Show Me / Tell Me Questions
Prepare for the vehicle safety questions in your driving test with Road Pilot. Learn how to confidently demonstrate essential vehicle checks, from tyres and lights to fluids and controls, with practical guidance from your instructor.
Get Test Ready & Learn The Show Me Tell Me Questions
To help you prepare for your driving test, make sure you know the answers to all of the Show Me, Tell Me questions below. During your practical driving test, you will be asked one “Tell Me” question before you start driving and one “Show Me” question while you are driving. Use the questions and answers below to practise regularly and build your confidence, so you’re fully prepared when your test day arrives!
Get Test Ready Learn The Show Me Tell Questions
Tell Me Questions
For these questions, you simply need to explain to the examiner how you would carry out the task. You won’t need to physically demonstrate it during the test — just clearly explain the steps you would take to complete it safely and correctly.
Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
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.
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 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.
Tell me how you’d 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 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.
Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
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).
Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
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).
Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
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.
Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
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.
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
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.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
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.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.
Show Me Questions
For these questions, you will need to physically carry out the task while driving. Make sure you stay focused on the road ahead and remain in full control of the vehicle at all times. Your safety is the priority, so only complete the task when it is safe to do so.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Use the rear washer/wiper control to spray and wipe the rear window.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Operate the windscreen washer and wipers using the controls
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
Turn the light control to dipped headlights.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
Select the windscreen demist setting and adjust the fan/temperature as necessary.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
Press the horn control, ensuring it is safe and appropriate to do so.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
Select the windscreen demist setting and adjust the fan/temperature as necessary.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Use the electric window switch.