All 14 Show Me Tell Me Questions & Answers – DVSA 2026 List
Show Me Tell Me Questions 2026 – Complete DVSA Guide for Your Driving Test
What Are Show Me Tell Me Questions?
The Show Me Tell Me questions are a crucial part of the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) practical driving test in the UK. These vehicle safety questions assess your knowledge of essential car maintenance and safety checks before setting off on your journey. They’re not there to catch you out – they’re designed to ensure you understand how to keep your vehicle in safe, roadworthy condition.
Every candidate taking their practical driving test will face a total of 14 questions: 7 “Tell Me” questions and 7 “Show Me” questions. These questions are asked at the beginning of your test, usually while the vehicle is stationary. Getting them wrong results in a minor fault (not a serious fault), but understanding them thoroughly could be the difference between passing and failing if you accumulate multiple minors.
When Do These Questions Happen in the Test?
Your examiner will ask two of the 14 possible questions during your practical driving test:
- One “Tell Me” question: Asked before you start driving. You’ll describe how to perform a safety check without actually doing it.
- One “Show Me” question: Asked while driving (usually in a safe location). You’ll physically demonstrate how to operate a vehicle control while driving.
This means you only face 2 questions out of the 14 possibilities, but you need to be prepared for any of them. The best approach? Learn all of them thoroughly using resources like the Exam Routes app, which includes comprehensive theory test practice with over 1,000 DVSA questions.
All 7 “Tell Me” Questions and Answers
“Tell Me” questions are asked before you start the engine. The examiner wants to hear you describe how you would perform a safety check. You don’t need to actually do it – just explain the process clearly and confidently.
1. How Would You Check That the Brakes Are Working Before Starting a Journey?
- Depress the brake pedal firmly while the engine is off
- The pedal should feel firm and not travel too far toward the floor
- Once the engine is running, the brake pedal should feel slightly softer (power-assisted brakes engaging)
- If you feel any sponginess or the pedal goes to the floor, there’s a problem with the hydraulic system or brake fluid level
- You should also be prepared to check brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir
2. Tell Me How You’d Check That the Headlights and Tail Lights Are Working
- Sit in the driver’s seat and turn on the headlights (dipped beam first)
- Get out and check the lights are illuminating properly – you may need someone to help or check reflections
- Switch to main beam and verify the beam pattern changes
- Check the tail lights are working by turning on the headlights and observing the rear lights
- If your vehicle is parked against a wall or shop window, you can see reflections to confirm lights are working
- Check that all lights work on both sides of the vehicle
3. Tell Me How You’d Check the Direction Indicators Are Working
- Sit in the driver’s seat and activate the left indicator stalk
- Check the front left and rear left indicator lights are flashing
- Repeat on the right side, checking both front and rear indicators flash
- You can use reflections in windows or ask someone to check for you
- Listen for the clicking sound – if it becomes rapid, it indicates a bulb failure
- Check that all four indicator lights work on both sides
4. Tell Me How You’d Check the Brake Lights Are Working
- Ask someone to stand behind the vehicle
- Press the brake pedal and ask them to confirm both brake lights illuminate
- If alone, reverse toward a wall or window to see the reflections of the brake lights
- Check both the left and right brake lights are working
- Note that brake lights are usually more intense than tail lights
- If brake lights aren’t working, it’s a serious safety issue and the vehicle shouldn’t be driven
5. Tell Me How You’d Check the Power-Assisted Steering Is Working
- Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises (whining indicates potential issues)
- Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock – it should move smoothly without excessive resistance
- The steering wheel should feel light and responsive, not heavy
- If the steering feels heavy, the power steering fluid may be low or the pump may be failing
- Check the power steering fluid level in the reservoir when the engine is cold
- Look for any fluid leaks around the power steering pipes and connections
6. Tell Me How You’d Check That the Horn Is Working
- Sit in the driver’s seat
- Press the horn button (usually in the center of the steering wheel)
- Listen for a clear, audible sound
- The horn should produce a loud, distinct noise that can be heard clearly
- If there’s no sound or only a faint sound, there may be an electrical fault or the horn needs replacement
- Some vehicles have dual horns – check that both are functioning if applicable
7. Tell Me How You’d Know If There Was a Problem With Your Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Check the dashboard warning light for the ABS symbol – it looks like a circle with “ABS” or an exclamation mark
- If the ABS warning light is illuminated when the engine is running (and doesn’t go off after a few seconds), there’s a fault
- The vehicle can still be driven with faulty ABS, but the anti-lock function won’t work
- During braking in an emergency, you may experience brake lock-up in slippery conditions without ABS
- Have the ABS system checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible
- Remember: other brake system warning lights indicate more serious issues
All 7 “Show Me” Questions and Answers
“Show Me” questions are asked while you’re driving. The examiner wants you to physically demonstrate how to use a vehicle control. You must do this safely while maintaining control of the vehicle and obeying all traffic rules.
