Show me tell me questions: all 21 with answers (DVSA list)

On your practical test the examiner asks you two vehicle safety questions. One is a "tell me" question, asked at the start before you drive off. The other is a "show me" question, asked while you are driving, so you have to do it without losing control of the car.

Getting one or both wrong counts as 1 driving fault (a minor). It will not fail your test on its own. But if you lose control of the car while answering a "show me" question, that can become a serious or dangerous fault, which is a fail.

The questions below are the official DVSA list. Your examiner will pick one from each.

The 14 "tell me" questions

These are asked before you set off, often with the bonnet open. You only need to explain, not do it.

1. Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off. The car should not pull to one side.

2. Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. The pressures are in the manufacturer's guide (the handbook, and often a sticker inside the driver's door or fuel cap). Use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust them when the tyres are cold, and refit the valve caps. Don't forget the spare.

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

4. Tell me how you'd check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road. No cuts or bulges. At least 1.6mm of tread across the central three quarters of the tyre and around the whole circumference.

5. Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working. Switch on the lights (turning on the ignition if needed), then walk round the car and check them.

6. Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system. The ABS warning light on the dashboard comes on if there is a fault.

7. Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working. Switch on the hazard warning lights and walk round the car to check every indicator is flashing.

8. Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car. Press the brake pedal and look at the reflection in a window, garage door or shop front, or ask someone to check for you.

9. Tell me how you'd check the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey. Gently hold pressure on the steering wheel while you start the engine. If it is working, you'll feel a slight movement as the system kicks in. You can also turn the wheel just after moving off to check it feels light.

10. Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you'd use it/them. (No need to exit the vehicle.) Show the switch and point out the warning light on the dashboard. Use rear fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres, and switch them off when it improves.

11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know the main beam is on. Show the stalk or switch. A blue main beam warning light appears on the dashboard.

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil. Point to the dipstick. Pull it out, wipe it, put it back, then pull it out again and check the level is between the minimum and maximum marks. Point to the oil filler cap too.

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant. Point to the coolant header tank and the minimum and maximum markings. Only top up when the engine is cold.

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid. Point to the brake fluid reservoir and check the level against the high and low markings.

The 7 "show me" questions

These are asked while you are driving. The examiner will say "when it's safe to do so", so take your time and keep your eyes on the road.

1. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
2. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
3. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?
4. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?
5. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?
6. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?
7. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?

Tips from our instructors

• Learn the car you'll test in. Every car puts the rear wiper, demister and fog light switch in a slightly different place. If you are testing in your instructor's car, ask to run through all seven "show me" controls during a lesson.
• Don't look down for long. For the "show me" questions, find the control by feel where you can, and glance down only briefly. A swerve or a missed mirror check costs far more than the question itself.
• Waiting for a straight, quiet road is fine. The examiner says "when it's safe" for a reason. Doing it on a roundabout is a choice you don't have to make.
• Say it simply. For the "tell me" questions, a short clear answer is all the examiner needs. You don't need to touch anything unless you want to point.
• Practise out loud. Ask a friend or family member to quiz you on the 14 "tell me" questions in the week before your test.

Testing in a car you know

The easiest way to get the "show me" questions right is to sit your test in the same car you've practised in. If you'd like to use a DriveCrest dual control car on the day, see our test day car hire. If you want a mock test first to go over these questions and your test routes, have a look at our courses or book a lesson.