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show me tell me

"Show me, tell me" refers to the vehicle safety questions asked at the start of the UK practical driving test. These ensure learners understand basic car maintenance for safe driving.

Quick Scoop

Mastering these questions boosts test confidence and real-world safety. Introduced in 2008 by the DVSA, examiners ask one "Tell me " (explain a check) before driving and one "Show me " (demonstrate safely while moving). Getting both wrong incurs just one minor fault—no instant fail unless you lose vehicle control. They're drawn randomly from 19 possibilities, so prep covers all. Practice isn't rote memorization; it's lifelong knowledge for spotting issues like low fluids or faulty lights.

"The examiner will ask you two questions - One to Show , and One to Tell."

Tell Me Questions

Parked at the test center post-eyesight check, explain these verbally (some need bonnet open). Here's the full official list with model answers:

Question| Answer
---|---
1. Tell me how you'd check headlamps and tail lights work.| Explain you'd switch them on, walk around vehicle, or ask a passenger. 1
2. Tell me how you'd check wipers/washers.| Operate controls; fluid sprays, blades clear screen without streaks. 4
3. Tell me how you'd check steering.| Turn wheel side-to-side; no steering wheel shake or judder. 1
4. Tell me how you'd check brakes.| Describe pressing pedal with engine off/on; firm feel, no excessive sink. 7
5. Tell me how you'd check reverse lights.| Engage reverse gear safely; lights illuminate. 1
6. Tell me how you'd check horn.| Press center; clear sound. 1
7. Tell me how you'd check handbrake.| Apply firmly; ratchet clicks, vehicle doesn't creep. 1
8. Tell me how you'd check seatbelt.| Visual check buckle/stalk; listen for click. 7
9. Tell me how you'd check brake lights.| Press pedal; passenger confirms or reflections check. 1
10. Tell me how you'd check indicators.| Activate; flash evenly, no crossed signals. 1
11. Open bonnet: Identify brake fluid reservoir, check level.| Point to it; between max/min marks. 3
12. Open bonnet: Identify power steering fluid.| Check dipstick/level against marks. 3
13. Open bonnet: Identify coolant.| Level between marks, cold engine. 3
14. Open bonnet: Identify battery.| Terminals clean, secure; electrolyte topped if applicable. 3
15. Open bonnet: Identify screen wash.| Reservoir topped; no leaks. 3
16. Open bonnet: Identify oil level.| Dipstick clean, insert, check between marks. 3
17. Tell me engine oil consequences of low level.| Damage via friction; check regularly. 7
18. Tell me coolant purpose.| Prevents boiling/freezing; overheating risk. 7
19. Tell me brake fluid purpose.| Transfers force to brakes; low means air/leaks. 7

Show Me Questions

Asked ~20 mins in, when safe. Demonstrate without endangering:

  • Show me dipped headlights. Turn on (not main beam).
  • Show me rear demister. Activate button; clears rear window.
  • Show me wipers/wash. Operate safely.
  • Show me horn. Press briefly.
  • Show me indicators/hazards. Signal left/right or emergency.
  • Show me demister/wipers mid-journey. As needed.

Pro Tips from Forums

Reddit's r/LearnerDriverUK raves guides like FortuneVampBigShell's: "Thank you thank you thank you"—simple visuals key. YouTubers stress understanding over cramming; e.g., DrivingTV: "Don't just memorise... put into practice." Trending 2026: No major DVSA changes post-2025 updates, but electric vehicle checks rising.

Why It Matters Beyond Test

Imagine cruising February 2026 roads—spotting low oil prevents breakdowns. Learners share stories: One aced via daily checks, avoided £500 repair. Multi- view: Instructors say 90% pass if prepped; nervous test-takers falter on nerves.

TL;DR: Nail "show me tell me" with explanations/demos above—minor fault max penalty. Practice weekly for safety win. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.