Understanding ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions: Essential Guide for Learner Drivers

Picture this: you’ve been practising your manoeuvres, you’ve got your three-point turns sorted, and you’re feeling confident about your upcoming driving test. Then someone mentions those mysterious ‘show me, tell me’ questions, and suddenly you’re wondering what on earth they’re talking about. Don’t worry – we’ve all been there, and it’s completely normal to feel a bit uncertain about this part of your test.

These vehicle safety questions are designed to check that you understand basic car maintenance and can perform simple safety checks that every driver should know. The good news is that once you understand what’s expected, these questions become much less intimidating. You’ll get one ‘tell me’ question at the start of your test where you’ll explain how to check something, and one ‘show me’ question during your drive where you’ll demonstrate a skill.

We’re here to walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding what examiners are looking for to mastering those essential vehicle checks. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll feel prepared and confident about tackling these questions head-on. After all, this knowledge isn’t just about passing your test – it’s about becoming a safer, more responsible driver for life.

What Are ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions?

These questions form part of every UK driving test and check your knowledge of basic vehicle safety. The DVSA uses them to ensure you can maintain your car safely once you pass.

Purpose in the UK Driving Test

The DVSA introduced these questions to make sure new drivers understand essential vehicle checks. We think it’s brilliant that they focus on real-world skills you’ll actually need.

Safety comes first in everything the DVSA does. These questions test whether you know how to spot potential problems before they become dangerous. You’ll need to show you can check tyres, lights, and fluids properly.

The questions also prove you understand your responsibilities as a driver. Once you pass your test, you’re legally required to keep your vehicle roadworthy. These checks help you do exactly that.

Your driving instructor should cover all these topics during lessons. Don’t worry if some seem tricky at first. Most learners find them straightforward once they practise a few times.

Overview of Question Types

You’ll face exactly two questions during your practical test. The examiner asks one ‘tell me’ question before you start driving and one ‘show me’ question whilst you’re on the road.

Tell me questions happen at the beginning of your test. You’ll explain how you’d carry out a safety check without actually doing it. For example, you might describe how to check tyre tread depth or brake fluid levels.

The examiner might ask you to open the bonnet for some tell me questions. Don’t panic if you’ve never done this before. Your instructor will show you exactly where everything is located.

Show me questions occur whilst you’re driving. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate something when it’s safe to do so. These cover simple tasks like operating windscreen wipers or switching on headlights.

How Examiners Assess Responses

Getting one or both questions wrong results in one driving fault. This won’t cause you to fail your test unless you accumulate too many other faults.

However, you can fail if your driving becomes dangerous whilst answering the show me question. The examiner prioritises road safety above everything else. If you need to concentrate on a tricky junction, they’ll wait for a safer moment.

Your answers don’t need to be word-perfect. The examiner wants to see you understand the safety principles behind each check. Speaking clearly and confidently helps demonstrate your knowledge.

Most learners find these questions less stressful than other parts of the test. The key is practising regularly with your instructor until the checks become second nature.

Why Vehicle Safety Matters on Your Test and Beyond

Vehicle safety checks aren’t just test requirements. They protect you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road whilst building essential habits that last throughout your driving life.

The Role of Safety Checks in Preventing Accidents

When we properly check our vehicles, we catch problems before they become dangerous. A quick tyre inspection can spot wear that might cause a blowout on the motorway. Testing your brakes can reveal issues that could leave you unable to stop safely.

Critical safety checks prevent these common accidents:

• Worn tyres cause skidding in wet conditions
• Faulty lights lead to rear-end collisions
• Poor visibility from dirty windscreens causes crashes
• Brake problems result in serious incidents

The vehicle safety questions on your test mirror real-world checks every driver should do. When you know how to check your oil level or test your indicators, you’re actively preventing breakdowns and accidents.

These checks take just minutes but save lives. A driver who spots low brake fluid prevents a potential crash. Someone who notices a bulging tyre avoids a dangerous blowout.

We often hear about accidents that could have been prevented with simple vehicle maintenance. Your examiner asks these questions because they want you to develop this mindset from day one.

Building Good Vehicle Habits for Life

The safety checks you learn for your test become second nature with practice. We want you to automatically check your mirrors, test your lights, and monitor your tyres without thinking about it.

