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DVSA VEHICLE SAFETY QUESTIONS
Show Me Tell Me Questions: All 21 Explained
Get ready for your UK driving test with 14 Tell Me questions and 7 Show Me tasks. Practise the vehicle safety checks, learn the controls in your test car and prepare with Barka Driving School in Romford.
14 Tell Me questions · 7 Show Me tasks · UK practical car test
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Practise safely in your driving lesson car
Before you drive
Explain one safety check to the examiner at the start of the test.
While you drive
Demonstrate one vehicle control when it is safe to do so.
Keep safety first
One or both wrong answers count as one driving fault. Dangerous driving during the task can cause a test failure.
TELL ME · BEFORE YOU DRIVE
14 Tell Me Questions and Answers
Learn the main checks including tyres, brakes, lights and fluids.
Suggested answer: The pedal should feel firm rather than soft or spongy. As you begin moving, check that braking feels effective and that the car does not pull to one side.
Suggested answer: Check the manufacturer’s information. Use an accurate gauge with cold tyres, adjust as required, check the spare if there is one, and replace the valve caps.
Suggested answer: Position the firm part at least level with your eyes or the tops of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable. Some restraints cannot be adjusted.
Suggested answer: Look for damage such as cuts and bulges. For a car, the tread must be at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre width and around the full circumference.
Suggested answer: Explain that you would switch them on (using the ignition if needed), then walk around the vehicle to confirm they are illuminated. You do not need to get out for this question.
Suggested answer: An ABS warning light would indicate a problem with the system.
Suggested answer: Explain that you would turn on the indicators or hazard lights as appropriate, then walk around the car to check the lights. For this question you do not need to leave your seat.
Suggested answer: Press the brake pedal and check the lights using reflections in a window or another suitable surface, or ask someone to observe them.
Suggested answer: Steering becoming unusually heavy can indicate a fault. On suitable vehicles, gentle steering pressure as the engine starts may produce slight movement; steering just after moving off should also feel assisted.
Suggested answer: Identify the rear fog light control, switch on other required lights or ignition if necessary, and check the dashboard indicator. Use rear fog lights only when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres.
Suggested answer: Identify and operate the main beam control, with ignition or lights on if needed, and check the main beam indicator on the dashboard.
Suggested answer: Open the bonnet, identify the dipstick or electronic oil-level indicator, and describe checking the oil against its minimum and maximum markers. Follow the vehicle’s instructions.
Suggested answer: Open the bonnet and identify the coolant expansion tank, then explain how to check its minimum and maximum marks and top up correctly. Never remove a hot coolant cap.
Suggested answer: Open the bonnet, locate the brake-fluid reservoir and check that the fluid level lies between its minimum and maximum marks.
SHOW ME · WHILE DRIVING
7 Show Me Driving Test Questions
Demonstrate car controls only when it is safe to do so.
What to practise: Operate the rear wash/wipe control safely while driving, without taking your attention away from the road. Your instructor can show you where the control is on the training car.
What to practise: Use the front windscreen wash/wipe control at a safe moment. Your instructor can show you where the control is on the training car.
What to practise: Identify and switch on dipped headlights when it is safe to operate the control. Your instructor can show you where the control is on the training car.
What to practise: Find and activate the heated rear window or rear demister. Your instructor can show you where the control is on the training car.
What to practise: Demonstrate the horn only when safe and appropriate, with full awareness of other road users. Your instructor can show you where the control is on the training car.
What to practise: Use the ventilation, demist or climate controls to clear the front windscreen. Your instructor can show you where the control is on the training car.
What to practise: Open and close a side window using the relevant control when safe. Your instructor can show you where the control is on the training car.
PRACTICAL TEST QUESTIONS
Show Me Tell Me FAQs
What happens on test day and how to prepare with confidence.
You will be asked two vehicle safety questions: one Tell Me question before driving and one Show Me question while driving.
The DVSA says one or both wrong answers result in one driving fault. Dangerous or potentially dangerous driving while answering the Show Me question can cause a test failure.
Yes, if you are asked about engine oil, engine coolant or hydraulic brake fluid, you need to open the bonnet and explain the check.
Practise in the specific vehicle you will use for your test. The location of switches, indicators and the bonnet release differs between cars.
The examiner asks you to demonstrate while driving when it is safe. Keep control of the vehicle and do not let a question distract you. Follow the examiner’s directions and prioritise road safety.
Yes. Ask about practical test preparation and mock driving tests in Romford and nearby areas, including practising the relevant controls in your lesson car.
Answers are written in plain English for revision. Check the official DVSA vehicle safety questions and practise the controls in the car you will use for your test.
BUILD YOUR TEST-DAY CONFIDENCE
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Practise the DVSA vehicle safety questions with patient driving lessons in Romford. Manual and automatic tuition available by arrangement.