How it works: At the start of your test, the examiner asks one "tell me" question (you answer verbally while stationary). Then during the drive, they ask one "show me" question (you demonstrate the action while driving safely). Each wrong answer = 1 minor fault.
Tell Me Questions — Full List
The examiner selects one of these before you start driving. You answer verbally or point to the relevant component.
1 Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Answer: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you move slowly forward — they should be effective without pulling to one side.
2 Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Answer: Manufacturer's guide or a sticker in the door jamb / fuel flap. Check using a reliable gauge when cold, then adjust to match the recommended pressure.
3 Tell me how you'd make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Answer: The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as the eye/top of ear line, as close to the back of the head as comfort allows.
4 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.
Answer: No bare patches, bulges or cuts. Tread must be at least 1.6mm deep across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference. Use a tread depth gauge or check with a 20p coin — if you can see the outer band, it's too worn.
5 Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Answer: Switch them on and walk around the car checking all lights are working (or use reflections). Alternatively, ask someone to check from outside while you operate them.
6 Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Answer: A warning light on the instrument panel will illuminate. If it stays on after starting the engine, there is a fault. Do not drive if the ABS warning light is on.
7 Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working.
Answer: Switch them on and walk around the car, or use reflections in windows/walls, to check all four corners are flashing.
8 Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.
Answer: Ask someone to stand behind the car while you press the brake pedal, or reverse slowly towards a reflective surface such as a garage door.
9 Tell me how you'd check the power steering is working before starting a journey.
Answer: If the car has power steering, resistance should build as you turn the wheel with the engine off. Once started, steering should feel light and easy. A warning light also indicates a fault.
10 Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you'd use them.
Answer: Locate the rear fog light switch (usually on the indicator/light stalk). Use them when visibility drops below 100 metres, e.g. in heavy fog. Turn them off when visibility improves.
11 Tell me how you'd check the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer: With the engine off and car on level ground, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert fully and remove again. The oil level should be between the two marks (min and max).
12 Tell me how you'd check the engine has sufficient coolant.
Answer: Check the coolant expansion tank (marked MIN and MAX on the side). Only open the cap when the engine is cold — the system is pressurised when hot.
13 Tell me how you'd check you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Answer: Check the fluid level in the transparent reservoir — it should be between the MIN and MAX marks. If below MIN, top up with the correct specification fluid and investigate for leaks.
14 Tell me how you'd check the windscreen washer reservoir and how you'd switch on the rear windscreen demister.
Answer: Locate the washer reservoir under the bonnet (usually marked with a screen/water symbol) and check fluid level. The rear demister is operated by a button on the dashboard.
Show Me Questions — Full List
The examiner asks one of these while you are driving. Demonstrate the action safely without taking your eyes off the road for more than a moment.
1 Show me how you wash and wipe the rear windscreen.
Answer: Operate the rear wash/wipe control — usually a separate position on the wiper stalk or a dedicated button.
2 Show me how you wash and wipe the front windscreen.
Answer: Pull the wiper stalk towards you (or operate the washer button on the stalk) to squirt washer fluid and activate front wipers.
3 Show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights.
Answer: Rotate the light switch to the dipped headlight symbol (two lines pointing down-left).
4 Show me how you'd set the rear demister to clear the rear windscreen.
Answer: Press the rear demister button on the dashboard. An indicator light shows it is active. Turn it off once the screen is clear.
5 Show me how you'd operate the horn.
Answer: Press the centre of the steering wheel (or the horn button on the wheel).
6 Show me how you'd demist the front windscreen.
Answer: Turn on the blower/fan, select warm air, direct vents at the screen and turn on the air conditioning to dry the air faster. Some cars have a dedicated front screen demist button.
7 Show me how you'd open the side window.
Answer: Operate the window switch on the door panel to lower the window.
How to Memorise Them
There are 14 tell me and 7 show me questions — 21 total. Only 2 will be asked. Here's how to cover them efficiently:
- Group by category: Fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer), Lights (headlights, indicators, brake lights, fog), Tyres (pressure, tread, condition), Safety systems (ABS, head restraint, power steering).
- Learn the pattern: For any fluid check — engine off, level ground, find the reservoir, check between MIN and MAX marks.
- For show me questions: Sit in a parked car and physically operate each control until it's automatic. The examiner asks while you're moving, so hesitation causes more issues than the answer itself.
- Don't over-revise: 30 minutes is enough for most people. These 2 questions carry the same weight as any other minor fault.
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FAQs
How many show me tell me questions are asked?
Two — one tell me (stationary) and one show me (while driving). Each wrong answer is one minor fault.
Can I fail just from show me tell me questions?
Unlikely on their own — you'd need to get both wrong (2 minors) plus 13 other minor faults. But they do count toward your total of 15 allowed minors.
Are the questions the same every time?
No — the examiner picks one tell me and one show me from the full list. You cannot know in advance which will be asked, so learn all of them.