Start building these habits now:

• Check tyres weekly for damage and tread depth
• Test lights monthly, including indicators and brake lights
• Monitor fluid levels regularly
• Adjust mirrors and seat position before every journey

These habits protect your investment too. Regular checks help you spot problems early, saving expensive repairs later. A car that’s properly maintained runs better and lasts longer.

Your examiner wants to see that you understand vehicle responsibility. When you confidently answer vehicle safety questions, you demonstrate that you’ll be a responsible driver who takes care of their car.

The best drivers we know treat these checks as routine. They become as automatic as putting on your seatbelt or checking your mirrors.

Common Safety Mistakes to Avoid

Many learners panic when asked vehicle safety questions, but the mistakes are usually simple to fix. We see the same errors repeatedly, and knowing them helps you avoid them.

Don’t make these common mistakes:

• Rushing through explanations without being clear
• Forgetting to mention you’d turn on the ignition first
• Not knowing where to find basic components like the dipstick
• Giving vague answers instead of specific details

For brake checks, don’t just say “test the brakes.” Explain that you’d check they’re not spongy, test them as you set off, and ensure the car doesn’t pull to one side.

When discussing lights, remember to mention you’d walk around the vehicle to check them properly. For tyre checks, be specific about the 1.6mm tread depth requirement.

The biggest mistake is not practising these questions beforehand. Spend time with your instructor going through each one until you can answer confidently. Practice in your own car if possible, so you know where everything is located.

We recommend practising these checks regularly, not just before your test. This builds genuine understanding rather than just memorising answers.

Breaking Down Tell Me Questions

Tell me questions happen before you start driving and test your knowledge of vehicle safety checks through verbal explanations. You’ll need to demonstrate understanding of brake systems, fluid levels, lighting controls, and tyre maintenance without physically performing the tasks.

Understanding the Tell Me Approach

Tell me questions are all about explaining your knowledge rather than showing practical skills. The examiner asks these at the very beginning of your test, before you’ve even turned the key.

You’ll describe how you’d carry out specific safety checks. Think of it as talking through your process step by step. The examiner wants to hear that you understand why these checks matter, not just what buttons to press.

We find learner drivers often worry about getting every word perfect. Don’t stress about this! The examiner is looking for your understanding of the safety principle behind each check.

Your explanation should be clear and logical. Start with what you’d look for, then explain how you’d check it. Finally, mention what would indicate a problem.

Key Tell Me Topics and Example Questions

The most common tell me questions cover essential safety systems you’ll use every time you drive.

Brake system checks include testing that brakes don’t feel spongy or slack, and checking the vehicle doesn’t pull to one side. You might also be asked about the anti-lock braking system warning light or hydraulic brake fluid levels in the reservoir.

Lighting questions focus on headlights, tail lights, direction indicators, and brake lights. You’ll explain operating switches and walking around the vehicle to check each light works properly.

Under-the-bonnet checks require you to identify the dipstick for engine oil level, locate engine coolant level markings, or find the brake fluid reservoir. Some cars have a radiator filler cap instead of a separate coolant tank.

Tyre and steering topics cover checking tyre pressures using a reliable gauge, and testing power-assisted steering by feeling for slight movement when starting the engine.

Hints for Explaining Vehicle Checks Clearly

Start your answers with action words that show you know the process. Say “I would operate the switch” or “I’d check the level against the markings.”

Be specific about safety details. For head restraint adjustment, mention the rigid part should reach eye level or top of your ears. When discussing rear fog lights or dipped headlights, explain when you’d use them.

Break complex checks into simple steps. For tyre inspections, first mention checking for cuts and bulges, then explain the 1.6mm tread depth rule across the central three-quarters of the tyre.

Remember that some questions don’t require you to exit the vehicle. When asked about direction indicators or lighting checks, clarify that you’d walk around afterwards to verify everything works.

Practice explaining these checks to friends or family. The more comfortable you become with the vocabulary and process, the more confident you’ll sound during your test.

Mastering Show Me Questions During Your Test

Show me questions happen whilst you’re actually driving, testing your ability to locate and operate essential controls safely. You’ll need to demonstrate practical skills like activating headlights or using the horn without compromising your driving.

When and How You’ll Be Asked

Your examiner will ask one show me question during the driving portion of your test. This typically happens when you’re driving at a steady pace on quieter roads.

