Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions

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Tell Me Questions (asked before you start driving)

About the Questions

You’ll be asked two vehicle safety questions during your car driving test.

The examiner will ask you one:

‘Tell me’ question – where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task. This is asked at the start of your test, before you begin driving.
‘Show me’ question – where you demonstrate how to carry out a safety task. This is asked while you’re driving.

If you get one or both questions wrong, you’ll receive one driving fault (also known as a ‘minor’).

You’ll fail your driving test if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while answering the ‘show me’ question.

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

They shouldn’t feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off—the car shouldn’t pull to one side.

2- Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures and how they should be checked.

In the car manual. Use a reliable pressure gauge when tyres are cold, don’t forget the spare.

3- Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.

The rigid part should be level with your eyes or top of ears, and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable.

4- Tell me how you’d check the tyres have sufficient tread depth and are in safe condition.

Check there’s at least 1.6mm tread depth across the central 3/4 of the tyre and no damage.

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

Turn on the lights (ignition may need to be on), walk around the car to check.

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

Turn on the lights (ignition may need to be on), walk around the car to check.

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

Switch on the hazard lights or indicators, then walk around the car to check.

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

Press the brake pedal and ask someone to check, or use reflections in windows or doors.

9- Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working.

Turn the wheel just after moving off or gently turn it before starting the engine—it should move easily.

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

Turn on dipped headlights and fog light switch. Use when visibility is below 100m.

11- Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and how you’d know it’s on.

Operate the switch and check for the main beam warning light on the dashboard.

12- Tell me how you’d check there’s enough engine oil.

Remove dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert, then remove again to check oil level.

13- Tell me how you’d check engine coolant level.

Identify the reservoir and check the fluid is between the minimum and maximum marks.

🚗 “Tell Me” Questions – What You Need to Know

Before starting your driving test, the examiner will ask you one “Tell Me” question about basic car safety checks.

These questions test your understanding of how to keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy.

Watch the video for examples and answers to common questions.

Show Me Questions (asked while driving)

1- Show me how you’d wash and clean the rear windscreen.

Use the rear washer and wiper control.

2- Show me how you’d wash and clean the front windscreen.

Use the front washer and wiper control.

3-Show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights.

Turn on the headlight switch while driving.

4-Show me how you’d set the rear demister.

Press the rear demister button on the dashboard.

5-Show me how you’d operate the horn.

Press the horn (check surroundings are safe first).

6-Show me how you’d demist the front windscreen.

Set the fan, temperature, and airflow to windscreen.

“Show Me” Questions – Driving Test

During your driving test, the examiner will ask you one “Show Me” question while you’re driving.

These questions assess your ability to operate basic vehicle controls safely without losing focus on the road.

Watch the video to see how to perform these actions confidently and correctly while driving.

About

Choosing Kudos Driving School means receiving top-quality instruction from experienced, patient, and certified instructors who are committed to your safety and success. At Kudos driving school, we tailor each lesson to match your learning pace, ensuring you gain the confidence and skills needed.