Practical test preparation
“Show me, tell me” without the guesswork
You will be asked two vehicle-safety questions during your car driving test: one “tell me” question before driving and one “show me” question while driving.
View every official question on GOV.UK ↗Two questions, two moments
Know when each one happens
The “tell me” question
Explain how you would carry out a safety task. Some questions involve opening the bonnet and identifying the correct checks.
The “show me” question
Demonstrate a control when it is safe, while keeping proper observation and control of the car.
Examples to practise
Understand the task, not a script
Your instructor will show you how the controls and checks work in your tuition car.
Tell me
How would you check the brakes before starting a journey?
Think about how the pedal should feel and what the car should do as you move off.Tell me
How would you check the tyres are safe and legal?
Know what condition, pressure and tread checks are needed.Show me
How would you clean the front windscreen?
Locate and operate the control without losing awareness of the road.Show me
How would you set the rear demister?
Use the correct control only when it is safe to do so.On the day
Keep the car safe while you answer
Getting one or both questions wrong results in one driving fault. Driving dangerously or potentially dangerously while answering the “show me” question can result in failing the test.
Practise in the real car
Ask your instructor to rehearse the controls with you
A few calm repetitions during lessons make the questions feel familiar on test day.