The timing isn’t random. Your examiner chooses moments when you can safely take one hand off the steering wheel. They’ll never ask during complex manoeuvres or busy traffic situations.

Common timing includes:

• Straight stretches of road
• When following other vehicles at safe distances
• During less demanding driving conditions
• Never during reversing or parking

The examiner will say something like “When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?” You should acknowledge their request and wait for an appropriate moment.

Safety comes first. If you’re approaching a roundabout or junction, wait until you’ve navigated it safely. The examiner appreciates candidates who prioritise road safety over immediate responses.

Show Me Scenarios: What You Might Need to Demonstrate

The DVSA has specific controls you might be asked to demonstrate. Each one tests your familiarity with essential safety equipment.

Lighting controls are popular choices. You might demonstrate dipped headlights, rear fog light activation, or hazard warning lights. These controls are usually found on stalks beside the steering wheel.

Signalling systems include direction indicators and brake lights. For brake lights, you’ll gently press the brake pedal whilst stationary. Direction indicators involve moving the indicator stalk up or down.

The horn is another common request. Simply press the horn button on your steering wheel briefly. Don’t worry about disturbing other road users during your test.

Comfort features like the rear demister might come up. This usually involves pressing a button on your dashboard marked with a symbol showing wavy lines on a rear windscreen.

Power-assisted steering questions focus on identifying warning signs. You’ll need to explain what you’d notice if the system failed, such as heavier steering feel.

Effective Practice Strategies

Start practising in your instructor’s car well before your test date. Familiarise yourself with every control’s location so you can find them instinctively.

Create a mental map of your dashboard and steering controls. Know where each switch, button, and stalk is positioned. This reduces the time you’ll spend searching during your test.

Practice whilst stationary first. Locate each control repeatedly until it becomes automatic. Then progress to finding them whilst your instructor supervises your driving.

Use different vehicles if possible. Controls vary between car models, but the basic principles remain the same. This builds confidence for test day.

Combine practice with regular lessons. Ask your instructor to call out random show me questions during normal driving. This simulates test conditions perfectly.

Stay calm under pressure. If you can’t locate a control immediately, don’t panic. Take your time and explain what you’re looking for. Examiners appreciate honest communication over rushed mistakes.

Remember that one incorrect show me question won’t automatically fail your test. It counts as a minor fault, so maintain your confidence throughout.

Essential Vehicle Checks: What You Need to Know

Vehicle safety checks form the backbone of responsible driving, covering everything from your lighting systems to the mechanical components that keep you safe on the road. These checks ensure your car remains roadworthy and help you spot potential problems before they become dangerous.

Lights and Indicators: Keeping Yourself Visible

Your lighting system serves as your primary communication tool with other road users. We need to understand how each component works and when to use them properly.

Headlights come in two main settings that you’ll use regularly. Dipped headlights provide standard illumination for night driving and poor weather conditions. To check them, turn on the ignition, operate the light switch, then walk around your vehicle to confirm they’re working.

Main beam headlights offer maximum visibility on unlit roads. You’ll know they’re active when the blue warning light appears on your dashboard.

Direction indicators signal your intentions to other drivers. Test them by turning on the ignition, operating the indicator switch, and checking each corner of your vehicle. Listen for the clicking sound that confirms they’re functioning.

Brake lights alert drivers behind you when you’re slowing down. Check these by pressing the brake pedal and using reflections in shop windows or asking someone to help you verify they illuminate.

Rear fog lights become essential during heavy fog or snow when visibility drops below 100 metres. Remember to switch them off once conditions improve, as they can dazzle other drivers unnecessarily.

Tyres, Brakes, and Steering: Your First Line of Defence

These mechanical systems directly impact your ability to control and stop your vehicle safely. Regular checks help prevent dangerous failures.

Tyre condition requires careful attention to both tread depth and overall condition. We look for the legal minimum of 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of each tyre. Check for cuts, bulges, or uneven wear patterns that could indicate alignment problems.

Tyre pressures affect handling, fuel economy, and safety. Find the recommended pressures in your manufacturer’s handbook or on a label inside the driver’s door frame. Always check pressures when tyres are cold, and don’t forget your spare tyre.

Brakes should feel firm and responsive when you press the pedal. They shouldn’t feel spongy or require excessive pressure. Test them gently as you begin your journey, ensuring the car doesn’t pull to one side.

