Understanding the vehicle safety questions is a critical part of your practical driving test preparation. This guide helps you navigate the 'show me' and 'tell me' sections by highlighting common verbal errors and strategies to ensure you remain clear, calm, and accurate under pressure. Learn how to handle moments of uncertainty and keep your performance on track for a successful test day.
Article content overview
The 'Show Me Tell Me' section tests your knowledge of basic vehicle safety and is a straightforward but important part of the DVSA practical driving test. You will be asked one verbal 'tell me' question while stationary and one 'show me' question while driving, with each incorrect answer counted as a driving fault rather than an automatic fail. When answering, be precise and complete—for instance, tyre checks must include pressure, tread depth, and sidewall condition. During 'show me' questions, always prioritise safety by checking your surroundings before operating any controls. Regular practice with your vehicle's dashboard, bonnet release, and windscreen wash will build the familiarity needed to answer confidently under test conditions.
A short set of high-value points that capture the most important ideas from this article.
The practical test includes one 'tell me' question (verbal, while stationary) and one 'show me' question (physical demonstration while driving)
A wrong answer is recorded as a driving fault, not an automatic fail, unless it creates a dangerous situation
During 'show me' questions, safety comes first—check surroundings and only perform actions when it is safe to do so
Precision matters when answering 'tell me' questions; explain all required steps rather than just part of the procedure
If you truly do not know an answer, admit it clearly to the examiner rather than guessing or performing a dangerous action
For tyre questions, mention both correct pressure AND legal tread depth and sidewall condition
During 'show me' questions, you must still maintain observation of the road and only operate controls when safe
One driving fault from a wrong answer will not fail you—stay focused on the rest of the test
Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's dashboard controls, bonnet release, and windscreen wash before the test
If you are unsure of terminology, you may ask the examiner to clarify the question
Only mentioning part of the answer—for example, stating tyre pressure without mentioning tread depth or sidewall condition
Failing to check surroundings before performing a 'show me' action such as operating windscreen wash
Panicking after one wrong answer and losing focus on the remainder of the test
Attempting a dangerous or incorrect action when unsure rather than admitting uncertainty
Insufficient practice with the specific vehicle's controls and dashboard indicators
Article content overview
A short set of high-value points that capture the most important ideas from this article.
The practical test includes one 'tell me' question (verbal, while stationary) and one 'show me' question (physical demonstration while driving)
A wrong answer is recorded as a driving fault, not an automatic fail, unless it creates a dangerous situation
During 'show me' questions, safety comes first—check surroundings and only perform actions when it is safe to do so
Precision matters when answering 'tell me' questions; explain all required steps rather than just part of the procedure
If you truly do not know an answer, admit it clearly to the examiner rather than guessing or performing a dangerous action
For tyre questions, mention both correct pressure AND legal tread depth and sidewall condition
During 'show me' questions, you must still maintain observation of the road and only operate controls when safe
One driving fault from a wrong answer will not fail you—stay focused on the rest of the test
Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's dashboard controls, bonnet release, and windscreen wash before the test
If you are unsure of terminology, you may ask the examiner to clarify the question
Only mentioning part of the answer—for example, stating tyre pressure without mentioning tread depth or sidewall condition
Failing to check surroundings before performing a 'show me' action such as operating windscreen wash
Panicking after one wrong answer and losing focus on the remainder of the test
Attempting a dangerous or incorrect action when unsure rather than admitting uncertainty
Insufficient practice with the specific vehicle's controls and dashboard indicators
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Stay calm and inform the examiner. You will be marked for a minor fault, but you can continue the test. Safety remains your priority, so do not guess if it compromises your focus on driving.
The examiner will ask you two questions: one 'tell me' question at the start of the test and one 'show me' question while you are driving.
No, a mistake in the show me tell me section is recorded as a minor driving fault. You only fail if you accumulate too many minor faults or commit a serious or dangerous fault during the test.
No, you do not need to be a mechanic. You only need to know how to perform basic safety checks as outlined in the official DVSA guidance, such as checking tyre pressure, oil levels, and lights.
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