Show Me Tell Me Questions 2026: Official DVSA Driving Test Questions

The brake pedal should not feel soft, spongy or slack.

As you move off, test the brakes gently and make sure the car slows down properly without pulling to one side.

You would find the correct tyre pressures in the vehicle handbook, inside the fuel filler flap, on the driver’s door frame, or in the manufacturer’s information for the car.

Tyres should be checked when cold using a reliable pressure gauge. Remember to check all tyres, including the spare if the car has one, and refit the valve caps afterwards.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the firm part is at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears.

It should also be as close to the back of your head as comfortable. Some head restraints may not be adjustable.

Check that the tyres have no cuts, bulges or visible damage.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the whole circumference.

You would switch the lights on, turning the ignition on first if needed.

Then you would walk around the vehicle to check the front and rear lights are working. As this is a Tell Me question, you do not need to physically leave the car during the test.

A warning light would show on the dashboard if there was a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

You would operate the indicators or hazard warning lights, turning the ignition on first if needed.

Then you would walk around the vehicle to check that all indicator lights are flashing correctly. As this is a Tell Me question, you only need to explain this to the examiner.

You would press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows, doors or another vehicle to check the brake lights.

You could also ask someone to stand safely behind the car and tell you if the brake lights are working.

If the steering feels very heavy, the power steering may not be working properly.

You can check it by applying gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine. You should feel a slight movement as the system starts working. You can also tell when moving off, as the steering should feel light and responsive.

You would switch on the dipped headlights first if needed, then operate the rear fog light switch.

You would check the dashboard warning light is showing. Rear fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced, and switched off when visibility improves.

You would operate the headlight control or stalk to change from dipped beam to main beam.

You would know main beam is on because the blue main beam warning light would show on the dashboard.

You would identify the dipstick or oil level indicator.

To check with a dipstick, remove it, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then remove it again and check the oil level is between the MIN and MAX marks.

You would identify the coolant reservoir and check the level against the MIN and MAX markings.

The engine should be cold before checking coolant. If it needs topping up, use the correct coolant for the vehicle.

You would identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the MIN and MAX markings.

If the brake fluid is low, you should get it checked before driving, as this could mean there is a fault with the braking system.

Operate the rear windscreen washer control. This will spray washer fluid onto the rear screen and usually activate the rear wiper.

Only do this when it is safe and you can keep proper control of the car.

Operate the front windscreen washer control. This will spray washer fluid onto the front windscreen and usually activate the front wipers.

Keep your steering steady and only use the control when it is safe.

Turn the light switch to dipped headlights. You may need to twist the light stalk or use the dashboard light control, depending on the car.

Make sure you do not accidentally switch on main beam.

Press the rear demister button. It is usually marked with a rectangle and wavy heat lines.

This clears mist or condensation from the rear windscreen.

Press the horn control, usually in the centre of the steering wheel.

Only use the horn when it is safe, legal and necessary to warn another road user of your presence.

Use the front demister controls. This normally means directing air to the windscreen, increasing the fan speed, using warm air, and switching on air conditioning if available.

Some cars have a dedicated front demist button.

Use the electric window switch to open and close the side window.

Keep your attention on the road and only operate the control when it is safe.

Getting a Show Me Tell Me question wrong will usually result in one driving fault, often called a minor fault.

On its own, this will not normally make you fail your driving test. However, it is still worth practising because it helps you feel more confident at the start of the test.

Yes. If you lose control of the car, stop looking at the road for too long, drift out of your lane, or cause danger while carrying out a Show Me task, it could become a serious fault.

The question itself is not the dangerous part. The danger comes from trying to operate a control while driving without staying safe.

Stay calm and keep driving safely. If you are not sure where the control is, tell the examiner rather than guessing wildly or taking your eyes off the road for too long.

The safest answer is always better than a rushed one. Control of the car comes first.