Show Me, Tell Me Questions
Learn the vehicle-safety checks an examiner can ask during a car driving test. Use the filters to revise by question type, then practise the controls in the car you will use.
Study all 21 questions
Answers are written as clear revision prompts. The exact position and operation of controls varies by vehicle.
21 questions shown
01 Tell me How would you check that the brakes work properly before a journey?
The pedal should feel firm rather than soft or excessively loose. Test the brakes gently as you move off and check that the car stops evenly without pulling to either side.
02 Tell me Where can you find the recommended tyre pressures, and how should you check them?
Use the vehicle handbook or manufacturer information label. Check cold tyres with a reliable pressure gauge, adjust them to the specified values, check the spare when applicable and replace every valve cap.
03 Tell me How should the head restraint be adjusted for effective protection?
Position the rigid centre of the restraint at least level with your eyes or the tops of your ears and keep it as close to the back of your head as is comfortable. Some head restraints are fixed.
04 Tell me How would you check that the tyres have legal tread and are safe?
Check for cuts, tears and bulges. The tread must be at least 1.6mm deep across the central three-quarters of each tyre and continue around its full circumference.
05 Tell me How would you check that the headlights and rear lights are working?
Switch the lights on, using the ignition if the vehicle requires it, then check around the car that each relevant front and rear light is operating.
06 Tell me How would you know there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system?
The ABS warning light on the instrument panel would illuminate or remain on to indicate a problem with the system.
07 Tell me How would you check that the direction indicators work?
Operate the indicators or hazard warning switch, turn on the ignition if necessary, and check around the vehicle that every indicator flashes correctly.
08 Tell me How would you check that the brake lights work?
Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows, doors or another surface, or ask another person to stand behind the vehicle and confirm that the lights illuminate.
09 Tell me How would you check the power-assisted steering before setting off?
Apply light pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine; a small movement should show that assistance has engaged. You can also check that the steering feels assisted immediately after moving off.
10 Tell me How would you switch on the rear fog light, and when should it be used?
Turn on the ignition and dipped headlights if required, operate the rear fog-light control and check its dashboard warning light. Use rear fog lights only when visibility is seriously reduced, then switch them off when conditions improve.
11 Tell me How do you change from dipped headlights to main beam, and how do you know it is on?
Use the headlight stalk or switch while the headlights are operating. The blue main-beam warning symbol on the dashboard confirms that main beam is selected.
12 Tell me With the bonnet open, how would you check the engine oil level?
Identify the dipstick or electronic oil-level indicator. For a dipstick, remove and wipe it, reinsert it fully, then check that the oil sits between the minimum and maximum marks.
13 Tell me With the bonnet open, how would you check the engine coolant level?
Identify the coolant expansion tank and compare the level with its minimum and maximum marks when the engine is cold. Top up with the correct coolant when needed and never remove a pressurised cap from a hot engine.
14 Tell me With the bonnet open, how would you check the hydraulic brake-fluid level?
Identify the brake-fluid reservoir and check that the fluid level is between its minimum and maximum markings.
01 Show me When safe, show how you would wash and wipe the rear windscreen.
Keep full control of the vehicle, identify the rear wash-and-wipe control and operate it long enough to apply washer fluid and clear the rear screen.
02 Show me When safe, show how you would wash and wipe the front windscreen.
Keep your attention on the road and operate the front windscreen washer control so fluid is applied and the wipers clear the screen.
03 Show me When safe, show how you would switch on the dipped headlights.
Use the vehicle lighting control to select dipped headlights and confirm the relevant dashboard indicator if the car displays one.
04 Show me When safe, show how you would switch on the rear-window demister.
Locate and press the rear demister control, checking that its indicator shows the heated rear window has been activated.
05 Show me When safe, show how you would sound the horn.
Maintain control and briefly press the horn control when it is safe and legal to do so.
06 Show me When safe, show how you would demist the front windscreen.
Select the front-screen demist setting and adjust the fan, temperature and air conditioning as needed so airflow clears the windscreen.
07 Show me When safe, show how you would open and close a side window.
Keep the car under control, locate the correct window switch, lower the side window and then close it again.
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Controls differ between cars. Practise each demonstration in your instructor’s vehicle without taking attention away from the road.
Want to practise these in the car?
Book a test-preparation lesson and work through the controls, bonnet checks and safe on-road demonstrations before your practical test.