Show Me Tell Me Questions 2025: Complete Guide with Answers

The “show me, tell me” questions test your knowledge of basic vehicle safety checks. Getting one wrong only counts as a minor fault, but it’s easy marks—here’s how to get them right.

What Are Show Me Tell Me Questions?

At the start of your practical driving test, the examiner will ask:

• One “tell me” question: You explain how you’d do a safety check
• One “show me” question: You demonstrate a check while driving

Getting one or both wrong only results in a minor fault, but there’s no reason to lose easy marks.

Tell Me Questions (Before You Drive)

1. Tyres

Question: Tell me how you’d check that the tyres have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

Answer: The tread depth must be at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the entire circumference. Check for cuts, bulges, and damage to the sidewalls. Also ensure tyres are properly inflated.

2. Tyre Pressures

Question: Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how you’d check them.

Answer: The recommended pressures are in the vehicle handbook and often on a sticker inside the driver’s door or fuel cap. Use a reliable pressure gauge to check when tyres are cold. Don’t forget the spare tyre.

3. Head Restraint

Question: Tell me how you’d check the head restraint is correctly adjusted for your height.

Answer: The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as comfortable.

4. Brakes

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

Answer: The brake pedal should feel firm, not spongy or slack. Test the brakes at low speed as you start your journey—the car should stop in a straight line without pulling to one side.

5. Brake Lights

Question: Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Answer: A warning light on the dashboard will illuminate. It should come on when you turn on the ignition and go off shortly after.

6. Power Steering

Question: Tell me how you’d check the power steering is working before starting a journey.

Answer: You can check by gently turning the steering wheel just after moving off. The steering should feel light and smooth. If it feels heavy or unresponsive, there may be a problem.

7. Lights and Reflectors

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

Answer: Turn on the lights and walk around the vehicle to check they’re all working, including brake lights (you might need someone to help or use a reflection). Also check the reflectors aren’t damaged or missing.

8. Direction Indicators

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

Answer: Turn on the ignition, apply the hazard warning lights, and walk around the vehicle checking all indicators are flashing. Then switch them off and check each indicator separately.

9. Fog Lights

Question: Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you’d use them.

Answer: Switch on the headlights first, then the fog light switch (usually with a symbol on it). Use them when visibility is seriously reduced—generally below 100 metres. A warning light will show on the dashboard.

10. Horn

Question: Tell me how you’d check that the horn is working.

Answer: Press the horn when it’s safe and legal to do so—but avoid checking it in a built-up area between 11:30pm and 7am, or when the vehicle is stationary (unless there’s danger).

Show Me Questions (While Driving)

These are demonstrated while driving safely:

1. Windscreen Washers

Question: When it’s safe to do so, show me how you’d wash and clean the front windscreen.

Answer: Operate the windscreen washer and wiper controls.

2. Demister

Question: When it’s safe to do so, show me how you’d set the demister controls to clear all windows.

Answer: Set the heating/ventilation to demist—usually a button with a window symbol.

3. Rear Demister

Question: When it’s safe to do so, show me how you’d switch on the rear demister.

Answer: Press the rear demister button (usually has a rectangular window symbol with wavy lines).

4. Dipped Headlights

Question: When it’s safe to do so, show me how you’d operate the dipped headlights.

Answer: Turn the headlight switch to the dipped beam position.

5. Horn

Question: When it’s safe to do so, show me how you’d sound the horn.

Answer: Press the horn (usually centre of steering wheel).

Tips for Success

• Practice in your lesson car: Know where all controls are in the specific car
• Don’t panic: Wrong answers only count as minor faults
• Mention the handbook: If unsure about specifics, say “I’d check the vehicle handbook”
• Be safe with show me: Only demonstrate when it’s genuinely safe to do so
• Ask to repeat: It’s fine to ask the examiner to repeat the question

Common Mistakes

• Not knowing where controls are in the test car
• Rushing the answer without thinking
• Trying to demonstrate while driving when it’s not safe
• Forgetting to mention checking the vehicle handbook

Practice these questions with your instructor before test day. Find qualified instructors at our UK locations.

Related Reading

• How to Pass Your Driving Test First Time
• Top 10 Reasons Learners Fail
• First Driving Lesson: What to Expect
• Find Driving Instructors Near You