Show Me, Tell Me Questions 2025
The exact 21 vehicle safety questions used on every UK practical driving test
There is no serious fault or test failure just for Show Me/Tell Me answers.
Tell Me Questions – Asked before driving
1. Brakes
Q: Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test as you move off – vehicle should not pull to one side.
2. Tyre pressures
Q: Where would you find the correct tyre pressures and how would you check them?
A: Manufacturer’s guide. Use a reliable gauge when tyres are cold, don’t forget the spare and refit valve caps.
3. Head restraint
Q: How should the head restraint be adjusted?
A: Rigid part at least as high as eyes/top of ears and as close to the back of the head as comfortable.
4. Tyre tread & condition
Q: How would you check tyres are legal and safe?
A: No cuts or bulges, 1.6 mm tread across central ¾ of the breadth and around the entire circumference.
5. Headlights & tail lights
Q: How would you check headlights & tail lights are working?
A: Turn on ignition/lights and walk round the vehicle (no need to exit for “tell me”).
6. Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Q: How would you know if there was a problem with ABS?
A: The ABS warning light should illuminate if there’s a fault.
7. Direction indicators
Q: How would you check the indicators are working?
A: Operate the switch/hazard lights and walk round the vehicle.
8. Brake lights
Q: How would you check brake lights are working?
A: Press brake pedal and use reflections in windows/garages or ask someone to check.
9. Power steering
Q: How would you check power steering is working?
A: Gentle pressure on the wheel while engine starts should give slight movement, or steering feels light just after moving off.
10. Rear fog light(s)
Q: How do you switch on rear fog light(s) and when would you use them?
A: Turn on dipped headlights + fog light switch. Check warning light. Use when visibility < 100 m.
11. Main beam
Q: How do you switch from dipped to main beam and know it’s on?
A: Operate switch; blue main-beam warning light illuminates.
12. Engine oil
Q: Open bonnet – how would you check engine oil level?
A: Identify dipstick, pull out, wipe clean, re-insert, check level between min/max markers.
13. Engine coolant
Q: Open bonnet – how would you check coolant level?
A: Identify header tank, level should be between min/max markers.
14. Brake fluid
Q: Open bonnet – how would you check brake fluid level?
A: Identify reservoir, level should be between min/max markings.
Show Me Questions – Asked while driving
Wash & clean rear windscreen
Wash & clean front windscreen
Switch on dipped headlights
Operate rear demister
Sound the horn
Demist front windscreen
Open & close side window