Show me tell me questions for the driving test

The 14 tell me questions

• Brakes: check they aren’t spongy or slack, test them as you set off, and make sure the car doesn’t pull to one side.
• Tyre pressures: use the manufacturer’s guide and a reliable gauge, check when the tyres are cold, including the spare, and refit the valve caps.
• Head restraint: the rigid part should be at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to your head as is comfortable.
• Tyre tread: no cuts or bulges, and at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way round.
• Headlights and tail lights: work the switch, with the ignition on if needed, then walk round the car.
• ABS fault: the warning light comes on.
• Direction indicators: work the switch, with the ignition on if needed, then walk round the car.
• Brake lights: press the brake pedal and check the reflection in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
• Power-assisted steering: apply gentle pressure to the wheel as the engine starts, or turn it just after moving off, and feel it get lighter.
• Rear fog lights: switch them on, check the warning light, and say when you’d use them.
• Main beam: switch it on and check the main beam warning light.
• Engine oil: find the dipstick or oil level indicator and check the level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
• Engine coolant: find the high and low marks on the header tank or radiator filler cap, and explain how to top it up.
• Brake fluid: find the reservoir and check the level against the high and low marks.

The 7 show me questions

You’re asked one of these while you’re driving, when it’s safe to do it. Show the examiner how you would:

• Wash and clean the rear windscreen
• Wash and clean the front windscreen
• Switch on your dipped headlights
• Set the rear demister
• Use the horn
• Demist the front windscreen
• Open and close the side window

What if you get a show me tell me question wrong on your driving test?

You get one driving fault, also called a minor, whether you get one or both wrong. You can have up to 15 minors and still pass. The bigger risk is the show me question: if your driving becomes dangerous or potentially dangerous while you do it, that’s a fail.

How to practise them

Practise the show me tell me questions in the car you’ll take to your driving test, and ask your instructor to quiz you. For the oil, coolant and brake fluid questions you have to open the bonnet and explain the check, so find each one under the bonnet before the day.