Show me Tell me


On your Driving test you’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions. These are also known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. The examiner will ask you one ‘show me’ question, where you’ll have to show them how you’d carry out a vehicle safety check. You’ll also be asked one ‘tell me’ question, where you’ll have to explain to the examiner how you’d carry out the check.

show me questions


car indicating
Question 1 Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.
may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine .

cars brake lights
Question 2 Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car, (if you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine).

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.
may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine .

steering wheel
Question 3 Show me, or explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

cars handbrake
Question 4 Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear; make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.

Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

picture of steering wheel and horn
Question 5 Show me how you would check that the horn is working.

Check is carried out by using control
turn ignition on if necessary .

picture of a wiper stalk
Question 6 Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen
turn ignition on if necessary.

picture of fog light switch
Question 7 Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them, (no need to exit vehicle).

Operate switch check warning light is on, explain use.
turn ignition or engine on if necessary

picture of head light switch picture of head light switch
Question 8 Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.

Operate switch check with main beam warning light.
turn ignition or engine on if necessary

car demister controls
Question 9 Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively.

Set all relevant controls including fan, temperature air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

picture of a cars engine
Question 10 Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum / maximum markers.

picture of a cars engine
Question 11 Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

picture of a cars engine
Question 12 Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

tell me questions


picture of brake disk
Question 1 Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack.
Brakes should be tested as you set off.
Vehicle should not pull to one side.

picture of the front of the car
Question 2 Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

picture of a book
Question 3 Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps..

this picture shows the correct position of headrest
Question 4 Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

cars tyre being measured
Question 5 Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

Tyres should not have any cuts and bulges, they should have minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

light switch
Question 6 Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
(no need to exit vehicle)

Operate switch turn on ignition if necessary, then walk round vehicle. As this is a ‘tell me’ question, there is no need to physically check the lights.

picture of abs light in the car dash board
Question 7 Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.