DVSA Show Me Tell Me Questions & Answers

Before taking your practical driving test, your examiner will ask you two vehicle safety questions, commonly known as the Show Me, Tell Me questions.

You’ll normally be asked:

• One Tell Me question before you begin driving.
• One Show Me question while you’re driving.

These questions assess your knowledge of basic vehicle safety checks and how to operate essential vehicle controls. Answering one or both incorrectly will result in a driving fault (minor fault), so it’s important to prepare before your test.

Below are the latest official DVSA Show Me, Tell Me questions and answers.

 

Tell Me Questions

 

1. Tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Answer:
Open the bonnet, identify the dipstick or electronic oil level indicator, and explain how you would check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markings.

2. Tell me how you would check that the engine coolant is at the correct level.

Answer:
Open the bonnet and identify the coolant reservoir. Check that the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum markings. Only top up when the engine is cold.

3. Tell me how you would check the windscreen washer fluid level.

Answer:
Open the bonnet, identify the windscreen washer reservoir and explain how you would check and top up the fluid level.

4. Tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of brake fluid.

Answer:
Open the bonnet, identify the brake fluid reservoir and check that the fluid level is between the minimum and maximum markings.

5. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working.

Answer:
Operate the brake pedal and use reflections in windows, garage doors or ask another person to confirm that the brake lights are working.

6. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Answer:
The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. They should be tested as you move off, and the vehicle should not pull to one side.

7. Tell me where you would find the recommended tyre pressures and explain how they should be checked.

Answer:
Use the vehicle manufacturer’s handbook or information inside the vehicle. Check pressures with a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold, including the spare tyre if fitted, and replace the valve caps afterwards.

8. Tell me how you would check that the tyres are safe to use on the road.

Answer:
Tyres should be free from cuts and bulges, with at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference.

9. Tell me how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working.

Answer:
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working correctly. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel while starting the engine should produce a slight movement as the power assistance begins to operate. Alternatively, turning the steering wheel shortly after moving off will indicate whether the system is functioning.

10. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Answer:
Operate the light switch, turn on the ignition if necessary, then walk around the vehicle to check that all lights are working correctly.

11. Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Answer:
Operate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the vehicle to ensure all indicators are functioning correctly.

12. Tell me how you would check that the horn is working.

Answer:
Operate the horn using the steering wheel control. This check should only be carried out when the vehicle is stationary and off the road.

13. Tell me how you would check that the parking brake is working correctly.

Answer:
Apply the parking brake fully and check that it secures the vehicle without reaching the end of its travel.

14. Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.

Answer:
The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable. Some head restraints may not be adjustable.

 

Show Me Questions

 

15. Show me how you would wash and clean the front windscreen.

Answer:
Operate the windscreen washer and wipers using the appropriate control.

16. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows.

Answer:
Set the fan speed, temperature, air direction and heated front and rear screens where fitted to clear the windows effectively.

17. Show me how you would identify a fault with the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Answer:
Explain that the ABS warning light remaining illuminated after starting the engine indicates a fault with the system.

18. Show me how you would switch from dipped headlights to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.

Answer:
Operate the headlight control and confirm that the blue main beam warning light is illuminated on the dashboard.

19. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them.

Answer:
Turn on the dipped headlights if necessary, operate the rear fog light switch and check that the warning light is illuminated. Rear fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres.

20. Show me how you would operate the horn.

Answer:
Operate the horn using the steering wheel control. This should only be demonstrated when stationary and off the road.

21. Show me how you would open and close the side window.

Answer:
Operate the electric window switch or manual window handle to fully open and then close the driver’s side window.

Typical Show Me, Tell Me Question Combinations

During your practical driving test, your examiner will normally ask one Tell Me question before setting off and one Show Me question while you’re driving.

Some common combinations include:

• Questions 1 and 18
• Questions 2 and 19
• Questions 3 and 15
• Questions 4 and 16
• Questions 5 and 20
• Questions 6 and 21
• Questions 7 and 17
• Questions 8 and 18
• Questions 9 and 15
• Questions 10 and 19
• Questions 11 and 20
• Questions 12 and 21
• Questions 13 and 17
• Questions 14 and 16

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Need Help Preparing for Your Driving Test?

At Accelerate Driving Tuition, we’ll make sure you’re fully prepared for every part of your practical driving test, including the latest DVSA Show Me, Tell Me questions, manoeuvres and independent driving.

If you’re looking for professional driving lessons in Glasgow, contact us today to book your lessons.

Call 07397 040440 to get started today.