The show me tell me questions are two vehicle safety questions you’re asked on your driving test. They’re easy marks once you know them, and we practise them on lessons so they feel second nature by test day.
How they work
- One ‘tell me’ question is asked at the start, before you drive. You explain how you’d carry out a safety check.
- One ‘show me’ question is asked while you’re driving. You show the examiner how to use a control, when it’s safe.
How they’re marked
Getting one or both wrong is just one driving fault (a minor). But if your driving becomes dangerous, or potentially dangerous, while you’re doing the show me task, that’s a fail. So keep your eyes on the road and only do it when it’s safe.
The ‘tell me’ questions
- Brakes: they should feel firm, not spongy, and the car shouldn’t pull to one side when you test them as you set off.
- Tyre pressures: check the manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable gauge when tyres are cold, include the spare and refit the valve caps.
- Head restraint: the firm part should be at least level with your eyes or the top of your ears, as close to your head as is comfortable.
- Tyre tread: no cuts or bulges, and at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way round.
- Headlights and tail lights: switch them on and walk round the car.
- ABS: a warning light on the dashboard shows if there’s a fault.
- Indicators: switch them on and walk round the car.
- Brake lights: press the brake pedal and check the reflection in a window or door, or ask someone to look.
- Power steering: heavy steering can mean a fault. Hold gentle pressure on the wheel as you start the engine, or turn it just after moving off.
- Rear fog lights: switch them on with dipped headlights, check the warning light, and explain when to use them.
- Main beam: switch it on and check the warning light.
- Engine oil: find the dipstick and check the level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
- Coolant: find the high and low marks on the header tank and explain how to top it up.
- Brake fluid: find the reservoir and check the level is between the high and low marks.
The ‘show me’ questions
- Wash and clean the rear windscreen.
- Wash and clean the front windscreen.
- Switch on your dipped headlights.
- Set the rear demister.
- Use the horn.
- Demist the front windscreen.
- Open and close a side window.
Our tips
- Learn where everything is in the car you’ll take your test in.
- Practise the show me tasks on quiet roads first, without looking down for long.
- Say your tell me answers out loud. It’s easier on the day if you’ve said them before.
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