Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
Before your practical driving test even begins — and during it — the examiner will ask you two vehicle safety questions. One is a “tell me” question (you explain how you would do something). One is a “show me” question (you demonstrate it while driving).
They are worth one minor fault each if you get them wrong. Not a fail. But walking into the test knowing both answers cold is free confidence — and one fewer thing to worry about.
Here are all the questions from the official DVSA list, with the answers examiners expect.
“Tell Me” questions (asked before you start driving)
1. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.
2. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
The manufacturer’s guide or the label inside the driver’s door frame. Use a reliable pressure gauge. Check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold. Do not forget the spare tyre. Remember to refit valve caps.
3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Some restraints might not be adjustable.
4. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
No cuts and bulges. 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
5. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You do not need to exit the vehicle.
Explain that you would operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle. As this is a “tell me” question, you do not need to physically check the lights.
6. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).
A warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault with the ABS.
7. Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working. You do not need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you would operate the hazard warning lights switch and walk around the vehicle to check that all six indicators are functioning.
8. Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain you would operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
9. Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, two simple checks can be made: gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively, turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
10. Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them. You do not need to exit the vehicle.
Operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check the warning light is on. Explain that you would use them when visibility drops below 100 metres.
11. Tell me how you would switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.
Operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary) and check the main beam warning light on the dashboard.
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify the dipstick or oil level indicator. Describe checking the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify the high and low level markings on the header tank. Describe how to top up to the correct level.
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify the reservoir. Check the level against the minimum and maximum markings.
“Show Me” questions (asked while you are driving)
1. When it is safe to do so, show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.
Operate the rear wash/wipe control while keeping control of the vehicle.
2. When it is safe to do so, show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.
Operate the front wash/wipe control while keeping control of the vehicle.
3. When it is safe to do so, show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights.
Operate the headlight switch while keeping control of the vehicle.
4. When it is safe to do so, show me how you would set the rear demister.
Press the rear demister button while keeping control of the vehicle.
5. When it is safe to do so, show me how you would operate the horn.
Press the horn (but only when it is safe and legal to do so — not in a built-up area between 11:30pm and 7am unless in an emergency).
6. When it is safe to do so, show me how you would demist the front windscreen.
Set the relevant controls: fan, temperature, air direction, and heated screen if fitted.
7. When it is safe to do so, show me how you would open and close the side window.
Operate the window switch while keeping control of the vehicle.
How to prepare
Your instructor should go through these with you in the weeks before your test. Do not leave it to the morning of. Practise the “show me” questions while driving so the controls become second nature. The examiner will only ask one of each type, but you need to be ready for any of them. Two minutes of preparation saves a minor fault — and on a test where margins are tight, every fault counts.
