Show Me, Tell Me Questions (DVSA 2026 Edition)

 

The Show Me, Tell Me questions are simple vehicle‑safety checks the examiner asks during your practical driving test. They’re designed to make sure you understand the basic safety features of a car and can operate them confidently while driving.

“If you’re still getting used to the basics, our car controls explained page will help.”


You will be asked:


• One Tell Me question at the start of the test (before driving).

• One Show Me question while you are driving.


These questions are straightforward. Getting one or both wrong does not fail your test — it only counts as a minor fault.

 

 

The Tell Me Questions

 

(asked before you start driving)


These questions check your understanding of basic safety checks. You explain your answer verbally.


Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working before starting a journey.


The brakes should feel firm, not spongy, or slack and the car shouldn’t pull to one side when tested.


Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures and how to check them.


In the vehicle handbook; use a reliable pressure gauge and check when tyres are cold.


Tell me how you’d make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.


The rigid part should be level with the top of your ears and close to the back of your head.


Tell me how you’d check the tyres have sufficient tread depth.


They must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three‑quarters of the tyre. No cuts or bulges in the wall or on the tyre.


Tell me how you’d check the headlights and tail lights are working.


Turn them on and walk around the vehicle to check.


Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti‑lock braking system (ABS).


A warning light would show on the dashboard.


Tell me how you’d check the indicators are working.
Turn them on and walk around the vehicle to check.


Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working.
Press the brake pedal and use reflections or ask someone to help.


Tell me how you’d check the power‑assisted steering is working.


Gentle pressure on the wheel should cause slight movement when the engine starts.


Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use them.


Turn on dipped headlights, then fog lights; use only in seriously reduced visibility. (100 metres )


Tell me how you’d switch your headlights from dipped to main beam.


Operate the main‑beam switch and check the dashboard warning light.


Tell me how you’d check the engine has enough oil / coolant / brake fluid.


Identify the reservoir and check levels against the minimum and maximum markers.

The Show Me Questions

 

(asked while driving)

 

These questions check that you can safely operate key controls without losing focus on the road.


     Show me how you’d wash and clean the front windscreen.


     Show me how you’d wash and clean the rear windscreen.


     Show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights.


     Show me how you’d set the rear demister.


     Show me how you’d operate the horn.


     Show me how you’d open and close the side window.


The examiner will choose one question at random during normal driving.

 

 

 

How to Answer Confidently

 

Learners often worry about these questions, but they’re simple when you know what to expect.

  • Practise the controls in your instructor’s car before the test.

    “These controls are also covered in the practical driving test guide.”

  • Say your answer clearly for Tell Me questions — no need for technical detail.
  • Keep your eyes on the road during Show Me questions; the examiner expects this.
  • Ask the examiner to repeat the question if needed — this is allowed.
  • Stay calm; these questions only check basic safety awareness.

 

Why These Questions Matter in Bridgend


Bridgend’s test routes include busy roundabouts, estate roads, and changing speed limits. Being able to operate your car’s controls smoothly while driving helps you stay focused on the road and avoid unnecessary faults during the test.


This is one of the reasons we’re known for high‑quality instruction across Laleston, Bryncethin, Sarn, Aberkenfig, Pen‑y‑fai, Cefn Glas, Bryntirion, Brackla, Broadlands, central Bridgend, and Wildmill.

 

 

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