LeaP Driving School
Show Me, Tell Me Q&A
What are the Show Me, Tell Me Questions?
The "Show Me, Tell Me" questions are part of the UK practical driving test, designed to assess your knowledge of basic vehicle safety and maintenance. These questions make sure you understand how to carry out essential safety checks on your vehicle — an important part of being a safe and responsible driver.
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You’ll be asked:
1 "Tell Me" question before you start driving (explaining how you'd carry out a safety task).
1 "Show Me" question while you’re driving (physically showing how to do something, like using the rear demister).
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Why are they Important?
Even though these are not full "pass/fail" questions, getting them wrong can result in a driving fault (also called a minor). You’re allowed up to 15 driving faults in total, so every mark counts.
The "Show Me" Questions
These are asked while you're driving. You’ll need to physically show how to do it safely while keeping control of the car.
Its Important to note that You’ll fail your driving test if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer the ‘show me’ question.
1- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
2- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
3- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
4- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
5- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
6- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d de-mist the front windscreen?
7- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
The "Tell Me" Questions
These are asked before you drive. You just explain how you'd do the check.
1- Tell 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.
2- Tell 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.
3- Tell 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.
4- Tell 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 and 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.
5- Tell 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 and then walk round vehicle. (You do NOT need to exit the vehicle for this Question)
6- Tell 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.
7- Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle
Explain you’d operate the switch and then walk round vehicle (You do NOT need to exit the vehicle for this Question)
8- Tell 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.
9- Tell 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, 2 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.
10- Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you’d use 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.
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The "explain use" part of this question should be when visibility is seriously reduced to 100 meters or less, normally in adverse weather conditions such as snow, heavy rain or fog.
11- Tell 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.
The "Tell Me" Questions - Engine Bay
These Questions are still asked before you drive but require you to open the Bonet and carry out mechanical checks. You do NOT have to do the checks just explain how they would be done
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers. If your vehicle doesn't have a dipstick, let the examiner know before giving the answer for a "normal" vehicle.
Open 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 radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.