Show me, tell me questions
You'll be asked two vehicle safety questions on your practical test: one "tell me" before you drive and one "show me" while you're driving. Get either wrong and you pick up a driving fault, not a fail.
Tell me (before you drive)
You explain how you would carry out a safety check. These tend to cover things such as:
- checking that the brakes are working before you start a journey
- checking tyre tread depth and tyre pressures
- checking the engine oil and coolant levels
- checking the headlights, tail lights and brake lights work
- checking that the power-assisted steering is working
- adjusting the head restraint correctly
Show me (while driving)
You operate a control while driving, safely and briefly. Examples include working the rear windscreen wiper and washer, switching on dipped headlights, using the demister, opening and closing a side window, or operating the horn.
How to prepare
- Practise in the car you'll take your test in, because controls vary between models.
- For "show me", keep your eyes on the road. Learn where each control is by feel first.
- Read the official list of questions on GOV.UK: car show me, tell me questions.
Next step: test manoeuvres
Last reviewed: November 2026