Show Me Tell Me Questions 2026

All 19 official DVSA vehicle safety questions and answers. Learn them before your driving test.

How it works on your driving test

At the start of your driving test, the examiner will ask you one 'tell me' question (before you start driving) and one 'show me' question (while you're driving). If you get one or both wrong, you'll receive one driving fault (minor). Getting them wrong won't cause you to fail on its own.

“Tell Me” Questions (13 questions)

These are asked before you start driving. The examiner will ask you one of these.

T1Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
T2Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
T3Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: some restraints might not be adjustable.
T4Tell me how you'd check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
No cuts or bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
T5Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you'd operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round the vehicle to check. As this is a tell me question, you don't need to physically check.
T6Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
T7Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you'd operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round the vehicle to check. As this is a tell me question, you don't need to physically check.
T8Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain you'd operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
T9Tell me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively, turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
T10Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you'd use it/them. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use: when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet).
T11Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know the main beam is on.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
T12Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
T13Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or the radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to the correct level.

“Show Me” Questions (6 questions)

These are asked while you are driving. The examiner will ask you one of these.

S1When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Operate the rear wash/wipe controls.
S2When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd wash and clean the front windscreen?
Operate the front wash/wipe controls.
S3When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?
Operate the dipped headlight switch.
S4When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?
Operate the rear demister switch.
S5When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?
Operate the window controls.
S6When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?
Operate the horn control.

Tips for Remembering

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I get the show me tell me questions wrong?
If you get one or both wrong, you receive one driving fault (minor). This alone won't cause you to fail. You can still pass with up to 15 minors.
Do I need to memorise the exact wording?
No. You need to demonstrate that you understand the principle. Explain it in your own words — the examiner is looking for understanding, not recitation.
Are these the same questions every year?
The DVSA occasionally updates the questions, but they rarely change significantly. This page is kept up to date with the current official questions.

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