Driving Test Show Me Tell Me Questions UK

18th November 2025

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Show me and tell me driving test questions (2025 Guide)

Show Me Tell Me Questions are part of every UK driving test. The examiner will ask two short vehicle safety questions — one “Tell Me” before you start driving and one “Show Me” while you’re on the move.

 

They check that you understand basic car safety and can handle simple vehicle checks confidently. Learning them before your test helps you stay calm, avoid unnecessary minors, and prove you’re a safe driver from the start.

Show Me Tell Me Questions
  • Tell Me 01 – Brakes
  • Tell Me 02 – Tyre Pressures
  • Tell Me 03 – Head Restraint
  • Tell Me 04 – Tread Depth
  • Tell Me 05 – Headlights & Taillights
  • Show Me 01 – Wash & Clean Rear Windscreen
  • Show Me 02 – Wash & Clean Front Windscreen
  • Show Me 03 – Dipped Headlights
  • Show Me 04 – Rear Demister
  • Show Me 05 – Horn
  • Show Me 06 – Demist Front Windscreen
  • Show Me 07 – Open & Close Side Window

See Full List

Stuff You Really Need to Know
  • Tyres Are Everything
  • Brakes Keep You Alive
  • Head Restraints Save Your Neck
  • Lights Matter

See Safety Tips

The “Tell Me” Questions

These are asked before you start driving. The car stays still — you just explain what you’d do.

Avoid Easy Faults — Learn Every Show Me Tell Me Question Easily

Many learners lose marks on simple vehicle safety questions. Get the full list of 21 Show Me / Tell Me questions — and see what the examiner really wants to hear.

Once you’ve mastered those, read this detailed guide to understand what causes most learners to fail — and how to avoid it.


View the DVSA’s Most Common Driving Test Faults

Tell Me 01 – Brakes
How would you check the brakes are working before driving off?
Brakes shouldn’t feel spongy or loose. Test them as you move off — the car should slow smoothly without pulling to one side.
Tell Me 02 – Tyre Pressures
Where do you find the correct tyre pressure and how do you check it?
Check your car manual or sticker inside the driver’s door. Use a reliable pressure gauge when tyres are cold.
Tell Me 03 – Head Restraint
The hard part should sit close to the back of your head and level with the top of your ears — it prevents whiplash.
Tell Me 04 – Tread Depth
You need at least 1.6 mm of tread across the middle three-quarters of the tyre. Check with a tread gauge or wear bars. Look for cuts, bulges, or debris.
Tell Me 05 – Headlights & Taillights
Turn them on and walk around the car to check they light up correctly.

The “Show Me” Questions

These happen while driving. The examiner will say, “When it’s safe, can you show me how to…” — stay calm and focused.

Show Me 01 – Wash & Clean Rear Windscreen
Operate the rear washer and wiper control to clean the back window while keeping your eyes on the road.
Show Me 02 – Wash & Clean Front Windscreen
Pull the wiper stalk toward you to spray washer fluid and clean the front windscreen.
Show Me 03 – Dipped Headlights
Turn the headlight dial or stalk to the dipped beam setting until the dashboard symbol appears.
Show Me 04 – Rear Demister
Press the button with wavy lines to activate the rear heated screen and clear mist or frost.
Show Me 05 – Horn
When safe, briefly press the horn to show it works (don’t use it unnecessarily in traffic).
Show Me 06 – Demist Front Windscreen
Use the fan and temperature controls or press the front demist button to clear the windscreen quickly.
Show Me 07 – Open & Close Side Window
Use the window switch or handle to open and close the side window smoothly while maintaining full control of the car.
All 21 DVSA Show Me Tell Me Questions 2025 – Pass N Go infographic
Infographic: All 21 DVSA Show Me Tell Me questions learners must know for the 2025 driving test.

Stuff You Really Need to Know

Tyres Are Everything
Tyres Are Everything infographic – Show Me Tell Me Questions
Tread depth: Replace around 3 mm, not just the legal 1.6 mm.
Pressure: Wrong levels affect handling, fuel use, and wear.
Under-inflated: Overheats and can blow out.
Over-inflated: Less grip and rough ride.
Brakes Keep You Alive

Brakes Keep You Alive infographic

  • Spongy pedal
  • Car pulls sideways
  • Grinding or squealing noises
  • Longer stopping distance
Head Restraints Save Your Neck

Head Restraints Save Your Neck infographic – Show Me Tell Me Questions

  • Close to your head
  • Level with your ears
  • Never too low
Lights Matter

Lights Matter infographic – Show Me Tell Me Questions

  • Headlights (dipped & main beam)
  • Brake lights
  • Indicators
  • Fog lights
  • Number-plate lights

Want to Feel Confident on Test Day?

Our instructors cover Show Me Tell Me in every lesson — so you’ll never get caught off guard.
Find a Driving Lesson Near You

How You’re Marked

  • 1 wrong = 1 minor fault
  • Up to 15 minors = pass
  • Unsafe action = serious fault = fail

Getting Ready for Test Day

  • Practise with your instructor regularly.
  • Watch short demo videos.
  • Say answers out loud.
  • Test yourself often.

Book Your Driving Test Lessons Now

Get hands-on practice with expert instructors who’ll walk you through every question on test day.
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This Stuff Matters After Your Test Too

  • Avoid breakdowns
  • Save money on repairs
  • Stay legal and safe

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Show Me Tell Me questions on the driving test?
The DVSA asks one “Tell Me” question before you start driving and one “Show Me” question while driving.
Together they cover 21 car safety checks.
Can you fail for getting a Show Me Tell Me question wrong?
No — each incorrect answer is one minor fault. Unsafe driving during a Show Me question could cause a serious fault.
When are the Show Me and Tell Me questions asked?
The “Tell Me” question is before you start driving, and the “Show Me” happens while driving, usually during independent driving.

You’ve Got This

The questions are simple once you practise. The DVSA includes them to make you a safer driver — stay calm, practise often, and you’ll pass with confidence.