Show Me Tell Me
The Show Me Tell Me section is an important part of the UK practical driving test, designed to check your understanding of basic vehicle safety and maintenance.
Be ready for every question on your driving test.
The Show Me Tell Me section is your chance to prove you can keep your car safe and roadworthy. A few simple checks, a little preparation, and you’ll walk into your test confident and ready.
Show Me Questions
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Tell Me Questions
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.
Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made.
Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.
Download Show Me Tell Me Sheet
Download our PDF which includes all the Show Me Tell Me Questions/Answers
