Show me, tell me questions and answers

Checked against DVSA guidance on GOV.UK in October 2026.

How the questions work

The vehicle safety questions are one of the four parts of the car driving test, alongside the eyesight check, general driving and a reversing exercise. You'll be asked:

• one tell me question at the start of the test, before you drive, where you explain how you'd carry out a safety task
• one show me question while you're driving, where you show how you'd carry out a safety task

Both come from the DVSA's published show me, tell me list, so you can learn every one in advance.

How they're marked

Get one or both questions wrong and you get one driving fault. It counts towards the 15 you're allowed, but on its own it won't fail you.

The show me question is answered on the move. If your driving becomes dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer it, for example you drift towards the kerb while hunting for a switch, that's a serious or dangerous fault and you fail.

Examiner guidance calls these basic safety checks that don't need in-depth knowledge.

The 14 tell me questions

The answers sum up what the DVSA publishes; you don't need them word for word. For questions 12 to 14 you open the bonnet and explain the check.

1. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off; the car should not pull to one side.
2. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. In the manufacturer's guide. Use a reliable gauge, check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold, and refit 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 at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
4. Tell me how you would 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, and at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, around the entire circumference.
5. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. Switch on the ignition if needed, switch on the lights and walk round the car (or use reflections) to check.
6. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system. The warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
7. Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working. Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and walk round the car (or use reflections) to check all of them.
8. Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car. Use reflections in windows or garage doors, or ask someone to help.
9. Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey. If the steering becomes heavy it may not be working. Before setting off, gently hold the wheel while starting the engine: it should move slightly. Or turn the wheel just after moving off.
10. Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. Operate the switch (dipped headlights on first). Check the warning light. Use them when visibility drops below 100 metres.
11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on. Operate the switch (with dipped headlights on) and check the main beam warning light.
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil. Find the dipstick, check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant. Find the high and low level markings on the header tank and make sure the level is between them.
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid. Find the reservoir and check the level against the high and low markings.

The 7 show me questions

You're asked one of these while driving, so the real test is doing the task without losing control.

1. When it is safe to do so can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.
2. When it is safe to do so can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.
3. When it is safe to do so can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights.
4. When it is safe to do so can you show me how you would set the rear demister.
5. When it is safe to do so can you show me how you would operate the horn.
6. When it is safe to do so can you show me how you would demist the front windscreen.
7. When it is safe to do so can you show me how you would open and close the side window.

"When it is safe to do so" matters: you don't have to act the moment you're asked. Wait for a quiet, straight stretch and glance at the control, don't stare. If you can't find it, say so and drive on. A wrong answer costs one driving fault; losing control fails the test.

How to learn them

• Practise in the car you'll take your test in. Switches, dipsticks and fluid reservoirs sit in different places on every make.
• Say the tell me answers out loud, in your own words, as you will on the day.
• Practise show me tasks on the move with your instructor or supervising driver until you can find each control by feel.

How the simulator uses these questions

Driving Test Simulator is an independent practice tool, not affiliated with the DVSA. A mock test asks one tell me question before you set off, as a multiple choice, and one show me question while you drive (any of the seven). The wording matches this page, and the marking matches the real test: one driving fault for a wrong answer, a serious fault if you lose control while answering.