DVSA "Show Me, Tell Me" Vehicle Safety Questions
At the start of your UK practical driving test, the examiner will ask you one "Tell Me" question before driving off, and one "Show Me" question while driving. Master all questions below with model answers and engine bay checks.
The 4 Under-the-Bonnet Checks
Examiners frequently ask you to open the bonnet and point out one of these four essential fluid containers.
Engine Oil Dipstick
Remove dipstick, wipe clean with lint-free cloth, re-insert fully, withdraw and ensure oil level is between MIN and MAX notches.
Engine Coolant Tank
Inspect translucent header tank. Liquid should sit between the high and low lines. Never open cap when the engine is hot.
Brake Fluid Reservoir
Located near the back of the engine bay on the driver side. Level must be clearly visible between the MIN and MAX marks.
Windscreen Washer Fluid
Look for the blue cap with the windscreen wiper spray symbol. Top up with water and screenwash mix until full.
12 "Tell Me" Questions (Before Driving)
Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off: the vehicle should not pull to one side, and the pedal should feel firm and responsive.
Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Manufacturer’s guide / owner handbook (or tyre pressure sticker on the driver’s door pillar or inside the fuel flap). Use a reliable pressure gauge when tyres are cold. Remember to check all 4 tyres plus the spare, and refit the valve caps.
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in 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.
Tell me how you’d 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, bulges, or tears in the tyre wall. The legal minimum tread depth across the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Explain that you would turn on the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle to visually inspect that both front headlights and rear tail lamps are illuminated.
Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).
An amber or red warning light showing “ABS” should illuminate on the instrument cluster and stay lit if there is a fault with the system.
Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working.
Explain you’d operate the hazard warning lights switch (or indicator stalk with ignition on) and walk around the vehicle to check all 6 amber indicator bulbs flash.
Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Operate the brake pedal and either make use of reflections in windows or garage doors, or ask someone (like the examiner) to stand behind the car to confirm.
Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Gentle pressure on the steering wheel while starting the engine should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system engages. Alternatively, turning the wheel just after moving off will feel light rather than heavy.
Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify the dipstick, pull it out and wipe it clean with a cloth. Reinsert fully, remove again, and check the oil level sits between the minimum and maximum markings.
Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify the coolant expansion tank header tank. Check the fluid level against the minimum and maximum level markings on the side of the translucent tank (never open when hot).
Tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify the brake fluid reservoir. Check the level against the MIN and MAX markings on the translucent reservoir.
7 "Show Me" Actions (While Driving)
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Operate the rear washer control on the wiper stalk (usually pushing the stalk forward or twisting the outer ring). Keep your eyes on the road ahead.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Pull the wiper stalk towards you to activate the front washers. Ensure you keep two hands on the wheel and focus on the road.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you switch on your dipped headlights?
Turn the master light switch to the dipped headlights symbol. You can do this without looking away from the road.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you set the rear demister?
Press the heated rear screen button (rectangle with wavy vertical arrows) on the dashboard/climate control panel.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you demist the front windscreen?
Turn the ventilation fan up and direct the airflow to the windscreen symbol, or press the dedicated front demister button.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you operate the horn?
Press firmly in the centre of the steering wheel with your thumb or palm. Be aware of your surroundings before sounding.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you open and close the side window?
Press and hold the driver electric window switch until it lowers slightly, then pull up to seal. Keep your primary attention on the road.
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Source: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.