1. Show Me How You’d Check the Parking Brake for Excessive Wear
- Apply the parking brake smoothly and gradually
- It should feel firm and secure, coming to a complete stop partway through its travel
- Count how many clicks you hear (or where the pedal/lever stops)
- The parking brake should hold the vehicle securely on a slight slope or gradient
- If the brake feels soft, travels too far, or doesn’t hold the vehicle, there’s excessive wear
- A properly functioning parking brake should fully engage before reaching the end of its travel
2. Show Me How You’d Check That the Horn Is Working
- Ensure you’re in a safe location with minimal traffic
- Press the horn button in the center of the steering wheel
- A clear, audible sound should be heard
- You can use the horn if alerting other road users appropriately
- The horn should work in all steering wheel positions
- This is one of the simpler Show Me questions – just demonstrate it confidently
3. Show Me How You’d Clean the Windscreen Using the Washer and Wipers
- Locate the windscreen washer control (usually a stalk on the left side of the steering wheel)
- Pull or turn the washer control to spray washer fluid on the windscreen
- Simultaneously activate the windscreen wipers by moving the wiper stalk
- The wipers should sweep across the windscreen, clearing the fluid and any dirt
- Ensure you can see clearly before using the wipers – don’t activate them in dry conditions
- Return the controls to their neutral position after cleaning
4. Show Me How You’d Set the Demister Controls to Clear All Windows Effectively
- Locate the demister controls (usually on the air conditioning/heating panel)
- Set the air distribution to include the windscreen and side windows (look for demister symbols on buttons)
- Select warm air temperature to help evaporate moisture
- Turn on the fan to maximum speed for rapid demisting
- For rear windscreen demist, press the rear window demister button (look for a grid symbol)
- Turn off the air recirculation button – external air helps clear the windows faster
- Some examiners may ask you to explain the settings, not just demonstrate them
5. Show Me How You’d Switch On the Rear Fog Light and Explain When You’d Use It
- Turn on the dipped headlights first (rear fog lights only work with lights on)
- Locate the fog light control (usually a stalk or button, often on the left of the steering wheel)
- Turn or pull the control to activate the rear fog light
- Check the dashboard indicator symbol to confirm the fog light is on
- When to use rear fog lights: Only in fog, heavy rain, or poor visibility when you can’t see more than 100 meters
- Rear fog lights are extremely bright and can dazzle other drivers – only use them when visibility is genuinely poor
- Always turn them off when visibility improves – it’s illegal to use them unnecessarily
6. Show Me How You’d Switch Your Headlight From Dipped to Main Beam and Explain How You’d Know the Main Beam Is On
- Turn on the dipped headlights
- Locate the headlight stalk (usually on the left side of the steering wheel)
- Push the stalk away from you (or pull it toward you, depending on your vehicle) to switch to main beam
- Look at the dashboard – a blue indicator light should illuminate to show main beam is active
- The beam pattern will brighten significantly – you may see the light changing on the road
- Return to dipped beam by pushing the stalk back to its original position
- Remember: When to use main beam: Only on unlit roads when no other traffic is approaching – dip immediately if another vehicle approaches
7. Show Me How You’d Open and Close the Side Window
- Locate the window control switches (usually on the driver’s door panel)
- Press the switch down to lower the window
- Press upward to raise the window
- The window should move smoothly without grinding or jamming
- Most modern vehicles have automatic windows – pressing the switch all the way activates full up/down
- Releasing the switch partway allows you to stop the window at any position
- Ensure the window closes completely – a gap indicates potential issues
Tips for Remembering the Show Me Tell Me Answers
Effective Study Strategies
Memorizing 14 questions and answers might seem daunting, but here are proven strategies to help:
- Group by theme: Organize questions by category (lighting, brakes, safety controls) rather than memorizing them in order
- Practice with your actual vehicle: Spend time in your car locating all controls and practicing the Show Me demonstrations. This builds muscle memory and confidence
- Create mnemonics: Develop memory aids for sequences – for example, “BLH” for Brake, Lights, Horn
- Record yourself: Speak your answers aloud and listen back. Hearing yourself say them reinforces learning
- Use the Exam Routes app: The Exam Routes app includes dedicated Show Me Tell Me question practice with video demonstrations and instant feedback
- Test daily: Practice 2-3 questions each day rather than cramming. Spaced repetition improves retention
- Simulate test conditions: Ask a friend to quiz you from a list without showing you the questions first
Master These Questions With Exam Routes
The Exam Routes app provides interactive practice for all 14 Show Me Tell Me questions with detailed explanations and video guides. You’ll also get access to 1,000+ DVSA theory test questions, covering all the knowledge you need to pass your driving test. Available for both iOS and Android – one-time payment, lifetime access.
What Happens If You Get Show Me Tell Me Questions Wrong?
