Show me, Tell me Questions - Top Tips - Everything You Need to Know

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Patrick

Learn the UK driving test “show me, tell me” questions: what they are, why they matter, and how the examiner asks them during your test. The guide explains the two types—“tell me” questions you answer at the start, and “show me” questions you demonstrate while driving—plus how faults affect your result. It covers key example tasks such as cleaning windscreen surfaces, switching dipped headlights, setting rear demister, operating the horn, and demisting the front windscreen, with practical preparation advice.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

About the questions

When and how the examiner asks

What are the “show me, tell me” questions?

Demonstrate vs explain

Number of possible questions

“Show me” questions (examples)

Clean and wash windscreen (rear/front)

Switch on dipped headlights

Set the rear demister

Operate the horn

Demist the front windscreen

Open and close the side window

LEARNER DRIVER 2023 Show me, Tell me Questions | Top Tips | Download PDF 2023 Show Me, Tell Me Questions — Everything You Need to Know What are the show me, tell me questions during the driving test? Some learners focus so much on driving and parking that they forget about these questions. Eventhough getting them wrong won’t make you fail the test, it’s important to know them well. Your instructor will help you, but it’s better to learn them before the test so you feel confident when asked. we have responded to all the questions comprehensively. Learners can also download a ‘Show me, Tell Me ‘pdf for later use. About the questions You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions during your car driving test. The examiner will ask you one: • ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) atthe start of your test, before you start driving • ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving You’ll get one driving fault (sometimes called a ‘minor’) if you get one or both questions wrong. You’ll fail your driving test ifyour driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer the ‘show me’ question. Get ready for your driving test Get ready to pass your driving test, find out why people fail, learn how to deal with nerves and find out more about how the test works. Visit the ‘Ready to Pass?’ website What are the ‘show me, tell me’ questions? In the UK, ‘show me, tell me’ questions are a set of questions about basic car maintenance and safety checks that are asked during a driving test. The examiner will ask two questions, one ‘show me’ question where the driver must demonstrate how to perform a task, and one‘tell me’ question where the driver must explain how to perform a task. A‘show me’ question requires the driver to physically demonstrate a task while driving, such as showing how to test the brake lights. A‘tell me’ question requires the driver to verbally explain a task, such as explaining how to check the oil level. There are 19 different ‘show me, tell me’ questions in the UK, which can be asked indifferent combinations. Therefore, there are a total of 38 different possible combinations of questions. ‘Show me’ questions When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen? During a driving test, the examiner may ask the driver a “show me, tell me” question about washing and cleaning the rear windscreen. This is an important safety check as a dirty rear windscreen can hinder visibility while driving, especially during rainy weather. To clean the rear windscreen, the driver needs to use the right-hand control stalk, usually located next to the steering wheel. However, different car models may have different controls for this function. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen? This is an important safety check as a dirty front windscreen can hinder visibility while driving, especially during bad weather conditions. To clean the front windscreen, most cars are equipped with a windscreen wiper system that is controlled by a lever or a button located on the steering column or dashboard. The driver can spray a small amount of screenwash onto the windscreen using a button or lever, which will activate the wipers to clean it off. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights? This is an important safety check as driving with headlights on improves visibility, especially during low light conditions such as at dusk, dawn, or during bad weather. To switch on the dipped headlights, the driver needs to locate the headlight switch which is usually located on the dashboard or the steering column. It’s important to ensure that the dipped headlights are switched on instead of the full-beam headlights, which can temporarily blind other drivers on the road. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d

FAQs

What are “show me, tell me” questions in the UK driving test?

They are basic vehicle maintenance and safety checks asked during the test. The examiner asks one “show me” demonstration and one “tell me” explanation task.

When will I be asked the “tell me” and “show me” questions?

The “tell me” question is asked at the start of the test, before you start driving. The “show me” question is asked while you’re driving.

What happens if I get one or both questions wrong?

You get one driving fault (a minor) if you get one or both questions wrong. You can fail the test if your driving becomes dangerous or potentially dangerous while answering the “show me” question.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Patrick