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Show Me Tell Me Questions 2024

All 19 official DVSA vehicle safety questions with full answers. One question will be asked at the start of your practical test.

How it works: One "Tell Me" question verbally before driving, one "Show Me" while driving. Each wrong answer = 1 minor fault. You can still pass with both wrong.

Question

Answer + Examiner Tip

Show Me Questions

Demonstrated while driving
1↺ tap

Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

#1 Answer ↺ tap

Apply the hazard warning lights switch (or indicators). Walk around the vehicle to check all four indicators and the hazard warning lights are working.

Tip: Turn on hazard lights — they test all indicators at once.
2↺ tap

Show me how you would check that the horn is working.

#2 Answer ↺ tap

Press the centre of the steering wheel firmly to sound the horn. State: 'I would check the horn by pressing it like this.'

Tip: You'll be stationary so just press the horn briefly.
3↺ tap

Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.

#3 Answer ↺ tap

Apply the parking brake — it should secure firmly without the lever rising too high. On most vehicles, 3–6 clicks is normal. Excessive travel indicates wear.

Tip: Demonstrate applying the brake and comment on the number of clicks.
4↺ tap

Show me how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working.

#4 Answer ↺ tap

With the engine running, turn the steering wheel slightly. You should feel the power assistance engage immediately. Very light resistance indicates working PAS.

Tip: Start the engine first. With PAS off the wheel is very stiff — this contrast shows it's working.
5↺ tap

Show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen.

#5 Answer ↺ tap

Operate the rear wash/wipe control — usually a stalk or button on the dashboard. The washer jets should spray fluid and the wiper should clear the screen.

Tip: Simply turn on the rear wash/wipe. Tell the examiner what the control does.
6↺ tap

Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use them.

#6 Answer ↺ tap

Switch on the headlights first, then press the rear fog light button. The dashboard warning light will illuminate. Use rear fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres.

Tip: Headlights must be on first. The legal threshold is visibility below 100 metres.
7↺ tap

Show me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know main beam is on.

#7 Answer ↺ tap

Pull the indicator stalk towards you (or push forward, depending on vehicle). The blue main beam warning light on the dashboard will illuminate, confirming main beam is active.

Tip: The blue dashboard symbol confirms main beam. Dip immediately if oncoming traffic appears.

Tell Me Questions

Answered verbally before driving
1↺ tap

Tell me how you'd check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

#1 Answer ↺ tap

Check tread depth is at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference. Check for cuts, bulges, or exposed cords.

Tip: Legal minimum is 1.6mm. Mention tread depth, damage, and tyre walls.
2↺ tap

Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

#2 Answer ↺ tap

Switch on the headlights and walk around the vehicle to check all front headlights and rear tail lights are working. Use a reflective surface or a wall to check the dipped beam.

Tip: Mention using a garage wall, a helper, or a reflective surface.
3↺ tap

Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

#3 Answer ↺ tap

The ABS warning light on the dashboard will illuminate and remain on after the engine starts. If it stays on while driving, it indicates a fault.

Tip: It's dashboard-based — the ABS warning light stays on after starting.
4↺ tap

Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working.

#4 Answer ↺ tap

Switch on the hazard warning lights — this activates all indicators. Walk around to visually check all four corners and the hazard warning light on the dashboard is flashing.

Tip: Same answer as Show Me but explained verbally rather than demonstrated.
5↺ tap

Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures and how tyre pressure should be checked.

#5 Answer ↺ tap

Recommended pressures are in the vehicle handbook or on a sticker inside the driver's door or fuel cap. Check with a tyre pressure gauge when tyres are cold.

Tip: Key points: handbook/door sticker, cold tyres, use a gauge.
6↺ tap

Tell me how you'd check the engine has sufficient oil.

#6 Answer ↺ tap

Engine off, on level ground. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert fully, remove again. Oil level should be between the minimum and maximum markers.

Tip: Remember: engine off, level ground, wipe-reinsert-check.
7↺ tap

Tell me how you'd check the engine coolant level is correct.

#7 Answer ↺ tap

With the engine cold, check the coolant reservoir. The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. Never open the cap when the engine is hot.

Tip: NEVER open the radiator cap when hot — risk of serious burns.
8↺ tap

Tell me how you'd check the brake fluid is at the correct level.

#8 Answer ↺ tap

Check the brake fluid reservoir under the bonnet — usually clearly labelled. The level should be between the min and max marks. Top up with the correct specification if low.

Tip: If persistently low, it may indicate a brake system leak.
9↺ tap

Tell me how you'd check the windscreen washer reservoir is topped up.

#9 Answer ↺ tap

Locate the windscreen washer fluid reservoir (windscreen symbol on cap). Remove the cap and top up with screenwash mixture to above the minimum mark.

Tip: In winter, use concentrated screenwash to prevent freezing.
10↺ tap

Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your power-assisted steering.

#10 Answer ↺ tap

The power steering warning light on the dashboard will illuminate. You would also notice the steering feels much heavier and harder to turn than normal.

Tip: Two clues: warning light on dashboard AND heavy/stiff steering feel.
11↺ tap

Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

#11 Answer ↺ tap

Press the brake pedal firmly before moving — it should feel firm, not spongy. As you move off slowly, test the brakes gently. The vehicle should stop promptly in a straight line.

Tip: Two-stage: static pedal check, then a gentle moving check.
12↺ tap

Tell me how you'd check that the headlights, tail lights, and number plate light are all working.

#12 Answer ↺ tap

Switch on the headlights. Walk around to check front headlights, rear tail lights, and the number plate illumination light. The dashboard should not show a fault.

Tip: Include the number plate light — many students forget this one.
13↺ tap

Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they are fit for use.

#13 Answer ↺ tap

Check tread depth is at least 1.6mm. Check for bulges, cuts, or damage to the sidewalls. Check tyre is correctly inflated with a pressure gauge when cold. Check the spare too.

Tip: Cover all three: tread depth, visual condition, and pressure.

Manoeuvres

1 asked per test

The examiner will ask you to perform one of these four manoeuvres during your test.

1↺ tap

Forward Bay Parking

#1 Answer ↺ tap

Drive forward into a marked bay, keeping the car straight and central between the lines. Use reference points on your bonnet to align. Finish within the bay.

Tip: Look for a reference point on the bay line in line with your door mirror. Straighten up early.
2↺ tap

Reverse Bay Parking

#2 Answer ↺ tap

Pull past the bay, select reverse, and reverse back into the space using observations all around. Use mirrors and look over your shoulder. Finish central and straight within the bay.

Tip: Most examiners ask this more than forward bay parking. Check all round frequently — especially blind spots.
3↺ tap

Parallel Parking

#3 Answer ↺ tap

Pull up alongside the car in front, reverse back, steering first left then right to slot in parallel to the kerb. Finish within 2 car lengths, reasonably close to the kerb.

Tip: Use the kerb reflection in your left mirror to gauge distance. Don't mount the kerb.
4↺ tap

Pulling Up on the Right

#4 Answer ↺ tap

When asked, signal right, check mirrors and blind spot, cross to the right side of the road and park alongside the kerb. Reverse 2 car lengths, then rejoin the road safely.

Tip: This manoeuvre is on the right — opposite side to normal. Extra observations are essential.

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