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Ben L. — trainee ADIShow Me Tell Me Questions for the UK Driving Test
Everything you need to know about the Show Me Tell Me questions on your practical driving test, explained in plain English by AK Automatic Driving School in Brighton, Hove and Burgess Hill.
- Automatic-only driving school
- DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
- One-to-one lessons
- Brighton, Hove & Burgess Hill
What are the Show Me Tell Me questions?
Passing your UK practical driving test takes more than good driving skills. One part of the test is the Show Me Tell Me vehicle safety questions, set by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).
The questions check that you understand basic vehicle safety, maintenance and controls. These are skills every safe driver needs for life, not just for the test.
At AK Automatic Driving School we practise these questions with you during your lessons, so they feel familiar by test day, whether you are a beginner, a refresher learner or preparing for a test at Burgess Hill.
Tell Me questions with answers
There are 14 Tell Me questions. On the test you are asked one of them. Select a question to see a simple answer.
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Before setting off, press the brake pedal. It should feel firm and not spongy. When you move off slowly, check that the car does not pull to one side.
Where do you find tyre pressure information, and how do you check it?
The recommended pressures are in the vehicle handbook or on the safety label, often inside the driver’s door frame. Check them with a pressure gauge when the tyres are cold and inflate to the correct level.
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.
The rigid part of the head restraint should be level with the back of your head. This helps reduce the risk of neck injury in a crash.
Tell me how you would check the tyres are safe to use on the road.
Check that the tread is at least 1.6 mm deep across the central three-quarters of the tyre, that there are no cuts, bulges or other damage, and that the tyres are properly inflated.
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Turn on the lights using the switch, then walk around the car or use reflections to confirm they work. You do not need to get out of the car for the test.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A warning light on the dashboard shows that there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working.
Switch on the indicators and check them visually or using reflections. You do not need to get out of the car for the test.
Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.
Press the brake pedal and ask someone to check, or use reflections in windows or walls to confirm the brake lights come on.
Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel and start the engine. The wheel should move slightly then feel light. If it feels heavy, there may be a fault.
Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and when you would use them.
Turn on the dipped headlights first, then switch on the rear fog lights using the control. Use them only when visibility is less than 100 metres, and turn them off when it improves.
Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam.
Use the control lever to change between dipped and main beam. A blue warning light on the dashboard shows when main beam is on.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient oil.
Locate the dipstick, remove it and wipe it clean, put it back fully, then remove it again and check the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check you have sufficient engine coolant.
Check the coolant level in the expansion tank. It should be between the minimum and maximum marks, and you should only check it when the engine is cool.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the bonnet and check the level is between the minimum and maximum markings.
Show Me questions explained
Show Me questions are asked while you are driving, so the examiner will ask you to demonstrate a control. Always keep your eyes and attention on the road.
Show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen.
Operate the rear windscreen washer and wiper using the control.
Show me how you would wash and clean the front windscreen.
Use the control stalk to operate the front washers and wipers.
Show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights.
Turn the lighting control to the dipped beam setting.
Show me how you would set the rear demister.
Press the rear demister button to clear condensation from the rear windscreen.
Show me how you would operate the horn.
Press the horn, usually in the centre of the steering wheel. The examiner will only ask you to do this when it is safe and legal.
Show me how you would demist the front windscreen.
Use the heater controls: turn up the fan speed, set the temperature to warm and direct the airflow towards the windscreen.
Show me how you would open and close the side window.
Use the window switch to open and close the side window safely.
The DVSA can update its list of questions. You can check the current official list on GOV.UK. Car controls differ between models, so your instructor will show you where everything is in the lesson car.
Tips to get these right
Keep answers simple
Short, clear answers are fine. You do not need to give a long explanation.
Practise during lessons
We include the questions in your regular lessons, so they become natural.
Understand, do not just memorise
If you know why a check matters, it is much easier to remember the answer.
Stay calm
If you get one wrong it is one minor fault. It will not fail your test on its own.
Listen to the examiner
Make sure you understand the question before you answer or show the control.
Know your car
Controls vary between cars, so it helps to practise in the car you will test in.
Show Me Tell Me guidance in your lessons
These questions are not only about passing the test. They help with road safety, preventing breakdowns and looking after your vehicle, so you become a responsible driver for life.
Our lessons are one-to-one, in an automatic car, planned around you. We can include mock driving tests, feedback after lessons, theory test preparation and hazard perception guidance, alongside Show Me Tell Me practice.
We specialise in automatic driving lessons in Brighton & Hove and also teach in Burgess Hill. Read more about automatic driving lessons in Burgess Hill, or see our lesson prices.
Test preparation includes
- Mock driving tests
- Feedback after lessons
- Theory test preparation
- Hazard perception guidance
- Show Me Tell Me practice
- Support for nervous drivers
Ready to prepare for your driving test?
Looking for automatic driving lessons in Brighton & Hove or Burgess Hill? Send an enquiry or call us and we will talk through your situation.
- Automatic driving lessons
- One-to-one tuition
- Test preparation and mock tests
- Brighton, Hove & Burgess Hill