Show Me Tell Me Questions 2025
All 21 official DVSA vehicle safety questions with full answers. One question will be asked at the start of your practical test.
Show Me Tell Me Questions 2025
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21 DVSA Questions
One asked per test
Question
Answer + Examiner Tip
Show Me Questions
Demonstrated while drivingTell Me Questions
Answered verbally before drivingManoeuvres
1 asked per testThe examiner will ask you to perform one of these four manoeuvres during your test.
Show Me Questions (demonstrated while driving)
Q1. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Operate the rear wash/wipe control — usually a stalk or button on the dashboard. The washer jets should spray fluid and the wiper should clear the screen.
Tip: Simply switch on the rear wash/wipe. Tell the examiner what the control does as you demonstrate it.
Q2. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd wash and clean the front windscreen?
Operate the front windscreen wash/wipe stalk (usually on the steering column). The washer jets should spray fluid and the wipers clear the screen.
Tip: Pull the wiper stalk towards you to activate front wash/wipe. Keep your eyes on the road as you demonstrate.
Q3. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?
Turn the light switch to the headlights position (usually a twist ring on the indicator stalk, or a dashboard dial). The headlight symbol will illuminate on the dashboard.
Tip: Don't confuse sidelights with headlights — make sure the full headlight symbol shows on the dashboard.
Q4. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?
Press the rear demister button (usually marked with a grid symbol with arrows). The dashboard indicator light will confirm it's on. It heats the rear window element to clear condensation.
Tip: The rear demister button usually lights up when active. Point out the dashboard indicator as confirmation.
Q5. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?
Press the centre of the steering wheel firmly to sound the horn.
Tip: You'll be asked when stationary so it's safe. A brief press is all that's needed.
Q6. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?
Turn the blower to the windscreen setting (demist symbol), set the temperature to warm, and switch on the air conditioning if available — this is the fastest way to clear a misted windscreen.
Tip: Air con + warm air + full blower on the windscreen setting = fastest clear. Mention all three steps.
Q7. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?
Press the electric window switch to lower the window, then press the opposite direction to raise it back up. Confirm the window is fully closed afterwards.
Tip: Simply demonstrate pressing the window switch down then back up. Confirm it's closed fully.
Tell Me Questions (answered verbally before driving)
Q1. Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Press the brake pedal firmly before moving — it should feel firm, not spongy or slack. As you move off slowly, test the brakes gently. The vehicle should stop promptly without pulling to one side.
Tip: Two-stage check: static pedal test first, then a gentle test as you pull away.
Q2. Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressure should be checked.
Recommended pressures are in the vehicle handbook or on a sticker inside the driver's door or fuel cap. Check using a tyre pressure gauge when the tyres are cold.
Tip: Key points: handbook or door sticker, tyres must be cold, always use a gauge.
Q3. Tell me how you'd make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and positioned as close to the back of the head as possible without being uncomfortable.
Tip: Height = level with your eyes or top of ears. As close to your head as comfortable — not pressed hard against it.
Q4. Tell me how you'd check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its entire circumference. Also check for cuts, bulges, or exposed cords on the sidewalls.
Tip: Cover three things: tread depth (1.6mm min), sidewall damage, and any bulges or exposed cords.
Q5. Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
Switch on the headlights and use the reflection from a wall or garage door to confirm the front lights work. A helper or reversing close to a reflective surface can confirm rear tail lights.
Tip: You don't need to get out — use a wall reflection for front lights, mention a helper for rear.
Q6. Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
The ABS warning light on the dashboard will illuminate when the ignition is switched on and should go out once the engine starts. If it stays on or comes on while driving, there is a fault.
Tip: Dashboard only — the ABS light should extinguish after starting. If it stays on, there's a fault.
Q7. Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
Switch on the hazard warning lights — this activates all four indicators at once. Check the flashing warning light on the dashboard is working. You can verify all corners are flashing without leaving the car.
Tip: Hazard lights test all four indicators simultaneously — no need to get out.
Q8. Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.
Ask someone to stand behind the vehicle while you press the brake pedal, or reverse close to a reflective surface such as a garage door or wall and check the reflection.
Tip: You need a helper OR a reflective surface behind the car — you can't see brake lights from the driver's seat.
Q9. Tell me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
With the engine running, gently turn the steering wheel. You should feel the power assistance kick in immediately — the wheel should feel light and easy to move. Heavy steering indicates a fault.
Tip: Engine must be running first. If the steering feels heavy or stiff, PAS may not be working.
Q10. Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you'd use them.
Switch on the headlights first, then press the rear fog light button. The amber dashboard warning light confirms they are on. Use rear fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced to less than 100 metres.
Tip: Headlights on first, then fog lights. The threshold is visibility below 100 metres.
Q11. Tell me how you'd check the engine has sufficient oil.
With the engine off and the car on level ground, locate the dipstick, remove it and wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then remove it again. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum markers.
Tip: Engine off — level ground — wipe, reinsert, check. Both markers matter: not too low, not over the max.
Q12. Tell me how you'd check the engine coolant is at the correct level.
With the engine cold, locate the coolant expansion reservoir under the bonnet. The level should sit between the minimum and maximum marks on the side of the reservoir.
Tip: NEVER remove the cap when the engine is hot — pressurised steam can cause serious burns.
Q13. Open the bonnet, identify where the hydraulic brake fluid reservoir is, and tell me how you'd check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Open the bonnet and locate the brake fluid reservoir — it's a small translucent plastic container usually near the firewall, marked with a brake symbol. The fluid level should sit between the minimum and maximum markers on the side.
Tip: It's translucent so you can see the level without removing the cap. Point out both the MIN and MAX marks.
Manoeuvres (1 asked per test)
1. Forward Bay Parking
Drive forward into a marked bay, keeping the car straight and central between the lines. Use reference points on your bonnet to align. Finish within the bay.
Tip: Look for a reference point on the bay line in line with your door mirror. Straighten up early.
2. Reverse Bay Parking
Pull past the bay, select reverse, and reverse back into the space using observations all around. Use mirrors and look over your shoulder. Finish central and straight within the bay.
Tip: Most examiners ask this more than forward bay parking. Check all round frequently — especially blind spots.
3. Parallel Parking
Pull up alongside the car in front, reverse back, steering first left then right to slot in parallel to the kerb. Finish within 2 car lengths, reasonably close to the kerb.
Tip: Use the kerb reflection in your left mirror to gauge distance. Don't mount the kerb.
4. Pulling Up on the Right
When asked, signal right, check mirrors and blind spot, cross to the right side of the road and park alongside the kerb. Reverse 2 car lengths, then rejoin the road safely.
Tip: This manoeuvre is on the right — opposite side to normal. Extra observations are essential.
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