Power-assisted steering makes controlling your vehicle much easier. If it fails, steering becomes noticeably heavy. Check it by applying gentle pressure to the steering wheel whilst starting the engine. You should feel slight movement as the system activates.

The anti-lock braking system prevents wheel lockup during emergency stops. A dashboard warning light will illuminate if there’s a fault with this crucial safety feature.

Under the Bonnet: Fluid Levels and Vital Components

Your examiner will expect you to locate key reservoirs and explain how you’d check fluid levels using minimum and maximum markers. These checks involve identifying the dipstick for engine oil and understanding how coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen wash levels keep your vehicle running safely.

Engine Oil: Checking Like a Pro

When we talk about checking your engine oil level, you’ll need to locate the dipstick under the bonnet first. This metal rod slides into the engine and shows you exactly how much oil you’ve got.

The dipstick has clear markings. Look for minimum and maximum lines or textured areas that indicate safe oil levels. Your oil should sit between these two points, never below the minimum mark.

Here’s what we recommend for a proper check:

• Pull the dipstick out completely
• Clean it with a cloth or tissue
• Push it back down fully
• Remove it again to get an accurate reading

The oil film on the dipstick tells the story. You’ll see a wet line where the oil reaches. If it’s between the min and max markers, you’re golden. Below the minimum? Time to top up before driving.

Remember, you won’t actually perform this check during your test. You’ll simply point out the dipstick location and explain the process to your examiner.

Coolant, Brake Fluid, and More

The engine coolant level lives in a plastic reservoir with clear minimum and maximum markings on the side. We can usually spot this tank easily because it’s translucent and sits near the radiator filler cap.

Your coolant should always sit between those high and low markers. Never remove the radiator filler cap when the engine’s hot, as pressurised coolant can cause serious burns.

The brake fluid reservoir holds your hydraulic brake fluid and typically sits near the back of the engine bay. This vital component ensures your brakes work properly every time you press the pedal.

Check the brake fluid level against the markings on the reservoir’s side. The fluid should never drop below the minimum line, as this could mean your brakes won’t function safely.

Other fluids to identify include:

• Windscreen washer fluid (usually the largest reservoir)
• Power steering fluid (if your car has hydraulic steering)

Each reservoir has clear markings showing safe operating levels. During your test, you’ll point these out and explain how you’d top them up to the correct level when needed.

Top Tips to Prepare for ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Success

Getting ready for these vehicle safety questions takes a bit of strategy and practice. We’ll share practical ways to use your driving lessons effectively, make the most of official resources, and build the confidence you need for test day.

Making the Most of Your Driving Lessons

Your driving lessons are the perfect place to tackle these questions head-on. We recommend asking your instructor to dedicate time specifically to ‘show me, tell me’ practice during each lesson.

Most learners benefit from hands-on practice with different car models. Each vehicle has slightly different control layouts, so familiarising yourself with various setups builds flexibility.

Create a routine with your instructor:

• Practice one or two questions at the start of each lesson
• Ask to use different cars if your driving school has a fleet
• Request that your instructor watches you demonstrate each action
• Get feedback on your explanations and technique

Don’t just memorise the answers. We encourage you to understand the why behind each safety check. When you grasp why tyre tread depth matters or how brake warning lights keep you safe, your explanations sound more natural and confident.

Many instructors use role-play exercises where they act as the examiner. This approach helps you get comfortable with the format and timing of responses.

Quick tip: Keep a small notebook in your bag and jot down any controls or procedures that felt tricky during your lesson. Review these notes before your next session.

Using Official DVSA Resources

The DVSA provides excellent materials that mirror exactly what you’ll face on test day. We always point learners towards these official resources first, as they’re the most accurate and up-to-date.

Visit the official DVSA website for the complete list of current questions. These resources include detailed explanations and the specific wording examiners use.

Essential DVSA materials to study:

• Official question bank with model answers
• Vehicle safety check videos
• Highway Code sections on vehicle maintenance
• Practice scenarios and example responses

We suggest printing out the question list and sticking it somewhere visible at home. Regular exposure helps information stick in your memory without intense cramming sessions.

The DVSA’s video demonstrations show proper technique for each safety check. Watch these multiple times and pay attention to the specific language used in explanations.

Smart study approach: Focus on understanding the principles rather than memorising word-for-word answers. Examiners appreciate clear, logical explanations that show genuine understanding.

