Key points
- You're asked 2 vehicle safety questions: one 'tell me' question before you drive and one 'show me' question while you're driving.
- Getting one or both wrong costs a single driving fault. It isn't a fail on its own.
- Driving dangerously, or in a potentially dangerous way, while you answer the 'show me' question is a fail.
- The official list has 14 'tell me' and 7 'show me' questions. It was last changed on 4 December 2017 and is still the current version.
During the car driving test you're asked two vehicle safety questions, known as "show me, tell me". The examiner asks one "tell me" question at the start, before you drive, where you explain how you'd carry out a safety check. The "show me" question comes while you're driving, and you actually carry out the task.[1][2] A wrong answer to one or both costs you one driving fault, not a fail.[1] Below is the full official list, with DVSA's own answers.
How the questions work
- "Tell me" is asked before you set off. You only describe the check, and you don't have to get out of the car or physically do it.[1]
- "Show me" is asked on the move. You work the control, such as the washers, demister or horn, when it's safe to do so.[1]
- Getting it wrong: one or both answers wrong = one driving fault (a "minor").[1]
- Driving badly while you answer: if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous during the "show me" question, you fail.[1]
The examiner guidance tells examiners not to push for precise answers. These are basic safety checks, and in-depth knowledge isn't required.[3] As a general rule, examiners are told to use the questions in rotation, so any question on the list can come up.[5]
Is this the current list?
Yes. The GOV.UK publication was last updated on 4 December 2017, when the older set of questions was removed. We checked it on 14 October 2026 and it hadn't changed.[1] The list examiners use in their own guidance (DT1) has the same 14 "tell me" and 7 "show me" questions.[4]
The 14 "tell me" questions
Questions and answers are reproduced from the official DVSA list, which is Crown copyright under the Open Government Licence v3.0.[1]
| # | Question | Official answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 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. | 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. |
| 5 | 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). |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | 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). |
| 8 | 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. |
| 9 | 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. |
| 10 | 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. |
| 11 | 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. |
| 12 | 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. |
| 13 | 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. |
| 14 | 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. |
The bonnet questions (12, 13 and 14)
If you get question 12, 13 or 14, you open the bonnet and tell the examiner how you'd do the check.[1] You won't be asked to touch a hot engine or actually check the fluid levels.[5] Being able to open the bonnet isn't one of the skills being tested, and your instructor or the person sitting in can help you lift it if you're struggling.[3][6] If the car shows fluid levels or tyre pressures on a dashboard information screen, you can refer to that in your answer.[3]
The 7 "show me" questions
Each one starts with "When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you…".[1]
| # | "When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you…" |
|---|---|
| 1 | …wash and clean the rear windscreen? |
| 2 | …wash and clean the front windscreen? |
| 3 | …would switch on your dipped headlights? |
| 4 | …would set the rear demister? |
| 5 | …would operate the horn? |
| 6 | …would demist the front windscreen? |
| 7 | …would open and close the side window? |
"When it's safe" matters. You choose the moment, so wait for a clear stretch of road rather than reaching for the control at a junction or roundabout. If you can't find the control while driving, the examiner guidance says the examiner should ask you to pull up when it's suitable and let you find it while stopped. They then ask the question again once you're moving.[3]
What a wrong answer means for your result
One or two wrong answers add up to one driving fault in total.[1][3] You can have up to 15 driving faults and still pass, as long as you have no serious or dangerous faults. See driving test faults explained. The bigger risk is the "show me" question: losing control or drifting while you look for a switch can turn a simple check into a serious or dangerous fault.[1][3]
A note on "tell me" demonstrations
You don't need to demonstrate anything for a "tell me" question. If you start to turn the ignition on, the examiner guidance says the examiner should step in and explain that a demonstration isn't needed.[3] Just explain the check clearly in your own words. The official answers above show the level of detail expected.
The official page, with DVSA's videos of the questions, is at GOV.UK: Car "show me, tell me" vehicle safety questions.
Sources
- Car 'show me, tell me' vehicle safety questions
- Driving test: cars – What happens during the test
- Guidance for driving examiners (DT1) – 11. Guide to assessment and marking
- Guidance for driving examiners (DT1) – 13. Vehicle safety check questions
- Guidance for driving examiners (DT1) – 6. General technical matters
- Sit in and observe driving tests
Last checked against the cited sources on 14 October 2026. PassNav is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA, DVLA or TomTom. Our guides are prepared with AI assistance and checked against the official sources cited on each page. Rules and fees change — for current legal requirements and booking rules, always check GOV.UK. This is general guidance and does not replace professional driving instruction. Spotted something out of date? Email passnav@smartaisolution.co.uk — see our editorial policy.