At Stoke Driving School, we prepare every learner to handle the DVSA’s Show Me / Tell Me safety questions with confidence. These questions check your understanding of basic car safety—simple, practical knowledge you’ll use long after the test.

There are two questions on your driving test:

1. Tell Me Question (before the drive begins)

You explain how you’d carry out a safety check.

2. Show Me Question (while driving)

You demonstrate a simple action safely on the move.

All DVSA Tell Me Questions (with Answers)

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

Press the brake pedal; it should feel firm, not spongy. Test them as you move off—they shouldn’t pull to one side.

2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures and how to check them.

In the vehicle manual or on the door frame sticker. Use a reliable pressure gauge; check and adjust when tyres are cold; don’t forget the spare.

3. Tell me how you’d make sure head restraint is correctly adjusted.

The rigid part should be level with the top of your ears and as close to the back of your head as comfortable.

4. Tell me how you’d check tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread and are safe.

Check for no cuts or bulges; tread depth must be 1.6mm across the central three-quarters.

5. Tell me how you’d check headlights and tail lights are working.

Turn on the lights and walk around the car to confirm they’re lit.

6. Tell me how you’d know if a problem exists with the anti-lock braking system.

The ABS warning light stays on.

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

Switch them on and walk around the vehicle, or use hazard lights.

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

Press the brake pedal and check reflections in windows/doors, or ask someone to help.

9. Tell me how you’d check the power steering is working before a journey.

Gentle pressure on the steering wheel while starting the engine should cause slight movement. Steering shouldn’t feel heavy.

10. Tell me how you’d switch on rear fog lights and when you’d use them.

Turn on dipped headlights, then fog light switch. Used only when visibility is below 100 metres.

11. Tell me how you’d switch headlights from dipped to main beam and how you’d know main beam is on.

Activate the main-beam control; look for the blue warning light.

12. Tell me how you’d check the engine has sufficient oil.

Use the dipstick: remove it, wipe it, reinsert, remove again and check between the min/max marks.

13. Tell me how you’d check the engine has enough coolant.

Look at the header tank; fluid should be between min/max. Only open when engine is cold.

14. Tell me how you’d check you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Check the brake-fluid reservoir; should be between min/max marks.

All DVSA Show Me Questions (with Answers)

These are done while driving, when safe.

1. Show me how you’d wash and clean the rear windscreen.

Use the rear wash/wipe control.

2. Show me how you’d wash and clean the front windscreen.

Use the front washer/wiper stalk.

3. Show me how you’d switch on dipped headlights.

Turn the headlight control to dipped-beam setting.

4. Show me how you’d set the rear demister.

Press the rear-demist button on the dashboard.

5. Show me how you’d demist the front windscreen.

Use front demist settings—fan, temperature and direction controls.

6. Show me how you’d open and close the side window.

Use the electric window switch.

7. Show me how you’d sound the horn.

Press the centre of the steering wheel (only when safe, not near other road users unnecessarily).

Final Tips for Learners

These questions aren’t trick questions—just basic safety knowledge.

Practice them in your instructor’s car at the start of lessons.

During the Show Me question, keep full control of the vehicle—if visibility or safety is affected, the examiner can ask again when safe.

At Stoke Driving School, all instructors cover these in lessons so you’re fully ready for your test and confident in your car’s safety systems