There’s a lot to remember when you’re doing your practical driving test. As well as knowing whose right of way it is on a mini roundabout and how to parallel park, you’ll need to be ready to answer some questions.
These driving test questions are there to make sure you know how to keep yourself and your car safe. The good news? You can prepare for them before test day.
Why are you asked questions during the practical driving test?
The Q&A part of your practical test is known as ‘show me, tell me‘. These questions are designed by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and they’re there to make sure that, once you’re on your own behind the wheel, you can keep your car roadworthy and handle basic safety checks.
They ultimately test your ability to spot potential problems before they become serious. After all, knowing how to demist your windscreen or check your tyre pressure isn’t just useful; it could be the difference between a smooth, safe drive and an accident or roadside breakdown.
What questions are asked during a driving test?
During your practical test, you’ll answer two questions:
- One ‘tell me’ question: Your examiner asks you this at the start of the test before you begin driving. You’ll explain how to carry out a safety check.
- One ‘show me’ question: You’ll answer this while you’re driving. This is where you demonstrate a basic control in the car, like using the demister or turning on the headlights.
What questions can be expected during the ‘show me, tell me’ part of a driving test?
If you’re taking driving lessons with an instructor, they will talk you through these questions so that you can get used to them. You can run through them in between lessons, too.
Should a friend or family member be teaching you to drive, spend some time making sure you’re familiar with the ‘show me, tell me’ part of the driving test.
How many ‘show me’ questions are there?
There are seven possible ‘show me’ questions. The examiner will ask you one of these while you’re driving – remember to stay focused on the road while demonstrating your answer.
The questions are:
- Wash and clean the rear windscreen
Find the rear washer control, push or twist it and hold it until water sprays onto the glass.
- Wash and clean the front windscreen
Use the front washer control to spray water and clear the windscreen – usually a pull or push on the same stalk.
- Switch on your dipped headlights
Turn the headlight switch to the dipped beam setting.
- Set the rear demister
Find the rear demister button, which usually has a rectangular symbol with three upward arrows, and press it.
- Operate the horn
A quick tap in the centre of the steering wheel is enough – just make sure it’s safe to do so!
- Demist the front windscreen
Adjust the heating controls to direct air towards the windscreen, increase the fan speed and raise the temperature.
- Open and close the side window
Use the electric window controls (normally on the driver’s door) to lower and raise the window.
How many ‘tell me’ questions are there?
There are 14 possible ‘tell me’ questions that you could be asked before you set off in the car. You’ll need to explain how you’d carry out the check.
These questions are:
- How do you check the brakes before starting a journey?
Press the brake pedal. It should feel firm, not spongy, and the car shouldn’t pull to one side when moving.
- Where do you find the recommended tyre pressures and how do you check them?
In the car’s manual. Use a pressure gauge, check when the tyres are cold and don’t forget the spare!
- How do you check and adjust your head restraint?
The rigid part should be at least as high as your eyes or ears and close to the back of your head.
- How do you check tyre tread depth and condition?
The tread should be at least 1.6mm deep across the middle three-quarters of the tyre, with no cuts or bulges.
- How do you check the headlights and taillights?
Turn them on and walk around the car to check they’re working.
- How do you know if there’s a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS)?
A warning light on the dashboard will illuminate if there’s an issue.
- How do you check the indicators are working?
Turn them on and walk around the car or use hazard lights to check all at once.
- How do you check the brake lights?
Press the brake pedal and either check reflections in windows or ask someone to help.
- How do you check the power steering is working?
Turn the steering wheel just after starting the engine. It should feel light.
- How do you switch on the rear fog lights and when should you use them?
Turn them on using the relevant control when visibility is seriously reduced (less than 100m).
- How do you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam?
Turn on the headlights, then switch to main beam (usually by pushing the stalk forward).
- How do you check the engine has enough oil?
Open the bonnet and find the dipstick. Remove it, wipe it clean, then dip it back in. When you remove it this time, check the level of fluid on the stick is between the minimum and maximum markers.
- How do you check the engine has enough coolant?
Open the bonnet and check the coolant level against the minimum and maximum markers on the tank.
- How do you check the brake fluid level?
Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the bonnet and ensure the level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
How many ‘show me, tell me’ questions do I need to get right?
You need to get both questions right when the examiner asks you. Getting one or both questions wrong won’t cause you to fail but it will count as a driving fault (minor fault). Too many minors and you could still fail the test.
However, you’ll fail your test if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer the ‘show me’ question. Remember to focus on your driving and only answer this part when you feel it’s safe. Your examiner will expect you to reply when you’re ready.
Get learner driver insurance with Tempcover
Being taught to drive by a friend or family member? If you’re using their car on the day of the driving test, you’ll need to get used to the vehicle so that you can comfortably answer the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.
While you’re learning to drive from your parent or friend, you’ll also need to take out insurance. Cover for learner drivers means you have a policy in place while you’re getting used to being on the road. Better still, if you just want your mum or best mate to take you out for a drive in between your lessons with your instructor, you’re covered then too.
To find out more, get a quote online today. If you have any questions or need further advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still pass my practical test if I can’t answer all the questions?
Yes! You only need to avoid serious or dangerous faults to pass. Missing a ‘show me, tell me’ question during the driving test isn’t the end of the world. It can be helpful to pass this part of the test, however, as it’s one fewer minor fault that you could receive.
Are ‘show me, tell me’ questions ever classed as serious faults?
No, they count as minor faults. If you lose control of the car while answering a ‘show me’ question, though, that could be more serious.
What if something goes wrong during the ‘tell me’ part of the driving test?
If something goes wrong during the ‘tell me’ part of your driving test, don’t stress about it. This question happens before you start driving, so there’s no risk of making a mistake on the road.
If you don’t know the answer or get it wrong, the examiner will mark it as a driving fault (minor fault) but it won’t automatically fail you. Just do your best to answer confidently.
If you realise you’ve made a mistake, correct yourself if you can. If you’re unsure, it’s better to admit it rather than guess. The important thing is to focus on the rest of the test and show the examiner that you’re a safe, capable driver.
What if something goes wrong during the ‘show me’ part of the driving test?
If you get flustered, just stay calm. Ask the examiner to repeat the question if you need to but keep driving safely. They won’t fail you for a simple mistake. Just show that you can stay in control.
