🚘 Show Me, Tell Me Questions
Know what to expect on your test – and how to impress your examiner.
The “Show Me, Tell Me” section of your driving test checks your understanding of basic car safety and maintenance. It’s simple once you know what you’re being asked — and we’ve made it even easier with explanations and tips from our instructors.
🧠 What Is the “Show Me, Tell Me” Part of the Test?
You’ll be asked:
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1 “Tell Me” question at the start of your test (before you start driving)
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1 “Show Me” question while you’re driving
There are 21 possible questions in total (14 Tell Me + 7 Show Me).
Answering incorrectly won’t fail your test, but it may result in a driving fault, so it’s worth getting familiar with them.
✅ Show Me Questions (Asked While Driving)
You’ll be asked to demonstrate one of the following “Show Me” actions while you’re driving:
🪟 “Show me how you’d open and close the side window.”
Do this when it’s safe – ideally on a straight, quiet stretch of road.
🔄 “Show me how you’d set the rear demister.”
Use the controls without taking your eyes off the road for too long.
🚿 “Show me how you’d wash and clean the front windscreen.”
Operate the wipers using the correct stalk and washer spray.
Need a cheat sheet?
✅ Tell Me Questions (Asked Before Driving)
Here are some of the most common “Tell Me” questions, with simple sample answers:
🔧 “Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working before starting a journey.”
Answer: “Brakes shouldn’t feel spongy or slack. I’d test them as I set off — the car shouldn’t pull to one side.”
🌡️ “Tell me how you’d check the engine has enough coolant.”
Answer: “I’d open the bonnet and check the level is between the minimum and maximum marks on the header tank.”
💡 “Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working.”
Answer: “I’d press the brake pedal and either ask someone to check the lights or look for reflections in a window or door.”
For the full list of 14 Tell Me questions and sample answers, download our free PDF:
💡 Instructor Tip
“You don’t have to memorise everything word for word. Just understand the basics and explain it in your own words confidently. We’ll help you practice it in lessons.”
— James, Skills4Wheels
📹 Want to Watch Instead?
Watch official DVSA walkthroughs here:
👋 Still Unsure?
No stress — we go over these questions in your lessons. If you’re still revising:
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Ask your instructor to run through the key checks in-car
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Use our mock test checklist
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Visit our Learner Resource Hub for more helpful tools