Show Me Tell Me Questions 2026 — Complete Guide
All 14 “tell me” and all 7 “show me” DVSA vehicle safety questions for the 2026 practical driving test, with clear answers.
What Are the “Show Me Tell Me” Questions?
On every practical driving test, the examiner asks you two vehicle safety questions drawn from the official DVSA question bank — commonly known as the “show me tell me” questions. There are 14 “tell me” questions and 7 “show me” questions, and you will be asked one of each: a “tell me” question at the start of your test, before you set off, and a “show me” question while you are driving. If you are taking your test at Sale Driving Test Centre, the tell me question is asked in the car park before you pull away.
This guide lists the complete official question bank — every question in the DVSA’s published wording, current for 2026 — with a clear answer for each. The questions check that you can carry out basic vehicle safety checks, and they are straightforward if you have prepared.
“Tell Me” Question
Asked before you start driving, while the car is stationary. The examiner asks you to explain verbally how you would carry out a safety check or identify a problem. You may be asked to open the bonnet for some questions.
“Show Me” Question
Asked during the drive when it is safe to do so. The examiner asks you to physically demonstrate how to operate a vehicle control — for example, the rear wash/wipe or the demister. You must do this safely while driving.
How the Questions Are Marked
- An incorrect answer is one driving fault. Answering one or both questions incorrectly is recorded as a single driving (minor) fault. It will not fail your test on its own.
- Losing control is the real risk. If you lose control of the car while carrying out the “show me” demonstration — for example, swerving while reaching for a control — the examiner can record a serious or dangerous fault, which is a test fail. Know where each control is before test day.
- You do not need to touch anything under the bonnet. For the “open the bonnet” questions you point out and explain the check — you are not asked to physically carry it out.
All 14 “Tell Me” Questions — Official DVSA List
One of the following questions will be selected at random and asked before you set off. You answer verbally; for the three bonnet questions, the examiner will ask you to open the bonnet and point out where the check is done.
Answer: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack when the pedal is pressed. Before moving, press the brake pedal to check for normal resistance. Test the brakes as you set off by applying them gently — the car should respond promptly and should not pull to one side. Any sponginess or pulling to one side indicates a problem.
Answer: The recommended tyre pressures are found in the manufacturer’s guide — the vehicle handbook (or sometimes on a sticker inside the fuel cap or driver’s door frame). Pressures should be checked using a reliable tyre pressure gauge when the tyres are cold — not straight after a long journey. Check all four tyres and don’t forget the spare, and remember to refit the valve caps.
Answer: The head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part is at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears, and positioned as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. This minimises the risk of whiplash injury in a rear-end collision. (Note: some restraints might not be adjustable.)
Answer: There should be no cuts or bulges, and the tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around its entire circumference. Check this using a tread depth gauge, and visually inspect for cuts, bulges or any objects embedded in the tyre.
Answer: Operate the light switch (turning on the ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle to visually confirm that all lights are working — front headlights, front sidelights, rear tail lights and number plate light. You don’t need to physically do this on the test — just explain how you would.
Answer: A warning light marked ABS will illuminate on the instrument panel if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system. It is normal for this light to come on briefly when the engine is started and then go out — this is a self-test. If it remains on, or comes on while driving, the ABS may not be functioning correctly and the vehicle should be inspected.
Answer: Switch on the hazard warning lights (turning on the ignition if necessary) and walk around the vehicle to confirm all the indicator lights are flashing correctly. You don’t need to physically do this on the test — just explain how you would. A dashboard tell-tale that flashes faster than normal indicates a failed bulb.
Answer: Press the brake pedal and make use of reflections in windows, garage doors or another vehicle’s bodywork — or ask someone to stand behind the car and confirm the lights illuminate. All brake lights, including the high-level third light, should come on when the pedal is pressed.
Answer: If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Two simple checks can be made before starting a journey: apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while the engine is started — the wheel should move slightly 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 working.
Answer: Operate the rear fog light switch — you may need to turn on the ignition and dipped headlights first. A warning light on the instrument panel confirms it is on. Rear fog lights should be used when visibility is seriously reduced — generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres — and must be switched off as soon as visibility improves, as they can dazzle following drivers.
Answer: Pull or push the appropriate stalk on the steering column (this varies by vehicle — refer to your car’s handbook), with the ignition or engine on if necessary. When main beam is active, a blue warning light illuminates on the instrument panel. Main beam should only be used on unlit roads when no oncoming traffic would be dazzled.
