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SHOW ME, TELL ME QUESTIONS
Ace the vehicle safety checks on your driving test.
The show me, tell me questions check your knowledge of basic vehicle safety. Learn every question on the official list and make sure you can answer them confidently on test day.
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What are show me tell me questions?
The show me, tell me questions are vehicle safety checks asked at the beginning of your practical driving test. Before you set off, the examiner will ask you one 'tell me' question (answered verbally) and one 'show me' question (answered by doing something in the car or pointing to the relevant component). Getting either wrong counts as one minor fault — it does not result in an immediate test failure.
Tell me questions
Tell me questions are answered verbally. The examiner will ask you to explain how you would check a specific safety item. Examples include how to check tyre pressure, how to check the engine oil level, or how to check that the brakes are working before setting off. You do not need to physically do anything for tell me questions.
Vehicle Safety Checks
The questions cover tyres, brakes, lights, steering, horn, wipers, washers and mirrors — all things you should check regularly as a driver.
Tell Me Questions
Tell me questions are answered verbally. You must explain clearly how you would carry out the check — you do not need to demonstrate it.
Show Me Questions
For show me questions, you must demonstrate — for example, switching on the rear heated screen or front demisters while the car is moving.
One Minor Fault
Getting a tell me or show me question wrong counts as one minor fault. It does not end your test, but it does count towards your fault total.
Practise All Questions
The DVSA publishes the full official list of show me, tell me questions. Study all of them and practise demonstrating each one before your test.
During the Drive
The show me question may be asked while you are driving — for example, "please switch on your rear heated screen." Respond safely without taking your eyes off the road.
How to prepare
Download the official DVSA list of show me, tell me questions from the GOV.UK website and study them carefully. Learn not just the answers but the reason behind each check — understanding why you check tyre tread or fluid levels makes the answers easier to recall under pressure. Ask your RED instructor to quiz you in the lessons leading up to your test.
Quiz yourself with the RED app
The Learn to Drive with RED app covers show me, tell me questions as part of your test preparation.