Confidence on Test Day

Test day nerves can make even well-prepared learners stumble over simple questions. We’ve found that mental preparation matters just as much as technical knowledge.

Arrive early and use those extra minutes to sit quietly in the car. Familiarise yourself with the specific vehicle’s layout, as this might differ slightly from your usual lesson car.

Confidence boosters that work:

• Take three deep breaths before answering each question
• Speak slowly and clearly (rushing leads to mistakes)
• If you’re unsure, say “Let me just locate that control” rather than panicking
• Remember that one mistake won’t fail your entire test

Practice positive self-talk in the weeks leading up to your test. Replace “What if I forget everything?” with “I’ve prepared well and know these safety checks.”

During the examination: Listen carefully to each question and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed. Examiners want you to succeed and will repeat questions if you didn’t hear properly.

We remind all our learners that these questions test practical safety knowledge you’ll use throughout your driving life. You’re not just passing a test; you’re proving you can keep yourself and others safe on the road.

Stay positive and trust your preparation. You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

New drivers often have specific concerns about vehicle safety checks and proper car maintenance. These practical questions cover essential skills like bonnet inspections, headrest positioning, tyre assessments, brake light testing, dashboard warning responses, and appropriate horn usage.

What should I check under the bonnet before starting my engine?

When we open the bonnet, we need to focus on three critical fluid levels that keep our car running safely. The engine oil is our first priority, and we’ll find the dipstick or oil level indicator to check against the minimum and maximum markers.

Next, we’ll locate the coolant reservoir. We’re looking for the high and low level markings on the header tank or radiator filler cap to ensure our engine won’t overheat.

Finally, we must check the brake fluid reservoir. This vital safety component should sit between the high and low markings to ensure our braking system functions properly.

How can I ensure my car’s headrest is correctly adjusted for safe driving?

Proper headrest positioning can make a tremendous difference in protecting us during a collision. We want the rigid part of the headrest positioned at least as high as our eyes or the top of our ears.

The headrest should sit as close to the back of our head as feels comfortable. This positioning provides maximum protection for our neck and spine if we’re involved in an accident.

Some headrests aren’t adjustable, but when they are, taking a moment to set them correctly is one of the simplest safety measures we can take.

Could you guide me through the steps to check tyre pressure and tread depth?

We’ll find the recommended tyre pressures in our manufacturer’s guide, and we should always check pressures when tyres are cold for accurate readings. A reliable pressure gauge is essential, and we mustn’t forget to check our spare tyre too.

For tread depth, we need at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s width. This measurement applies around the entire outer circumference as well.

We should also inspect for cuts and bulges that could indicate damage. Don’t forget to refit the valve caps after checking pressures, as they help keep dirt and moisture out.

What’s the proper way to test the functionality of my brake lights?

Testing brake lights requires a bit of creativity since we can’t see them whilst sitting in the driver’s seat. The simplest method involves pressing the brake pedal and using reflections in windows, doors, or shop fronts to check if the lights illuminate.

Alternatively, we can ask someone to help by standing behind the car whilst we operate the brake pedal. This method gives us the most reliable confirmation that our brake lights are working properly.

Some modern cars have three brake lights, so we want to ensure all of them are functioning correctly for maximum visibility to other drivers.

Can you tell me how I should respond if a warning light appears on my dashboard?

Dashboard warning lights are our car’s way of communicating potential problems, and we shouldn’t ignore them. Each light has a specific meaning, from engine issues to brake system faults.

The anti-lock braking system warning light, for example, indicates a fault with this safety feature. When any warning light appears, we should consult our owner’s manual immediately to understand what it means.

Some warnings require immediate attention and mean we should stop driving, whilst others allow us to continue but need addressing soon. Never assume a warning light will simply go away on its own.

In what situations would I need to use the car’s horn, and how can I do so appropriately?

We should use our horn to alert other road users to our presence when necessary, but never as a tool for expressing frustration or anger. Common appropriate uses include warning pedestrians who haven’t seen us or alerting other drivers to potential hazards.

The horn works by pressing the centre of our steering wheel or the designated horn button. We should use it sparingly and only when it genuinely improves road safety.

Late at night or in built-up areas, we should be particularly considerate about horn use. A gentle tap is often more appropriate than a long blast, and sometimes a flash of headlights can be just as effective.