Please note: The ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions that driving examiners can ask in car driving tests.
About the questions
You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions during your car driving test.
The examiner will ask you one:
- ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
- ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving
You’ll get one driving fault (sometimes called a ‘minor’) if you get one or both questions wrong.
You’ll fail your driving test if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer the ‘show me’ question.
‘Tell me’ questions
During your practical driving test, the examiner will ask two vehicle safety questions — one “Tell me” at the start and one “Show me” while driving. These test your understanding of basic vehicle safety checks.
Getting these right won’t make or break your test, but getting them wrong can cost you a driving fault, or in certain risky cases a serious fault if your response shows danger or lack of safety awareness.
✅ What You Need to Know
- You will be asked one “Tell me” question before you drive. This involves explaining how you’d carry out a safety check (e.g., checking tyre pressure).
- You will be asked one “Show me” question while driving. This is where you demonstrate a function (e.g., how to wash the windscreen).
- If you get one or both questions wrong, you’ll incur a driving (minor) fault.
- However, if answering or demonstrating the “Show me” is done in a way that’s judged dangerous or potentially dangerous, it could become a serious fault — possibly causing test failure.
💡 Examples of “Tell me” Questions
Here are common “Tell me” questions and good ways to answer them:
| Question | Model Answer / Key Points |
|---|---|
| How would you check the brakes are working before starting a journey? | They shouldn’t feel spongy or slack. You’d test them as you set off. The car shouldn’t pull to one side. |
| Where do you find the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressures, and how should they be checked? | In the manufacturer’s handbook or inside driver’s door. Use a reliable gauge, check when tyres are cold, include spare, replace valve caps. |
| How would you adjust the head restraint for safety? | Align the rigid part at least as high as your eyes/top of ears and as close to the back of your head as comfortable. |
| How do you check tyres’ condition and tread depth? | Check for cuts, bulges. Minimum legal tread is 1.6 mm across the central 3/4 of the tyre, entire circumference. |
| How do you check lights (headlights / tail lights) are working (without leaving the car)? | Turn on ignition (if needed), operate the light switch, then walk around to visually confirm they’re working. |
| How would you check the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is functioning? | On ignition, a warning light appears briefly. If it stays on, there’s a fault. |
| How to check indicators are working (without exiting)? | Use the switch, then walk around and check that they function correctly. |
| How to check brake lights work? | Press the brake pedal, and use reflections in windows or doors to see the lights, or ask someone to help. |
| How to check power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey? | With gentle pressure on the steering wheel, start the engine—the wheel should move slightly. Or when moving off, steering should feel lighter and responsive. |
| How to switch on rear fog lights and when to use them? | Turn on dipped headlights (if needed), then fog light switch; check for warning light. Use when visibility is seriously reduced (e.g. fog, heavy rain). |
| How to switch from dipped to main beam? | Operate the lever / switch. A main beam warning light should illuminate in the instrument cluster. |
| In the bonnet: checking oil, engine coolant, hydraulic brake fluid | Use dipstick for oil, check levels against min/max markings. For coolant: check reservoir markings, avoid opening hot radiator cap. For brake fluid: find reservoir and ensure level is between safe min/max marks. |
🧮 Examples of “Show me” Questions
Here are some standard “Show me” tasks you may be asked to do during driving, when it’s safe:
- Wash/clean the rear windscreen
- Wash/clean the front windscreen
- Switch on dipped headlights
- Operate the rear demister
- Use the horn
- Demist the front windscreen
- Open and close a side window
These tasks must be done when safe — e.g., pull over when needed, ensure it’s legal, check mirrors, etc.
🧠 Instructor Insights & Tips
- Practice them out loud before your test. Rehearse both “Tell me” and “Show me” with your instructor or a learner.
- Don’t memorize only one phrasing — examiners may phrase them differently. Focus on key safety checks (mirrors, awareness, condition, levels).
- For the “Show me” tasks, always plan ahead: check mirrors, ensure safe gap, then perform.
- Even if you think you know how, verbalizing helps reinforce — especially the mechanical and safety logic behind them.
- Be confident but cautious — speak clearly, don’t rush, and keep safety in mind.
📋 Safety Question Checklist
- Know at least 12 “Tell me” style checks (brakes, tyres, lights, fluid levels, steering, fog lights, etc.)
- Know at least 7 “Show me” tasks (windscreens, lights, demister, horn, windows)
- Practice answering out loud under timed / exam-like conditions
- During mock tests, include the actual “Show me” while driving to simulate exam environment
- Keep answers concise but safe — include safety caveats (e.g. “when safe to do so”)
- On test day, listen carefully, take a moment to think, then respond clearly
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will I fail the test just because I miss one “Tell me” or “Show me”?
A: No, missing one gets you a driving fault. Only if your handling of the question is dangerous (for the “Show me”) could it become serious.
Q: When exactly is the “Tell me” question asked?
A: It is asked before you start driving — usually while you’re still stationary with the car ready to go.
Q: Do I have to physically perform “Show me” tasks every time?
A: Yes, the examiner will choose a safe moment in the drive to ask you to demonstrate one. You must actually do it (not just explain) unless it’s unsafe to do so — then you’d say so.
Q: Can the “Show me” question cause a fail on its own?
A: Only if your response is judged to be dangerous or potentially dangerous. Otherwise, it’s a minor fault if done incorrectly.
📚 Attribution & References
The list of safety questions is based on the link below:
“You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions … one ‘tell me’ before driving, one ‘show me’ during driving … You’ll get a driving fault if you get one or both wrong …” FQ Driving Academy
Also, all common safety checks and vehicle functions correspond to DVSA / UK driving test standards as listed on GOV.UK and driving instructor training materials.
