Show me, tell me questions practice

Q: How many show me tell me questions are there?

There are 14 tell me questions and 7 show me questions in the current DVSA list.

Q: What happens if I get a show me tell me question wrong?

You receive one driving fault if one or both answers are wrong. Dangerous driving while answering a show me question can cause you to fail.

Question 1

Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Accepted Answer

The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you move off and check that the car does not pull to one side.

Question 2

Tell me where you’d find the recommended tyre pressures and how you would check them.

Accepted Answer

Use the manufacturer’s guide and a reliable gauge. Check and adjust cold tyres, include the spare if fitted, then replace the valve caps.

Question 3

Tell me how you make sure the head restraint is correctly adjusted.

Accepted Answer

Set the rigid part 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.

Question 4

Tell me how you’d check the tyres have enough tread and are safe for the road.

Accepted Answer

Look for cuts or bulges. Tread must be at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its full circumference.

Question 5

Tell me how you’d check the headlights and tail lights are working.

Accepted Answer

Switch them on, using the ignition if needed, then walk around the car to check each light.

Question 6

Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system.

Accepted Answer

The ABS warning light would remain lit or illuminate to show a fault.

Question 7

Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working.

Accepted Answer

Operate the indicator or hazard switch, turn on the ignition if needed, then walk around the vehicle to check each lamp.

Question 8

Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working.

Accepted Answer

Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to stand behind the car and help.

Question 9

Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before a journey.

Accepted Answer

Hold gentle pressure on the wheel while starting the engine and feel for a small movement. Heavy steering after moving off can also signal a fault.

Question 10

Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light and when you would use it.

Accepted Answer

Turn on the dipped headlights and ignition if needed, operate the rear fog switch and check its warning light. Use it only when visibility is seriously reduced.

Question 11

Tell me how you switch from dipped headlights to main beam and how you know it is on.

Accepted Answer

Use the main-beam control with the ignition or engine on if needed, then check for the blue main-beam warning light.

Question 12

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine has enough oil.

Accepted Answer

Identify the dipstick or oil-level indicator and check the reading sits between the minimum and maximum markers.

Question 13

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine has enough coolant.

Accepted Answer

Identify the high and low marks on the header tank, or the radiator filler cap, and explain how you would top up to the correct level when safe.

Question 14

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the hydraulic brake fluid is at a safe level.

Accepted Answer

Identify the brake-fluid reservoir and check the level sits between its high and low marks.

Question 15

When it’s safe, show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.

Accepted Answer

Keep control of the car, identify the rear washer control and operate it without looking away from the road for longer than necessary.

Question 16

When it’s safe, show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.

Accepted Answer

Keep control of the car, identify the front washer control and operate it while maintaining observation.

Question 17

When it’s safe, show me how you switch on your dipped headlights.

Accepted Answer

Operate the dipped-headlight control while keeping the car under full control and your attention on the road.

Question 18

When it’s safe, show me how you set the rear demister.

Accepted Answer

Use the rear-demister control, checking its indicator if fitted, while continuing to drive safely.

Question 19

When it’s safe, show me how you operate the horn.

Accepted Answer

Press the horn control briefly when it is safe and appropriate, without losing control of the car.

Question 20

When it’s safe, show me how you demist the front windscreen.

Accepted Answer

Set the ventilation controls to direct warm air to the windscreen, using the fan, temperature and air-conditioning controls as fitted.

Question 21

When it’s safe, show me how you open and close the side window.

Accepted Answer

Use the correct window control to open and close the window while keeping your attention on the road.

Show Me Tell Me questions 2026

Learn every safety question in your practical workspace

Two questions. One before you drive, one while moving.

Getting one or both wrong means one driving fault.

Show Me Tell Me quiz

Driving test manoeuvres

Test-day checklist