Feeling nervous about the show-me-and-tell-me driving test questions? You are not alone, most learners know they exist but put them off until the last minute and then panic. The good news? There are only around 19 official DVSA questions in total, and you’re only asked 2 on the day. Nail all of them in practice and test day feels easy.
This guide covers every question you need to know to supercharge your prep.
Key Points
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What Are Show Me and Tell Me Questions?
The DVSA includes these vehicle safety questions in every practical driving test in the UK. They check whether you understand basic car safety – not just how to drive, but how to look after the vehicle you are driving.
- Tell me, are questions asked before you drive? You explain the check verbally.
- Show me questions are asked while you drive. You physically demonstrate something – like turning on the rear demister – when it is safe to do so.
The national pass rate sits at around 48.5% – so anything that gives you easy marks matters. These questions are genuinely easy marks if you prepare.
The 13 “Tell Me” Questions (Full List)
These are asked at the start of your test, before you pull away. One will be chosen at random.
T1 – Checking the brakes “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.
T2 – Tyre pressures “Tell me where you’d find the recommended tyre pressures and how to check them.” Check the manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, and always check when tyres are cold. Replace valve caps after.
T3 – Head restraint adjustment “Tell me how you’d adjust your head restraint so it gives the best protection in a crash.” The rigid part of the 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.
T4 – Tyre tread and condition “Tell me how you’d check your tyres have sufficient tread and are safe to use.” No cuts or bulges. At least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the full circumference.
T5 – Headlights and tail lights “Tell me how you’d check the headlights and tail lights are working (without leaving the car).” Switch them on – turning the ignition on first if needed – then walk around the car to check. You describe the process; you do not need to physically do it for this question.
T6 – Anti-lock braking system (ABS) “Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your ABS.” The ABS warning light on the dashboard would illuminate.
T7 – Direction indicators “Tell me how you’d check the indicators are working (without leaving the car).” Operate the indicator switch, then walk around the vehicle to check. Same approach as the headlights question.
T8 – Brake lights “Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working.” Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or doors. Alternatively, ask someone to stand behind the car and confirm.
T9 – Power-assisted steering “Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before a journey.” Apply gentle pressure on the steering wheel as the engine starts – you should feel a slight movement. Or turn the wheel just after moving off to confirm assistance is working.
T10 – Rear fog lights “Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light and when you’d use it (without leaving the car).” Switch on dipped headlights and ignition, then operate the fog light switch. Check that the warning light is on. Use when visibility drops below 100 metres.
T11 – Main beam headlights “Tell me how you switch from dipped to main beam and how you’d know it’s on.” Operate the switch with ignition on. Confirm by checking the main beam warning light on the dashboard.
T12 – Engine oil (bonnet open) “Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine has sufficient oil.” Find the dipstick. Pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert, and check the level is between the minimum and maximum markers.
T13 – Engine coolant (bonnet open) “Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine coolant level.” Find the coolant header tank. Check the level sits between the high and low markers. If low, top up with the correct coolant – never when the engine is hot.
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The 6 “Show Me” Questions (Full List)
These come up while you are driving. The examiner will choose a safe moment to ask you these questions – keep your focus on the road at all times.
S1 – “Show me how you’d wash and clean the rear windscreen.” Use the rear wash/wipe control to demonstrate.
S2 – “Show me how you’d wash and clean the front windscreen.” Use the front wash/wipe control to demonstrate.
S3 – “Show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights.”
S4 – “Show me how you’d set the rear demister.” Operate the rear demister switch.
S5 – “Show me how you’d open and close the side window.” Operate the window controls.
S6 – “Show me how you’d operate the horn.” Press the horn control – only do this where it is safe and appropriate.
11 Bonus Revision Questions to Sharpen Your Knowledge
These are not on the official DVSA list, but knowing the answers will strengthen your overall test confidence. They come up in theory test practice and are worth reviewing.
- What is the minimum legal tyre tread depth in the UK? (1.6mm)
- How often should you check your tyre pressures? (At least once a month and before long journeys)
- What does a flashing oil warning light mean? (Stop safely as soon as possible -low oil pressure)
- When should you use hazard lights? (When your vehicle is a temporary obstruction or broken down)
- What colour is the engine coolant warning light? (Usually blue or red depending on the car)
- How do you check your windscreen washer fluid? (Check the reservoir under the bonnet – top up with screenwash mix)
- What does the battery warning light mean? (The charging system is not working – seek help promptly)
- When would you use your rear fog light? (When you cannot see more than 100 metres ahead)
- How far should your head restraint sit from the back of your head? (As close as comfortable – ideally no more than 25mm away)
- What is the legal limit for tyre damage? (No cuts or bulges – a tyre with either must be replaced immediately)
- What should you do before driving someone else’s car for the first time? (Adjust the seat, mirrors, steering column, and head restraint for your size)
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Tips to Actually Remember These on Test Day
Practice out loud – not just in your head. Say the answers to a friend or family member. Awkward? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.
Sit in the actual car you are taking your test in. Point to the dipstick, find the coolant cap, and locate the rear demister switch. If you have to hunt for it on test day, your driving is already affected.
Use the official DVSA show me tell me YouTube videos – they are free, short, and show you exactly what the examiner is looking for.
Ask your driving instructor to quiz you in the lesson before your test. They know which questions candidates get wrong most often.
Sources & References
Official DVSA / Government Sources
DVSA YouTube (Show Me Tell Me videos)
