
Answering a show me, tell me question incorrectly during your driving test is not a fail, but a minor fault. Accumulating many minor faults could affect your overall result. Therefore, thorough preparation is crucial for success. The goal is to demonstrate your understanding of basic car maintenance and safety.
Incorrectly answering a show me, tell me (SMTM) question during your UK driving test results in a minor fault, not failure. You can accrue up to 15 minor faults without failing. However, unsafe execution of the show me task, causing the car to swerve or hit a kerb, or neglecting to check for hazards, can lead to a serious fault. Prioritise safe driving and vehicle control over SMTM questions.
During your driving test, you'll be asked two show me, tell me questions. One show me question requires a safety task demonstration, while the tell me question, asked before you start driving, requires explaining another safety task. Answer these clearly and accurately to demonstrate your understanding of car safety.
In your UK driving test, one 'tell me' question from a possible 14 will be asked at the start, requiring you to verbally explain a vehicle safety check. This tests your understanding of crucial vehicle maintenance and safety procedures, contributing to road safety. You're not expected to physically demonstrate the check.
Incorrect show me, tell me answers in the UK driving test result in minor faults, not immediate failure. However, if you lose control of your car while demonstrating the show me action, it's considered a major fault, leading to failure. Prioritise safe driving and only perform actions when safe.
In your UK practical driving test, two show me, tell me vehicle safety questions are included. The tell me question asks you to explain a safety check before driving, while the show me question, asked during the drive, requires demonstrating a safety task. Incorrect answers may result in a 'minor' fault, but dangerous actions in response to the show me question could cause automatic failure.
There are two primary methods for conducting a brake test. The first involves assessing braking performance between two speeds, such as 60 mph to 0 mph. The second measures the time from brake application to a complete stop, typically triggered by a brake pedal sensor.
Your car's optimal tyre pressure, specified by the manufacturer for your model, is typically found on a sticker on the driver's side door frame, fuel filler flap, or in the owner's manual. The recommended pressures, measured in PSI or Bar, may vary for front and rear tyres. This shouldn't be confused with the maximum pressure on the tyre's sidewall. Regular monthly checks are advised for safe, smooth driving.
The recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle is typically found on a sticker on the driver's side door frame, inside the fuel filler flap, or in the owner's manual. This differs from the maximum pressure on the tyre's sidewall. Check your tyre pressure monthly, remembering that front and rear tyres may require different pressures.
