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DVSA DRIVING TEST

Show Me, Tell Me Questions

The DVSA safety-check questions every learner faces on test day. Learn them here — then walk into your test with one less thing to worry about.

BEFORE YOU START

What are Show Me, Tell Me questions?

Every DVSA practical driving test includes two vehicle safety-check questions. Before you set off, the examiner asks one Tell Me question — you explain how you would carry out the check without doing it. Then, while you are driving, the examiner asks one Show Me question — you demonstrate the action while continuing to drive safely.

If you get one wrong
Minor fault — one driving fault.
No harm done. You are still on track to pass, as long as you keep your other faults in check on the drive.
If you answer unsafely
Dangerous driving — instant fail.
Take your eyes off the road, use both hands to fiddle with controls, or act in a way that puts anyone at risk, and it becomes a serious fault. Test over.
PART ONE — BEFORE YOU DRIVE

Tell Me Questions

The examiner asks one of these before you set off. You answer in words — no need to actually do the check. Practise saying them out loud so it comes naturally on the day.

01
Tell Me Question
“Tell me how you would check that the main beam is working (no need to exit the vehicle).”
A
How you answer
Turn on the ignition (engine does not need to be running) and operate the main-beam switch on the indicator stalk. The blue main-beam warning light will come on inside the dashboard, confirming it is working. If you were outside the car, you could check the reflection in a window, a garage door, or ask someone else to confirm.
02
Tell Me Question
“Tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.”
A
How you answer
With the engine cold and the car on level ground, open the bonnet and locate the dipstick. Pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again. The oil film should sit between the minimum and maximum markings on the dipstick.
03
Tell Me Question
“Tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient coolant.”
A
How you answer
Locate the coolant expansion tank under the bonnet. With the engine cold, check the fluid level sits between the minimum and maximum markings on the side of the tank. If it is low, remove the cap once the engine has cooled and top up with the correct coolant to the maximum line.
04
Tell Me Question
“Tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of brake fluid.”
A
How you answer
Locate the brake-fluid reservoir on top of the engine bay, usually near the driver side. Check the fluid level sits between the minimum and maximum markings on the outside of the reservoir. Never remove the cap unless you are topping up.
PART TWO — WHILE YOU DRIVE

Show Me Questions

The examiner asks one of these while you are driving. You need to demonstrate the action safely, without losing focus on the road. If it is not safe right away, wait for the right moment.

01
Show Me Question
Rear windscreen
“When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen?”
A
What to do
Operate the rear wash-wipe function on the wiper stalk (usually push forward or twist the stalk end). Washer fluid sprays onto the rear windscreen and the wiper clears it. Keep both hands on the wheel where possible and eyes on the road.
02
Show Me Question
Front windscreen
“When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would wash and clean the front windscreen?”
A
What to do
Pull the wiper stalk toward you to spray washer fluid onto the front windscreen — the wipers activate automatically. Release once the screen is clear.
03
Show Me Question
Dipped headlights
“When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights?”
A
What to do
Rotate the headlight switch on the indicator stalk (or the dashboard dial) to the dipped-beam position. A green headlight symbol lights up on the dashboard to confirm.
04
Show Me Question
Rear demister
“When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would set the rear windscreen demister?”
A
What to do
Press the rear-demister button on the dashboard (marked with a rectangle and upward arrows). A light on the button confirms it is on. It switches off automatically after a set time.
05
Show Me Question
Horn
“When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would operate the horn?”
A
What to do
Press the horn pad in the centre of the steering wheel briefly. The examiner may expect a short beep — that is normal and part of showing the horn works.
06
Show Me Question
Front demister
“When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would demist the front windscreen?”
A
What to do
Turn the fan speed up, direct the airflow to the windscreen vent (windscreen icon), set the temperature to warm, and switch on the air conditioning if fitted — it clears moisture faster.
07
Show Me Question
Side window
“When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would open and close the side window?”
A
What to do
Use the window switch on the driver door. Press down to lower the window and lift up to raise it. Take one hand off the wheel briefly — never take your eyes off the road.
READY TO PRACTISE?

Learn them properly with our team at ISM.

We run every learner through the Show Me, Tell Me questions before test day so you never get caught out. Book a lesson and cover them in the car you will actually take your test in.

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