Show Me Tell Me Questions 2026: The Complete UK Driving Test List with Answers

The show me, tell me questions are the small but stressful part of the UK driving test that come right at the start and at one point during the drive. Get them wrong and you collect minor faults; freeze on them and the rest of your test starts on a wobbly footing. The good news is that the question bank is fixed by the DVSA and there are no surprises — you can revise every possible question in an afternoon. Here is the complete 2026 list with sharp, examiner-friendly answers, and the techniques that help learners deliver them confidently on test day.

What Are Show Me, Tell Me Questions?

Before your test starts, the examiner asks one “tell me” question — you explain how you would carry out a safety check. While driving, the examiner asks one “show me” question — you actually demonstrate the check while driving safely. Each wrong answer is a minor fault. Get both wrong and you have already used two of your fifteen allowed minors before the wheels have moved.

The Tell Me Questions (Asked Before You Drive)

• How would you check the brakes are working before starting a journey? Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. As you set off, test them gently and they should not pull to one side.
• Where would you find information for the recommended tyre pressures? In the manufacturer’s handbook, on a sticker inside the driver’s door pillar, or inside the petrol filler flap.
• How would you check tyres have sufficient tread depth and that condition is legal? The legal minimum tread is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its full circumference. Look for cuts, bulges or embedded debris.
• How would you check the headlights and tail lights are working? Switch the ignition on, switch on the lights, then walk around the car to check each one. You do not need the engine running.
• Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system. A warning light would stay on or come on while driving.
• Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. Operate the indicator switch and walk around the car to check each one is flashing, or use the hazard lights.
• Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working. Press the brake pedal and ask someone to check, or reverse close to a window or wall and watch the reflection.
• Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey. Apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel; you should feel no resistance once the engine is started.
• Tell me how you would check the parking brake is working. When stationary, apply the handbrake — the car should not move when light pressure is applied to it.
• Tell me how you would check the head restraint is correctly adjusted. The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as the eye line, ideally level with the top of the head.
• Tell me how you would check the windscreen wipers and washers are working. Switch the ignition to the second position, operate the washers and wipers, and confirm both blades clear the screen properly.
• Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light, and explain when you would use it. Locate the rear fog switch, usually on the dashboard or stalks. Use only when visibility drops below 100 metres, and switch off when conditions improve.
• Tell me how you would demist the front and rear screens. Use the heater controls — direct flow to the windscreen, set warm air, switch on rear demist and air-con if fitted.

The Show Me Questions (Asked While Driving)

• When safe, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen? Operate the rear washer and wiper stalk while keeping eyes on the road.
• When safe, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen? Pull or press the front washer; the wipers should sweep automatically.
• When safe, can you show me how you switch on the dipped headlights? Locate the lights stalk and twist or push to dipped beam.
• When safe, can you show me how you set the rear demister? Press the rear demist button on the dashboard.
• When safe, can you show me how you operate the horn? Press the centre of the steering wheel briefly.
• When safe, can you show me how you demist the front windscreen? Adjust the heater dial to direct warm air to the screen, increase fan and engage air-con.
• When safe, can you show me how you open and close the side window? Operate the driver’s window switch.

Top Tips for Acing the Show Me, Tell Me

• Practise out loud. Stand by your car and rehearse each tell-me answer in plain English.
• Know your dashboard. Many show-me fails come from learners frantically searching for the rear-demist button.
• Stay safe with the show-me. Brief glances away from the road are fine; long, fumbling searches are dangerous and earn faults.
• Keep your answers short. Examiners want competence, not a lecture. Two confident sentences beat a meandering paragraph.
• Use the Exam Routes App for your route practice and combine it with these revision lists in the days leading up to the test.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The two most common mistakes are guessing when you do not know the answer, and fiddling for too long with a control while driving. If you do not know an answer, say so politely; you will pick up only one fault and your driving stays calm. If you cannot find a control quickly during a show-me, slow down or pull over safely before searching.

Frequently Asked Questions