Show Me, Tell Me Questions 2026
Revise the official DVSA vehicle-safety questions that may be asked during your practical car driving test.
Two vehicle-safety questions during your test
The examiner will ask one “tell me” question before you begin driving. You explain how you would carry out a vehicle-safety check.
Later in the test, the examiner will ask one “show me” question. You demonstrate how to use a control while continuing to drive safely.
Explain a safety check before driving.
Operate a control safely while driving.
The 14 “Tell Me” questions
Open each question to review a clear answer. The exact controls and component locations may differ between vehicles.
How would you check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
The brakes should not feel soft, spongy or unusually slack.
Test them gently as you move off. The car should slow down properly without pulling to one side.
Where would you find the recommended tyre pressures for this car, and how should they be checked?
Find the recommended pressures in the vehicle handbook or on the manufacturer’s information label, often inside the fuel flap or driver’s door frame.
Check the tyres when cold using a reliable pressure gauge. Check every tyre, including the spare if fitted, and replace the valve caps afterwards.
How would you make sure the head restraint is correctly adjusted?
The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears.
It should be positioned as close to the back of your head as is comfortable. Some restraints are fixed and cannot be adjusted.
How would you check the tyres have sufficient tread depth and are safe to use?
Check that the tyres have no cuts, bulges or other visible damage.
The tread depth must be at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its entire circumference.
How would you check that the headlights and rear lights are working?
Switch the lights on, turning on the ignition first if necessary.
Explain that you would walk around the vehicle and check the front and rear lights. You do not need to leave the car during the question.
How would you know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system?
The ABS warning light would remain illuminated or appear on the dashboard if the system detected a fault.
How would you check that the direction indicators are working?
Operate the indicators or hazard-warning lights, switching on the ignition first if necessary.
Explain that you would walk around the vehicle and check that all indicator lights are flashing correctly.
How would you check that the brake lights are working?
Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows, garage doors or another vehicle to check the lights.
Alternatively, ask another person to stand safely behind the car and confirm that the brake lights illuminate.
How would you check that the power-assisted steering is working?
If the steering feels unusually heavy, the power assistance may not be working correctly.
Apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine. A small movement should be felt as the system begins assisting. The steering should also feel light and responsive when moving off.
How would you switch on the rear fog lights, and when should you use them?
Switch on the dipped headlights first if required, then operate the rear fog-light control.
Check that the dashboard warning light appears. Rear fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced and should be switched off when visibility improves.
How would you switch from dipped headlights to main beam, and how would you know main beam is on?
Operate the headlight stalk or control to change from dipped beam to main beam.
The blue main-beam warning symbol will illuminate on the dashboard.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify the oil dipstick or electronic oil-level indicator.
When using a dipstick, remove it, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully and remove it again. The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
View our engine-bay diagrams →Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient coolant.
Identify the coolant expansion tank and check that the level is between its minimum and maximum markings.
Check coolant only when the engine is cold. Use the correct coolant mixture specified for the vehicle.
View our engine-bay diagrams →Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that there is a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify the brake-fluid reservoir and check that the fluid is between the minimum and maximum markings.
A low level may indicate a fault or excessive wear and should be investigated before driving.
View our engine-bay diagrams →Practise opening the bonnet before test day
The oil, coolant and brake-fluid questions require you to identify components beneath the bonnet.
The layout varies between cars, so practise using the actual vehicle you expect to take to the test.
The 7 “Show Me” tasks
The examiner will ask you to operate one control when it is safe. Keep control of the vehicle and continue observing the road.
When it is safe, show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.
Operate the rear windscreen washer control. This normally sprays washer fluid and activates the rear wiper.
Keep looking ahead and maintain proper steering control.
When it is safe, show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.
Operate the front washer control. This normally sprays fluid onto the windscreen and activates the front wipers.
Keep your steering steady and avoid looking away from the road for longer than necessary.
When it is safe, show me how you switch on the dipped headlights.
Use the vehicle’s lighting stalk or dashboard control to select dipped headlights.
Avoid accidentally selecting main beam.
When it is safe, show me how you set the rear demister.
Press the rear-window demister button, normally marked with a rectangular window and upward wavy lines.
When it is safe, show me how you operate the horn.
Press the horn control, normally located in the centre of the steering wheel.
Use it only when it is safe, legal and appropriate to warn another road user of your presence.
When it is safe, show me how you demist the front windscreen.
Direct airflow towards the windscreen, increase the fan speed and select warm air. Use air conditioning if available.
Some vehicles have a dedicated front-demist button.
When it is safe, show me how you open and close the side window.
Use the appropriate electric-window switch to lower and raise the side window.
Keep your attention on the road and maintain control of the vehicle.
What happens if you get one wrong?
Answering one or both vehicle-safety questions incorrectly normally results in one driving fault.
That fault alone would not normally cause you to fail, provided your total remains within the permitted limit and you make no serious or dangerous faults.
Incorrect answer
One or both answers are incorrect, but no dangerous situation is created.
Loss of control
Unsafe steering, drifting, poor observation or creating danger while carrying out a moving task can cause the test to be failed.
Cannot find the control?
Stay calm and continue driving safely. Tell the examiner rather than searching for too long or taking your attention away from the road.
Vehicle control and observation are always more important than completing the task quickly.
Do not forget your test-day essentials
Check your licence, glasses, vehicle requirements and arrival routine before leaving for the test centre.
DVSA vehicle-safety questions
Review the official wording and answers published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.