Show Me, Tell Me Questions 2026: The Complete Guide for Your Driving Test

Show Me, Tell Me Questions 2026: The Complete Guide

At the start of every practical driving test in the UK, your examiner will ask you two vehicle safety questions — one “tell me” question (where you explain how you’d carry out a check) and one “show me” question (where you physically demonstrate a check while driving). Getting these wrong won’t automatically fail you, but they can add to your minor faults. Here’s everything you need to know to answer them confidently.

What Are Show Me, Tell Me Questions?

The “tell me” question is asked before you start driving. The examiner will ask you to explain how you would carry out a safety or maintenance check on the vehicle. For example, they might ask how you’d check that the brakes are working or how you’d know if your power steering was functioning correctly.

The “show me” question is asked while you’re driving. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate something — such as how you’d wash and clean the windscreen or how you’d demist the rear window — while maintaining control of the vehicle.

Each incorrect answer counts as one driving fault (minor). Getting both wrong means two minors before you’ve even begun the driving portion, so it’s worth preparing properly.

The Tell Me Questions

There are currently 14 tell me questions in the DVSA question pool. Here are the key topics they cover and how to answer them:

Tyre safety: You may be asked how you’d check that the tyres have sufficient tread depth and are in good condition. Explain that the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. You’d check visually for cuts, bulges, or damage and can use a 20p coin as a quick tread depth gauge.

Brakes: If asked how you’d check the brakes are working, explain that you’d press the brake pedal before setting off — it should feel firm and not spongy or go to the floor. You’d also test the brakes at low speed shortly after moving off to make sure the car doesn’t pull to one side.

Fluid levels: Questions about engine oil, coolant, or brake fluid require you to explain where you’d find the relevant dipstick or reservoir under the bonnet, and what the correct levels should look like (between minimum and maximum markings).

Lights and indicators: You may be asked how you’d check that all exterior lights and indicators are working. Explain that you’d switch them on and walk around the vehicle to check, or ask someone to help verify the brake lights.

Power steering: If asked how you’d know if the power steering was working, explain that you’d notice increased resistance on the steering wheel shortly after starting the engine. A quick gentle turn of the wheel when stationary can confirm it’s working.

The Show Me Questions

The show me question is asked while you’re driving, so you need to be able to carry out the action without losing control of the vehicle. There are currently 7 show me questions:

Windscreen washers and wipers: Demonstrate how you’d wash and clean the front windscreen. This simply means operating the windscreen washer stalk or button while keeping your eyes on the road. Make sure you know where the controls are in your test vehicle.

Rear window demister: Show how you’d switch on the rear window demister. Locate the button (usually on the dashboard, marked with a rectangle with wavy lines) and press it. Again, do this without taking your eyes off the road for more than a glance.

Dipped headlights: Demonstrate how you’d switch on your dipped headlights. This involves operating the light switch — know exactly where it is and how it works in your specific car.

Horn: Show how you’d operate the horn. A quick press of the horn button in the centre of the steering wheel is all that’s needed.

Demisting the front windscreen: This involves using the car’s ventilation system — typically directing warm air to the windscreen and adjusting the fan speed. Know where the windscreen demist button is.

Opening and closing a window: Straightforward — operate the electric window switch while maintaining control of the car.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Panicking over exact wording. You don’t need to recite answers word-for-word. The examiner is looking for a reasonable understanding of vehicle safety, not a textbook recital. Explain in your own words and you’ll be fine.

Fumbling with controls during show me questions. Before your test, spend five minutes familiarising yourself with every control in the car you’ll be using. Know where the washers, demisters, lights, and horn are without having to search for them.

Taking your eyes off the road. When demonstrating a show me question while driving, a brief glance at the control is acceptable, but staring at the dashboard while the car is moving is dangerous and could result in a serious fault.

How to Prepare

Ask your driving instructor to run through all the show me, tell me questions during your lessons. Practise the show me questions while driving so you can operate the controls smoothly. Most instructors will cover these in the weeks leading up to your test, but if yours hasn’t, ask them specifically.

The DVSA publishes the full list of questions on gov.uk, and there are numerous free resources online where you can practise. Spend 30 minutes learning the answers and you’ll be well prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions