'Show Me, Tell Me' Questions

Complete Guide for the UK Practical Driving Test

📍 AK Automatic Driving School UK | Brighton & Hove | Burgess Hill

Passing your UK practical driving test requires more than just good driving skills. One essential part of the test is the "Show Me, Tell Me" vehicle safety questions, set by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).

These questions ensure that you understand basic vehicle safety, maintenance, and control — skills every safe driver must have for life.

At AK Automatic Driving School UK, we provide full guidance, structured lessons, and video resources to help learners confidently answer these questions — whether you are a beginner, refresher learner, or preparing for your test in Brighton & Hove or Burgess Hill.

📋 Tell Me — before you drive 🚗 Show Me — while you're driving
⚠️ Important: If you answer incorrectly, you will receive one driving fault (minor) — it will not cause a fail unless combined with other faults.
Tell Me Questions (before driving) Show Me Questions (while driving)

▶️ Watch: Show Me Tell Me Explained

📋 Full 'Tell Me' Questions with Answers (14 Questions)

1
Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Before setting off, press the brake pedal — it should feel firm and not spongy. When moving off slowly, check the vehicle does not pull to one side.
2
Where do you find tyre pressure information and how do you check it?
Find recommended tyre pressure in: the vehicle handbook, inside the driver's door frame, or inside the fuel cap. Check using a pressure gauge when tyres are cold and inflate to the correct level.
3
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.
The rigid part of the head restraint should be level with the back of your head. This helps reduce neck injury in a crash.
4
Tell me how you'd check the tyres are safe to use on the road.
  • Minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the central ¾ of the tyre
  • No cuts, bulges, or damage visible
  • Tyres are properly inflated
5
Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Turn on the lights using the switch. Walk around the car (if safe) or look for reflections to confirm they are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
6
Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A warning light will appear on the dashboard indicating a fault with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
7
Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working.
Switch on the indicators and check visually (or using reflections) to ensure all are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
8
Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.
Press the brake pedal and either ask someone to check, or use reflections in windows or walls to confirm they are working.
9
Tell me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Apply gentle pressure on the steering wheel. It should feel light when the engine is running. If it feels heavy, there may be a fault.
10
Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog lights and when you'd use them.
Turn on dipped headlights first, then activate fog lights using the switch. Use only when visibility is less than 100 metres. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
11
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam.
Use the control lever to switch. A blue warning light will appear on the dashboard when main beam is on.
12
Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check the engine has sufficient oil.
Open the bonnet, locate the dipstick, remove and wipe it, reinsert fully, then remove again and check the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
13
Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check sufficient engine coolant.
Check the coolant level in the expansion tank. It should be between the minimum and maximum marks when the engine is cool.
14
Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the bonnet. Ensure the level is between the minimum and maximum markings.

🚗 Full 'Show Me' Questions Explained (7 Questions)

1
Can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Operate the rear windscreen washer and wiper using the control stalk.
2
Can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Pull or push the control stalk to activate the front washer and wipers.
3
Can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?
Turn the lighting control to the dipped beam setting.
4
Can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?
Press the rear demister button to clear condensation from the rear windscreen.
5
Can you show me how you'd operate the horn?
Press the horn, usually located in the centre of the steering wheel.
6
Can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?
Use the heater controls: increase fan speed, adjust temperature to warm, and direct the airflow towards the windscreen.
7
Can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?
Use the electric window switch to safely open and close the side window.

⚠️ Why 'Show Me, Tell Me' Questions Matter

These questions are not just for passing the test — they are essential for:

  • 🛡️ Road safety
  • 🔧 Preventing breakdowns
  • 🚘 Maintaining your vehicle
  • ✅ Becoming a responsible driver

At AK Automatic Driving School UK, we ensure every learner understands each question clearly, practises in real driving conditions, and gains confidence before the test.

💡 Tips to Pass 'Show Me, Tell Me' Questions

📝 Keep answers simple and clear
🔄 Practise regularly during lessons
🧠 Understand, don't memorise blindly
😌 Stay calm during the test
👂 Listen carefully to the examiner

⚙️ Automatic Driving Lessons – A Smarter Choice

Automatic cars are becoming increasingly popular in the UK because they are:

  • ✅ Easier to learn
  • ✅ Less stressful in traffic
  • ✅ Faster to pass
  • ✅ Ideal for beginners

At AK Automatic Driving School, we specialise in automatic driving lessons in Brighton & Hove and Burgess Hill, helping you pass quickly and confidently.

🎯 Practical Test Preparation & Expert Guidance

We provide full preparation including:

  • 🎯 Mock driving tests
  • 🏙️ Real exam scenarios
  • 💪 Confidence building techniques
  • 📋 Feedback after every lesson
  • 📖 Theory test preparation
  • 👁️ Hazard perception training
  • 🤝 Show Me, Tell Me guidance
  • 😌 Support for nervous drivers

🚘 Our Driving Services

🚗 Automatic driving lessons in Brighton & Hove
📍 Driving lessons in Burgess Hill
🔄 Refresher driving courses
⚡ Intensive driving courses
🎯 Test preparation & mock tests
🏆 Pass Plus training
👨‍🏫 Experienced driving instructors
💷 Affordable & budget-friendly lessons
📚 Comprehensive driving courses
🏫 Local driving school Brighton & Hove
🤝 Specialist support for nervous drivers

✅ Why Choose AK Automatic Driving School UK?

👨‍🏫 Experienced and patient instructors
✅ DVSA-approved training
🏆 High first-time pass rate
🎯 One-to-one lessons
🕐 Flexible lesson timings
💷 Affordable pricing & block booking discounts
😊 Friendly & supportive learning environment
📋 Full Show Me, Tell Me guidance
🔑 Tailored lessons to your pace
🛡️ Safe driving for life
😌 Specialist nervous driver support
⭐ Exceptional customer satisfaction

🚗 Book Your Driving Lessons Today

Looking for professional driving lessons in Brighton & Hove or Burgess Hill?

Pass your Theory Test and Practical Test — and become a safe driver for life.

🌐 akautomaticdrivingschool.co.uk

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