Free study guide
Show me, tell me questions
Your practical test includes two vehicle-safety questions — one 'tell me' before you drive and one 'show me' while you drive. Get one or both wrong and you pick up a single minor fault. Here is the full DVSA list, with clear answers to learn before test day.
‘Tell me’ questions
Asked before you start driving — you explain the check rather than carry it out. For the last three, you open the bonnet and talk the examiner through it.
Test them gently as you move off. They shouldn't feel spongy or slack, and the car shouldn't pull to one side when you brake.
The pressures are in the manufacturer's handbook, and often on a sticker inside the driver's door frame or fuel flap. Check them with a reliable gauge while the tyres are cold, include the spare, and put the valve caps back on afterwards.
Set it so the rigid part is level with your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable. Mention that some head restraints can't be adjusted.
Look for cuts and bulges — there should be none. The legal minimum tread is 1.6mm, across the central three-quarters of the tyre's width and all the way around it.
Switch the lights on (with the ignition on if needed), then walk round the car to check each one is lit. Because it's a 'tell me' question, you only need to describe this — you stay in your seat.
The ABS warning light on the dashboard comes on if there's a fault.
Switch on the indicators or the hazard lights (ignition on if needed), then walk round the car to check every one is flashing. Again, you describe it rather than getting out.
Press the brake pedal and look for the glow reflected in a window, garage door or the car behind — or ask someone to stand behind the car and tell you.
Heavy steering suggests a problem. Two quick checks: keep gentle pressure on the wheel while you start the engine and you should feel it move slightly as the system kicks in, or turn the wheel just after moving off and it should feel light straight away.
Switch on dipped headlights (and the ignition if needed), then the fog light switch, and check its warning light shows on the dashboard. Use them only when visibility is seriously reduced — as a rule, below 100 metres — and switch them off once it improves.
Push the indicator stalk away from you (with the ignition or engine on if needed). A blue main-beam warning light appears on the dashboard.
Point out the dipstick or the oil level indicator, and explain that you'd check the level sits between the minimum and maximum marks.
Point out the coolant header tank (or the radiator filler cap) and its high and low marks, and explain you'd top it up to the correct level — only with the engine cold.
Point out the brake fluid reservoir and explain you'd check the level against its high and low marks.
‘Show me’ questions
Asked while you’re driving, when the examiner judges it safe. Keep control of the car first — driving dangerously while you answer is a test fail.
Use the rear wash/wipe control — usually on the end of the wiper stalk or a push of the stalk away from you. Keep your eyes on the road and a hand on the wheel, and switch the rear wiper off once the glass is clear.
Pull the wiper stalk towards you to spray washer fluid and run the wipers, then let go. Keep looking ahead throughout.
Turn the light switch (on the stalk or the dashboard) to the dipped setting and check for the green headlight symbol. Make sure you haven't selected main beam.
Press the rear demister button — the rectangle with wavy arrows — and check its light comes on. Turn it off once the rear window is clear.
Give the centre of the steering wheel a short press. Keep it brief and keep both eyes on the road.
Direct the air to the windscreen, turn the fan up and the temperature to warm. Switch on air conditioning if the car has it — it dries the air and clears the glass faster.
Use the window switch on your door to lower the window a little, then raise it again. It takes a quick glance at most — keep your attention on the road.
Checked against the DVSA’s official list in September 2026. The DVSA revises it occasionally, so it’s worth a quick look at gov.uk before your test. Want to practise them in the car? Start with a beginner lesson or book with us today.