Show me tell me questions

What are driving test show me tell me questions?

Your driving test examiner will ask you two questions as part of your practical driving test; one show me question and one tell me question. If you answer either question incorrectly it will be marked down as a fault on your test.

Can you fail a driving test on the show me tell me questions?

If you get a show me tell me question wrong, you’ll receive a fault but this won’t automatically result in you failing your driving test – you have to pick up more than 15 minor faults in order to fail.

Nevertheless, if you lose control of the car while you’re completing one of your show me questions, this could result in a major or dangerous fault, which would result in a fail.

You don’t need to be a mechanic to answer the practical driving test questions correctly – you just need a good knowledge of your vehicle. Any driving instructor worth their salt will get you up to speed during your driving lessons, making sure you’re well-informed before you even consider booking your driving test.

DVSA show me tell me questions 2019

In December 2017, there was a change in the way that show me tell me driving questions were conducted. They used to be asked at the beginning of the driving test before you actually started driving.

Now, your tell me question will still be asked at the beginning of your driving test, but your show me question will be asked while you’re driving. This could be at any point during your driving test.

Show me questions

When you’re asked a show me question, you’ll need to actually complete the task you’re asked about. Every car is different, so you’ll need to make sure you’re familiar with the controls in the car you’re driving, and how to use them.

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

Give the windscreen a squirt with the washer and then briefly turn on the wipers.

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

Give the rear windscreen a squirt with the washer and then briefly turn on the wipers.

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

Turn on your vehicle’s lights, which should also bring up a notification on your dashboard (usually green).

4. When it’s safe, show me how to set the demister controls to clear the rear windscreen.

In most cars, you’ll just need to press a button to set the rear demister – this is normally a picture of a windscreen with squiggly lines on it).

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

Give the horn a short sharp beep.

6. When it’s safe, show me how you would set the demister controls to clear the front windscreen.

Adjust the heating controls to clear the windscreen. Reposition the air direction as necessary, set controls to demist (normally a picture of a windscreen with squiggly lines on it) and turn up the temperature.

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

In most modern cars, you can open the side window by pressing a button on the door to the right of you.

Tell me questions

When you’re asked a tell me question, you’ll need to explain to the examiner how you would carry out the task you’re asked about (there’s no need to actually complete it). Three of the questions you could be asked also require you to open the car bonnet and point to the parts of the car you’re referring to.

1. Tell me how you would check that your brakes are working correctly before beginning a journey.

Explain how you would gently test your brakes as you set off. They should not feel squishy or loose and the vehicle should not pull to one side.

2. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Explain how you would consult the manufacturer’s guide and use a reliable pressure gauge while the tyres are cold. Remember to mention refitting the tyre valve caps and ensuring that your spare tyre is present and also at the correct pressure.

3. Tell me how to ensure that your head restraint is correctly positioned to give you maximum protection in the event of a crash.

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.

4. Tell me how you would check that your vehicle’s tyres are in a safe condition for use and have sufficient tread depth.

Explain how you’d ensure that there are no cuts, bumps or bulges in the tyre and that at least 1.6mm of tread remains across the middle 3/4 of the tyre and the entire outer circumference.

5. Tell me how you would check that your headlights and tail lights are working.

Explain how you would turn on the lights and walk around the vehicle to check them. As this is a tell me question, you won’t be required to actually demonstrate, only explain.

6. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your ABS (anti-lock braking system).

Explain that a warning light should illuminate on your dash if there was a problem with the ABS.

7. Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.

Explain how you would switch on the ignition if necessary, apply the hazard warning switch/button and walk slowly around the car checking the main 4 indicators as well as the smaller ones on the front wings and/or mirrors of the vehicle. As this is a tell me question, you don’t need to exit the car to show the examiner.

8. Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working.

Explain how you would press the pedal, keeping an eye out for the reflection of the brake lights in nearby windows, walls or doors. You should mention that if necessary, you would ask someone to help.

9. Show me or explain how you would check that the power steering is working.

Explain how heavy steering can be a sign that your power steering isn’t working. Two simple checks can be carried out before starting a journey. You can apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel, looking for a slight movement as the power steering activates. Alternatively, you can simply turn the steering wheel just after moving off, allowing you to immediately feel if the steering feels correct.

10. Tell me how you would turn on the rear fog light/s and explain how you would use it/them.

Explain that you would operate the switch, turning on dipped headlights and ignition if that’s necessary on your car, and check that the warning light is on. Explain that they are only to be used when visibility is severely reduced. Also be sure to mention that fog lights must be turned off as soon as visibility improves, to avoid dazzling other drivers.

11. Tell me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to full/main beam and explain how you would know that main beam is on whilst inside the car.

Explain that you would use the switch to turn on your vehicle’s lights (with the ignition or engine on if required) and that you would check the main beam warning light (which is generally blue).

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that your engine has enough oil.

Open your vehicle’s bonnet and point out the location of the dipstick. Explain how you would pull out the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert it and then remove it again to check the oil level against the min/max markers.

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level of engine coolant.

Open your vehicle’s bonnet and point out the high/low level markings on the header tank or, if your vehicle lacks a header tank, the radiator cap. Describe how to top it up to the correct level. Be sure to mention that it’s important to wait until the engine is cool before opening the coolant cap.

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Open your vehicle’s bonnet, point out the brake fluid reservoir and explain how you would check the level against the provided min/max markers and, if necessary, top up (being very careful because brake fluid can damage paintwork).