Show Me, Tell Me Questions: All DVSA Questions & Answers for 2026

The "show me, tell me" vehicle safety questions are a compulsory part of the UK practical driving test. Your examiner will ask one tell me question before you start driving and one show me question while you're on the move. Answer either incorrectly and you'll pick up a minor fault — not a fail, but an easy way to keep a clean sheet.

This guide lists every official DVSA question and the exact answer examiners expect, so you can revise them all in one place.

When Are the Questions Asked?

• Tell me — asked at the start of your test, before you begin driving. You explain how you'd carry out a safety check.
• Show me — asked while you're driving. You demonstrate the check by operating the relevant control in the car.

A single wrong answer is marked as a minor (driving) fault — you won't fail for it alone. But if you lose control of the vehicle while answering a "show me" question, that could escalate to a serious or dangerous fault, which is an automatic fail.

All 16 Tell Me Questions (Asked Before You Drive)

1. Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off — the 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.

Find the pressures in the manufacturer's guide or the sticker inside the driver's door / fuel flap. Check with a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold, don't forget the spare, and refit the 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 rigid part of the head restraint should be adjusted so it's at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

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 or bulges. At least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the breadth, and around the entire outer circumference.

5. Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Operate the switch (engine does not need to be started). Walk round and check, or use reflections in windows/garage doors.

6. Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

A warning light on the dashboard should illuminate if there is a fault with the ABS.

7. Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working.

Turn on the hazard warning lights or operate the indicator, then walk round the vehicle and check all the indicators are flashing.

8. Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.

Operate the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or garage doors, or ask someone to help.

9. Tell me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

Gentle pressure on the wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively, turning the wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication.

10. Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you'd use it/them.

Operate the switch (dipped headlights and ignition on). Check the warning light is on. Use only when visibility is seriously reduced — generally less than 100 metres.

11. Tell me how you'd switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know the main beam is on.

Operate the switch (with dipped headlights on and ignition or engine on) and check the blue main beam warning light comes on.

12. Tell me how you'd check the windscreen washers and wipers are working properly.

Operate the washers and wipers using the controls; check the wipers clear the screen effectively and there is washer fluid in the reservoir.

13. Tell me how you'd check the horn is working (off-road only).

Check by pressing the horn — ignition or engine needs to be on.

14. Tell me how you'd check for the appropriate coolant level in this car.

Identify the expansion tank and explain how to check that the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum markers.

15. Tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify the dipstick or oil level indicator, describe checking the level against the minimum and maximum markers.

16. Tell me how you'd check that the brake fluid is at a safe working level.

Identify the reservoir and check the level against the high and low markings.

All 7 Show Me Questions (Asked While Driving)

1. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

Operate the rear washer and wiper control.

2. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

Operate the front washer and wiper control.

3. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?

Operate the light switch to the dipped headlight position.

4. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?

Operate the rear demister switch and explain it clears condensation and ice from the rear screen.

5. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?

Press the horn — used to warn other road users of your presence.

6. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?

Set the heater/ventilation controls to direct air to the windscreen, with the blower and heated screen as appropriate.

7. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?

Operate the window switch or winder to open and close the driver's side window.

Tips for Passing the Show Me, Tell Me Questions

• Learn the exact answers — examiners look for specific keywords like "1.6mm tread depth" and "100 metres visibility" for fog lights.
• Practise in your instructor's car — the controls vary between models, so make sure you know where the fog light switch, demister and washer controls are before test day.
• Don't panic if you get one wrong — it's a minor fault. Stay calm and focus on your driving.
• Listen for "when it's safe to do so" — the examiner won't ask you to do a show me question at a roundabout or junction. Wait until you're on a clear, straight road.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many show me, tell me questions are there?

There are 16 tell me questions and 7 show me questions on the official DVSA list — 23 in total. Your examiner will ask you one of each: one tell me before you start driving, and one show me while you're on the move.

Do you fail if you get a show me, tell me question wrong?

No — a single wrong answer is marked as a minor (driving) fault. You won't fail your test for it alone. However, if you lose control of the car while answering a "show me" question, that could become a serious or dangerous fault.

Can you retake the show me, tell me question?

No — the examiner asks each question once. If you get it wrong, they'll note the minor fault and move on. You can't ask for a different question or a second attempt.

When do they ask the tell me question?

The tell me question is asked at the start of your test, before you begin driving. You'll be sitting in the car with the examiner when they ask it.

When do they ask the show me question?

The show me question is asked while you're driving. The examiner will say "when it's safe to do so" and then ask you to demonstrate a control. They'll choose a clear, straight stretch of road.

Do show me, tell me questions change every year?

The DVSA updates the questions occasionally, but the core list has been stable for several years. Always check the official DVSA website for the latest version before your test.