Show Me, Tell Me: Your Guide to Driving Test Questions

‘Show me, tell me’ questions on your driving test can cause all sorts of nerves and give rise to countless questions from learners. This blog answers all your queries and prepares you for the test. Whether you’re taking driving lessons in Horsham or elsewhere, being prepared for these questions will help you stay calm and focused during the test.

What Are ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions?

A ‘show me’ question requires you to show how you’d carry out a safety task while driving. A ‘tell me’ question is where you explain how you’d perform a safety check before starting your journey.

How Many ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions Are There?

There are 7 ‘show me’ questions and 14 ‘tell me’ questions, but the examiner will only ask one of each.

What Are the ‘Show Me’ Questions?

1. Show me how to wash and clean the rear windscreen.
2. Show me how to wash and clean the front windscreen.
3. Show me how to switch on your dipped headlights.
4. Show me how to set the rear demister.
5. Show me how to operate the horn.
6. Show me how to demist the front windscreen.
7. Show me how to open and close the side window.

What Are the ‘Tell Me’ Questions?

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

   Brakes shouldn’t feel spongy or slack, and the vehicle shouldn’t pull to one side.

2. Tell me where to find the recommended tyre pressures and how to check them.

   Use the manufacturer’s guide and a pressure gauge when tyres are cold.

3. Tell me how to ensure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.

   The top should be level with your eyes or top of your ears, close to the back of your head.

4. Tell me how to check tyre tread depth and condition.

   Minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, with no cuts or bulges.

5. Tell me how to check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

   Operate the switch, and then walk around the car to check.

6. Tell me how you’d know if there’s a problem with the ABS.

   The ABS warning light will illuminate if there’s a fault.

7. Tell me how you’d check the indicators are working.

   Operate the switch and walk around the vehicle to check.

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

   Press the brake pedal and either look for reflections or ask someone to help.

9. Tell me how to check power-assisted steering before a journey.

   Apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel when starting the car; it should move easily.

10. Tell me how to switch on the rear fog light(s) and when to use them.

    Operate the switch and check the warning light is on.

11. Tell me how to switch from dipped to main beam and how to know it’s on.

    Use the switch and check the main beam warning light.

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine oil level.

    Use the dipstick to check oil level against minimum and maximum markers.

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine coolant level.

    Check high and low markings on the header tank and top up if needed.

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the brake fluid.

    Identify the reservoir and ensure the level is between high and low marks.

Final Thoughts on ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions

If you’re preparing for driving lessons in Horsham, practice these questions with your instructor to build confidence. These questions aren’t difficult, but proper preparation will ensure they don’t knock your confidence on the day of your test.