Watch: Show Me, Tell Me questions explained
Show Me, Tell Me questions: all the answers
During the UK practical driving test the examiner asks you two vehicle safety questions — one ‘Tell Me’ question before you start driving, and one ‘Show Me’ question while driving. You do not need to know them off by heart but learning them all is easy and removes a source of nerves; knowing how your car works also makes you a safer driver for life. For learners preparing on roads across Horsham and West Sussex, mastering these controls early builds real confidence before you ever sit your test.
At a Glance
- 1.Tell Me: Answered verbally before driving off.
- 2.Show Me: Demonstrated on the move when safe.
- 3.Scoring: 1 fault for one incorrect answer; serious fault for two.
How the vehicle safety check works
The examiner will ask you two safety questions during your practical test. Understanding the distinction and marking scheme helps you stay calm.
1. Tell Me (Before Driving)
You explain how you would carry out a safety check before driving off. This takes place at the start of your test while parked, or the examiner may ask you to open the bonnet to show fluid reservoirs.
2. Show Me (While Driving)
You demonstrate a safety task while driving, when it is safe to do so. The examiner will choose a suitable time and tell you what control to operate. Maintain control of the car and keep your primary attention on the road.
3. Fault Marking
A wrong answer to one question results in one driving fault (minor). A wrong answer to both questions results in one serious fault, which means an automatic fail.
‘Tell Me’ questions and answers
The examiner will ask you one of the following questions at the start of your test while the car is parked. Questions 12 to 14 involve opening the bonnet.
Recommended Answer:
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. You should test them as you set off: the vehicle should not pull to one side, and the pedal should feel firm and responsive.
Recommended Answer:
The recommended tyre pressures are listed in the manufacturer's guide or vehicle handbook, on a sticker inside the driver's door pillar, or inside the fuel filler cap. Check and adjust the pressures when the tyres are cold using a reliable pressure gauge. Remember to check all four tyres and the spare tyre (if fitted), and don't forget to refit the valve caps.
‘Show Me’ questions and demonstrations
The examiner will ask you one of the following questions while you are driving. Always wait until it is safe and appropriate to operate the control, maintaining complete vehicle control and road awareness.
How to demonstrate:
Operate the windscreen wiper stalk control to activate the rear screen washer and wiper. On most cars, this involves pushing the wiper stalk away from you or turning the outer rotary switch to the wash position until fluid sprays and the wiper sweeps.
How to demonstrate:
Pull the windscreen wiper stalk control towards you (or press the wash button depending on vehicle design) to spray washer fluid onto the windscreen and initiate automatic wiper sweeps.
Practising these questions around Horsham
Connecting vehicle safety checks to everyday driving across Horsham and West Sussex makes them intuitive rather than a memory test on test day.
Cold Sussex mornings
During cold, damp Sussex mornings, practise the demisting and defrosting ‘Show Me’ question (both front and rear heated screens) before setting off. Clear windows are essential for safety and legal visibility.
Sussex Weald lanes
The unlit, winding country lanes of the Sussex Weald around Horsham require confident lighting control. Practise switching to main beam and promptly dipping for oncoming traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Town and A-road traffic
In busy town-centre and A-road driving in and around Horsham, carry out ‘Show Me’ tasks only when it is safe to do so. Keep your primary attention on the road, and tell the examiner you will operate the control once safe.
Driveway checks at home
Practise at home on your own driveway: locate the bonnet release catch, the engine oil dipstick, the brake fluid reservoir, and the coolant expansion tank in the car you will use on test day.
Learning to drive in Horsham? Work through the free course lesson by lesson, and test yourself on these questions in between.
Free driving courseLearn the car you will be tested in
Every vehicle layout differs: windscreen wiper stalks, bonnet release catches, fog light buttons, and electronic displays are placed in different positions across makes and models. Wherever in Horsham and West Sussex you practise, learn the controls in the car you will actually be tested in. Practice every single ‘Show Me’ and ‘Tell Me’ question inside the exact car you plan to take to the test centre with your instructor.
Stuck on a term or acronym?
Look up DSSSM, MSPSL, clutch bite and more in plain English in the Jargon Buster.