You don’t need to be a mechanic to answer the show me, tell me questions correctly, you just need a good knowledge of your vehicle and the ability to carry out the 'show me' question on the move without losing control of your vehicle.

Your driving test examiner will ask you two questions - one show me question and one tell me question.

If you want to skip the words below, there is a great 'show me, tell me' video at the bottom of the page 🙂

‘Show me’ questions

• When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
• When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
• When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
• When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
• When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen? See below:
  

• When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
• When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?

Tell me questions and answers

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

If I press the brake pedal it should not feel spongy or slack. I could also drive slowly in a safe place and apply the brakes. If they pull to one side they are faulty.

2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

I’d check the handbook then I’d use a pressure gauge to check the pressures when the tyres (including the spare tyre) are cold.

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.

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.

There should be no cuts and bulges in the sidewall and there should be a minimum of 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre and all the way round.

5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

I’d turn on the ignition then walk round vehicle, making sure all the lights are working.

6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

A warning light should come on if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system. It’s yellow and says ‘ABS’.

7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

I’d press the hazard warning button then walk round vehicle. There should be six lights flashing.

8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

I’d turn the ignition on (NOT the engine) then press the brake pedal. I could make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help me check they are working.

9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

I’d apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel with my left hand with the engine switched off. Then I’ll start the engine and I’ll feel the power steering ‘kick in’.

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.

I’d turn the ignition on, turn on the headlights and press the button on the right. An amber light shows me they’re on. I’d use them when visibility is less than 100 metres, in fog or snowy conditions (not when it’s raining).

11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

I’d turn the ignition on, switch on the headlights (point to switch) pull the stalk on the left towards me until it clicks. A blue main beam warning light should be on.

Under the bonnet (see image, below)

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Point at the dipstick. Say: “I’d take the dipstick out, wipe it, put it back in, take it out then check the oil is between the maximum and minimum marks.”

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Point at the reservoir. Say: “I’d make sure the coolant is between the maximum and minimum marks. If I need to add more coolant, I’d make sure the engine is cold”.

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Point at the reservoir. Say: “I’d make sure the fluid is between the maximum and minimum marks”.