The “show me, tell me” questions are two vehicle-safety questions the examiner asks on your practical driving test: one “tell me” question before you start driving, and one “show me” question while you’re driving. The DVSA draws them from a fixed list of 14 “tell me” and 7 “show me” questions. Getting one wrong adds a single driving fault (a “minor”), it won’t fail you on its own. Below is the full list with simple answers, and exactly what happens if you slip up.
What are “show me, tell me” questions?
They’re basic checks that prove you understand your car’s safety features. At the start of the test, before you drive, the examiner asks one “tell me” question, you explain how you’d carry out a check. Then, while you’re driving, they ask one “show me” question, you physically demonstrate a control (like the rear demister) without taking your attention off the road. You get one of each, chosen at random from the official DVSA list.
The 14 “tell me” questions and answers
These are asked at the test centre before you set off. You only have to describe the check.
Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working before a journey.
The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Press the brake as you start to drive, the car should not pull to one side.
Tell me where you’d find the recommended tyre pressures and how you’d check them.
In the owner’s manual or printed inside the driver’s door sill or fuel cap. Check them with a pressure gauge when the tyres are cold, and don’t forget the spare.
Tell me how you’d check the tyres have enough tread and are safe.
Tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the whole circumference, with no cuts or bulges.
Tell me how you’d check the headlights and tail lights are working.
Operate the light switch, then walk around the car (or use a reflection) to confirm the lights are on.
Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working.
Switch on the hazard warning lights or each indicator and check that all the indicators flash.
Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working.
Press the brake pedal and check the reflection in a window or door, or ask someone to confirm the brake lights come on.
Tell me how you’d make sure the head restraint is correctly adjusted.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as comfortable.
Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system.
A warning light on the dashboard would stay lit.
Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may have failed. A gentle pressure on the wheel as you start the engine, or just after moving off, should confirm assistance is working.
Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and when you’d use them.
Operate the fog-light switch (with the lights already on). Use them only when visibility is seriously reduced, generally under 100 metres.
Tell me how you’d switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and know they’re on.
Operate the main-beam switch; a blue warning light on the dashboard shows main beam is on.
Tell me how you’d set the demister to clear the windows.
Select the heated screen settings, direct air to the windscreen, set a warm temperature and turn on the blower (and air-con or rear screen heater if fitted).
Tell me how you’d check the windscreen washer fluid level.
Identify the reservoir under the bonnet and check the level against the markings, topping up with screen wash if needed.
Tell me how you’d know if the engine had an oil pressure problem.
An oil warning light on the dashboard would come on.
The 7 “show me” questions and answers
These are asked while you’re driving, demonstrate the control safely, eyes on the road.
Show me how you’d wash and clean the rear windscreen.
Operate the rear washer and wiper control.
Show me how you’d wash and clean the front windscreen.
Operate the front washer and wiper control.
Show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights.
Operate the light switch to the dipped-beam position.
Show me how you’d set the rear demister.
Operate the heated rear-screen switch.
Show me how you’d operate the horn.
Press the horn (only when it’s appropriate and safe).
Show me how you’d demist the front windscreen.
Set the controls and fan to direct warm air at the windscreen.
Show me how you’d open and close the side window.
Operate the relevant window switch.
What happens if you get one wrong?
Getting a “show me, tell me” question wrong adds one driving fault (a minor), it is not an instant fail. You can collect up to 15 driving faults and still pass. The only way these questions cause a serious problem is if the “show me” demonstration makes you drive unsafely (for example, swerving while reaching for a control), that could be marked as a serious fault. So the golden rule for the “show me” question is: keep your eyes on the road and only operate the control when it’s safe.
There’s a lot more that decides your result on the day, see our guide to how to pass your driving test first time for the bigger picture.
How to remember them
You don’t need to memorise all 21 word-for-word, you only get one of each. The trick is to understand your own car: spend ten minutes finding every switch and warning light, and practise saying the checks out loud. On an intensive course your instructor will drill these with you in your training car so they’re second nature by test day. If you’re starting from scratch, our Elite beginner course builds this in from your very first sessions; if you’ve driven before, the Improver course is the popular choice. Either way, our step-by-step process covers the vehicle-safety questions as standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 14 show me tell me questions?
The 14 “tell me” questions cover the brakes, tyre pressures, tyre tread, headlights and tail lights, indicators, brake lights, head restraint, ABS, power steering, rear fog lights, main beam, the demister, washer fluid, and oil pressure. The examiner asks you one of them before you start driving.
What are the most common show me tell me questions?
There’s no fixed “most common” question, the DVSA selects one “tell me” and one “show me” at random from the official lists. The safest approach is to know all of them, since any could come up on the day.
What are instant fails on the driving test?
Instant fails are serious or dangerous faults, a single one fails the test. Getting a “show me, tell me” question wrong is not an instant fail; it’s just one driving fault (minor). It only becomes serious if demonstrating a control causes you to drive unsafely.
What is the number one reason for failing a driving test?
The most common reasons for failing are observation faults at junctions, mirror checks, and steering or positioning errors, not the vehicle-safety questions. Consistent, well-practised driving is what reduces these.
Where can I find the official list?
The definitive, up-to-date questions are published by the DVSA on GOV.UK. Always check there for the current official wording before your test.