It’s important to understand that getting a Show Me Tell Me question wrong doesn’t mean automatic test failure. Here’s what actually happens:
Minor Fault Classification
Each wrong answer to a Show Me Tell Me question results in a minor fault. A minor fault is a small driving error that you can recover from without danger.
- You can accumulate up to 15 minor faults and still pass your driving test
- Getting one Show Me Tell Me question wrong = 1 minor fault
- This leaves you 14 more minor faults to use across the rest of your test
- Most candidates make several minor faults during their 40-minute test, so one from Show Me Tell Me questions isn’t catastrophic
What Counts as Getting It Wrong?
You’ll fail the question (receive a minor fault) if you:
- Describe an incorrect or unsafe method
- Can’t locate the correct control or switch
- Demonstrate the action dangerously while driving
- Give incomplete or vague answers that don’t address the question
- Perform the wrong action (for example, activating fog lights instead of main beam)
However, the examiner wants you to pass. They’ll usually allow for minor hesitations or needing a moment to think. Being honest if you’re not entirely sure is better than giving a completely wrong answer.
How the Exam Routes App Prepares You for Success
Show Me Tell Me questions are just one component of the driving test. The Exam Routes app is a comprehensive learning tool designed to prepare you for every aspect of your test:
1,000+ DVSA Theory Questions
While you’re learning Show Me Tell Me questions, you also need to master the theory aspects of driving. The Exam Routes app includes all official DVSA theory test questions covering:
- Road signs and their meanings
- Rules of the road and legal requirements
- Vehicle safety and maintenance
- Hazard perception scenarios
- Environmental and eco-safe driving
Interactive Learning Tools
- Mode-based practice: Practice questions by topic or take full-length mock tests
- Progress tracking: See your improvement over time with detailed statistics
- Instant feedback: Learn from mistakes with explanations for every answer
- Study guides: Structured learning paths to cover all essential knowledge
One-Time Payment, Lifetime Access
Unlike subscription apps, Exam Routes operates on a one-time payment model. Pay once and get unlimited access to all 1,000+ questions forever. No recurring fees, no ads, no surprise charges – just complete exam preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Show Me Tell Me Questions
Can I refuse to answer a Show Me Tell Me question?
Technically you can refuse, but this will result in a minor fault (same as getting it wrong). It’s much better to attempt the answer, even if you’re not completely confident. The examiner would rather hear an attempt than see a refusal.
Do I need to answer Show Me Tell Me questions in a specific order?
No. The examiner will ask one “Tell Me” question before you start driving and one “Show Me” question during the test. They’ll ask whichever ones they choose from the list of 14. You need to be prepared for any of them.
What if I don’t know where a control is in the car?
Tell the examiner honestly. You can say something like, “I’m not immediately certain where that control is” and ask if you can take a moment to look. It’s better to take a moment than to fumble around looking completely confused. Being honest shows good judgment.
Are Show Me Tell Me questions the same for every vehicle?
The questions are the same for all vehicles, but the location of controls can vary between different makes and models. This is why practicing with your actual test vehicle is so valuable. You’ll know exactly where everything is.
Can I make a mistake during Show Me Tell Me and still pass?
Yes. One minor fault from Show Me Tell Me questions won’t affect your pass, as long as you don’t accumulate more than 15 minors total across the entire test. Plus, you could make mistakes on other parts of the test and still pass.
How should I study for Show Me Tell Me questions?
Use the Exam Routes app, read through this guide multiple times, and practice in your actual car. Combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice for best results.
What’s the difference between a Tell Me and Show Me question?
“Tell Me” questions are asked before driving – you describe the process. “Show Me” questions are asked during driving – you physically demonstrate while keeping the car under control. Both require knowledge, but Show Me requires you to multitask.
Can I get a Show Me question about something I can’t do while moving?
Yes, the examiner will ask the Show Me question in a safe location where you can safely demonstrate. For example, checking the parking brake might be demonstrated on a quiet road or in a safe area.
Ready to Pass Your Driving Test?
Master Show Me Tell Me questions and all 1,000+ DVSA theory questions with the Exam Routes app. One-time payment, lifetime access. Download now and start your journey to passing your test.
Final Thoughts on Show Me Tell Me Questions
Show Me Tell Me questions might seem intimidating at first, but they’re genuinely achievable with proper preparation. These aren’t trick questions – they’re testing your real knowledge of vehicle safety, which is essential for being a safe driver on the road.
The key to success is:
- Learn all 14 questions and answers thoroughly – Don’t skip any, as you can’t predict which ones you’ll face
- Practice with your actual test car – Locate every control and spend time getting comfortable with them
- Speak clearly and confidently – Even if you’re nervous, explain your answers clearly
- Use quality learning resources – Apps like Exam Routes combine Show Me Tell Me questions with comprehensive theory test practice
- Remember they’re minor faults – Getting one wrong won’t end your test; focus on performing well overall
With dedicated practice using this guide and the Exam Routes app, you’ll approach your test day confident and prepared. You’ve got this!