Answer: With the engine off and the car on level ground, identify the oil dipstick (usually yellow or orange) or the electronic oil level indicator. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then remove it again. The oil level should be between the minimum (MIN) and maximum (MAX) markers. If it is below the minimum, top up with the correct grade of oil as specified in the vehicle handbook. You only need to point out where the check is done and explain it — you won’t be asked to carry it out.
Answer: Identify the coolant header tank — a translucent plastic reservoir marked with high/low level markings. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should sit between the MIN and MAX markings. If it is low, top up with the correct coolant mixture as specified in the vehicle handbook. Never open the radiator or header tank cap when the engine is hot — the system is pressurised and can cause serious burns.
Answer: Identify the brake fluid reservoir — a small translucent container, usually with a yellow cap marked with a warning symbol, near the back of the engine bay. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX markings visible on the side. If it is low, top up with the correct specification brake fluid. A consistently dropping level may indicate a leak and should be investigated promptly.
All 7 “Show Me” Questions — Official DVSA List
One of the following questions will be asked during the drive, when the examiner considers it safe to do so. You must physically demonstrate the operation while continuing to drive safely — keep your eyes on the road and stay in full control of the car.
Answer: Locate and operate the rear wash/wipe control — usually on the end of the wiper stalk (often by twisting or pushing it away from you). Activate it to spray washer fluid onto the rear screen and operate the rear wiper. Ensure you remain in full control of the vehicle while doing so.
Answer: Operate the front washer control — usually by pulling the wiper stalk towards you. Washer fluid sprays onto the windscreen and the wipers run automatically to clear it. Do this briefly and smoothly, keeping your eyes on the road and both hands available for the wheel.
Answer: Operate the light switch — usually a rotating collar on the light stalk or a dial on the dashboard — and turn it to the dipped headlight position. A green warning light on the instrument panel confirms the headlights are on. In cars with automatic headlights, move the switch from “auto” to the dipped position.
Answer: Press the rear demister button on the dashboard or climate controls — it is marked with a rectangle (the rear window) and rising wavy arrows. A warning light or illuminated button confirms it is active. Switch it off once the screen is clear to avoid unnecessary battery drain.
Answer: Press the horn button, located in the centre of the steering wheel. Do this briefly and only when the examiner asks. Ensure you maintain full control of the vehicle and do not grip the centre of the wheel at the expense of your steering.
Answer: Direct the heater controls to blow warm air at the windscreen (use the windscreen symbol on the air direction control). Increase the fan speed and, if the vehicle has air conditioning, switch it on — this helps remove moisture from the air and clears the screen faster. Most modern cars have a dedicated front screen demist button that does this automatically.
Answer: Locate the electric window switch on the door panel (or the manual winder handle) and operate it to open the window, then close it again. Do this smoothly and safely without looking away from the road for an extended period. The examiner is checking that you can operate vehicle controls while maintaining control of the car.
Tips for Learning the Questions
- Understand, don’t just memorise. The answers make practical sense once you understand what each system does. A tyre with no tread cannot grip the road; a coolant system that runs dry will seize the engine. Understanding the ‘why’ makes the answer much easier to recall under pressure.
- Get hands-on. Open the bonnet on the car you will be learning in and identify the dipstick, coolant header tank and brake fluid reservoir before your test. Seeing them in person removes the ambiguity of the description.
- Learn the controls by feel. The “show me” question is answered while driving, so you need to find the demister, washers and light switch without hunting for them. Practise operating each control on the move during your lessons.
- Use the official DVSA resources. The DVSA publishes videos demonstrating answers to the vehicle safety questions. These are freely available on YouTube by searching for “DVSA show me tell me”.
- Practise with Bill. During your driving lessons, Bill will walk through the bonnet questions and show you where each component is in the car you’re learning in. Knowing the answer in theory is one thing; being able to point confidently at the dipstick in front of an examiner is another.
- Faults are minor — but don’t be complacent. An incorrect answer counts as one driving fault. A single fault will not fail your test, but it is an unnecessary mark against you and is easily avoided with a small amount of preparation.
Preparing for a test in Sale or South Manchester? Bill covers the show me tell me questions as a standard part of every course — see lesson prices or get in touch to book.