DVSA Show Me, Tell Me Questions
Everything you need to know about the vehicle safety questions asked on your driving test — and how to answer them confidently.
1 Tell Me question
1 Show Me question
Worth 1 fault if wrong
Asked at test start
What to Expect
How the Test Works
The DVSA Show Me, Tell Me questions test your knowledge of basic car maintenance and safety. Getting either question wrong counts as one driving fault.
"Tell Me" Question
Asked before you drive — you answer verbally while the car is stationary. The examiner asks you to explain how you would carry out a safety check.
"Show Me" Question
Asked while driving — you physically demonstrate a safety feature, such as using the rear demister or adjusting the headlights.
Scoring
Answer both wrong = 2 driver faults. Answer one wrong = 1 driver fault. Answer both correctly = no faults. It won't cause a test failure on its own.
Tell Me Questions
Tell Me Questions & Answers
You will be asked one of these at the start of your test. Study them all so you're fully prepared.
1
Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Tell Me
Answer: The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off — the vehicle should not pull to one side when you brake. Check the brake fluid level is between the min and max markings on the reservoir.
2
Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Tell Me
Answer: Tyre pressure information can be found in the vehicle handbook or on a sticker inside the fuel cap or door frame. Use a reliable pressure gauge — check all tyres including the spare when cold. Inflate to the correct pressure and refit the valve cap.
3
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Tell Me
Answer: 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. A distance of less than 70mm between the back of the head and the restraint is recommended.
4
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and are in good condition.
Tell Me
Answer: No cuts or bulges in the sidewalls. Tread depth must be at least 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre and around the entire circumference. Use a tread depth gauge or check the tread wear indicators built into the tyre grooves.
5
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Tell Me
Answer: Operate the switch (with the ignition on if necessary), then walk around the vehicle. Alternatively, you can use the reflection in a wall or garage door. Check all bulbs — headlights, tail lights, number plate light and side lights — are working correctly.
6
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Tell Me
Answer: A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the ABS system. The ABS warning light on the dashboard lights up when you switch on the ignition and should go out once the engine starts. If it stays on or comes on while driving, there is a fault with the system.
Show Me Questions
Show Me Questions & Answers
Asked while driving — you physically demonstrate the function. One of these will be asked during your test.
1Show me how you would wash and clean the front windscreen.
Answer: Switch on the front windscreen washers and wipers using the relevant stalk or button while driving safely.
2Show me how you would demist the rear windscreen.
Answer: Use the heated rear windscreen button on the dashboard. Locate the button (usually marked with a rectangle and wavy lines) and press it while driving safely.
3Show me how you would operate the horn.
Answer: Press the centre of the steering wheel. Only demonstrate when safe and stationary to avoid distraction.
4Show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights.
Answer: Turn the light switch to the dipped headlight symbol (usually two notches from off). Identify the switch and operate it safely while driving.
5Show me how you would set the rear fog lights.
Answer: Switch on the headlights first, then press the rear fog light button (usually marked with a rear-facing fog light symbol). A warning light on the dashboard will confirm they're on.
6Show me how you would adjust the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively.
Answer: Set the fan speed to a suitable level, direct air to the windscreen vents, turn on the air conditioning if available, and use the rear heated screen button for the rear window.
7Show me how you would check the parking brake is secure.
Answer: Apply the parking brake, then attempt to move the vehicle forward with gentle throttle to confirm it holds. The brake warning light should be illuminated on the dashboard.
8Show me how you would switch on your hazard warning lights.
Answer: Press the hazard warning light button — usually a red triangle symbol in the centre of the dashboard. All four indicators will flash simultaneously.
🌟 Top Study Tips
Read through all questions and answers before your test. Ask your ENA instructor to quiz you on these during your lessons — we make sure every student is fully prepared for this part of the test before their test date. Remember: one wrong answer = one fault, two wrong = two faults, but this alone won't fail your test.
Want Help Preparing for Your Test?
Our instructors cover Show Me, Tell Me questions in every lesson so you're fully ready for test day — not just for driving, but for every part of the exam.