The UK car driving test includes two vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. These form part of the practical driving test and assess a candidate’s basic understanding of vehicle maintenance and safety checks. The questions are drawn from an official list of 21 possibilities published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
One question is asked before the driving begins, requiring you to explain a safety task verbally. The second question comes during the driving portion, asking you to demonstrate a safety action. Both questions test practical knowledge rather than theory, making hands-on preparation essential for success.
Understanding these questions and their potential answers can help candidates approach the test with greater confidence. This guide covers the official question list, available resources for practice, and what to expect on test day.
Show me, tell me questions and answers
The DVSA selects two questions from a pool of 21 possible options. Examiners choose from 12 different combinations, meaning candidates rarely face the exact same pairing. The official list was last updated in December 2017 and remains current for 2026, with no announced changes to the question bank.
Key facts about the questions
- The ‘tell me’ question is asked at the very start of the test, before you begin driving
- The ‘show me’ question can be asked at any point during the driving portion, including during independent driving
- An incorrect answer to either question results in one driving fault (a minor)
- Dangerous or potentially dangerous driving while answering the ‘show me’ question leads to test failure
- The full official list contains 14 ‘tell me’ questions and 7 ‘show me’ questions
- The DVSA published embedded videos demonstrating answers on 4 December 2017
- No official 2026-specific changes to the question list have been announced
Question types and pass impact
| Question Type | Example | Pass Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Tell me (verbal) | Check brakes before journey | Incorrect answer = 1 minor fault |
| Show me (demonstration) | Operate direction indicators | Incorrect answer = 1 minor fault |
| Show me (driving) | Demonstrate handbrake check | Dangerous driving = immediate fail |
| Tell me (pre-driving) | Locate tyre pressure information | Incorrect answer = 1 minor fault |
Sample questions with answers
The official GOV.UK list provides model answers for all 21 questions. Candidates should familiarise themselves with both the questions and the expected responses before their test date.
Tell me questions (explained verbally)
Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Pump the brake pedal firmly. If the pedal feels spongy or has excessive travel, this may indicate a leak. If the pedal does not feel firm, possible causes include air in the hydraulic system or worn brakes.
Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
The information is found in the manufacturer’s handbook or on the door sticker. Tyre pressures should be checked when the tyres are cold using a reliable pressure gauge.
Show me questions (demonstrated while driving)
Show me how you’d check that the direction indicators are working.
Activate the indicator switch and confirm that all direction indicators illuminate correctly, including those on the front and rear of the vehicle.
Show me how you’d check that the parking brake is not excessively worn.
Pump the brake several times to build up pressure, then apply the parking brake. Check that the dashboard warning light extinguishes when the brake is fully released.
For the complete list of 21 questions and detailed model answers, visit the official GOV.UK publication on Car ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions.
Show me, tell me questions quiz
Practice quizzes offer a valuable way to prepare for the show me, tell me questions. These resources allow candidates to test their knowledge and identify areas requiring further study before the practical test.
Online practice resources
Several platforms provide free practice questions based on the official DVSA list. REGIT.CARS offers a DVSA-based show me tell me quiz with questions covering the 2026 driving test requirements.
Driving Test Success and the RAC provide detailed guides that include the 12 possible examiner combinations. These resources break down which questions are typically paired together and offer sample answers for each scenario candidates may encounter.
Video guides
YouTube contains demonstration videos showing exactly how to answer each question. The official DVSA walkthrough video demonstrates all 21 questions on a Ford Puma, providing visual guidance on the expected responses. These videos are particularly useful for understanding the ‘show me’ questions, which require physical demonstration rather than verbal explanation.
Mobile applications
Theory test applications often include practice modules for show me, tell me questions. Apps such as “Driving Theory Test UK” incorporate these questions alongside other test preparation materials, allowing candidates to study on the move.
Practice both verbally and physically. The questions test practical knowledge, so understanding how to perform each task is as important as knowing what to say. Walk through the actions with your instructor before your test.
Using quizzes effectively
Effective quiz practice involves more than memorising answers. Candidates should understand the reasoning behind each answer, as examiners may ask follow-up questions. For example, when explaining how to check tyre pressures, knowing why tyres should be checked when cold demonstrates genuine understanding.
Regular practice helps reduce anxiety on test day. Candidates who have worked through multiple quiz combinations approach the questions with greater confidence, potentially reducing the minor faults that can accumulate during the test.
Show me, tell me questions driving test PDF
The official PDF document containing all show me, tell me questions and answers is available through government sources. This downloadable resource provides the complete reference material endorsed by the DVSA for candidates preparing for their practical driving test.
Official document availability
The GOV.UK publication titled “Car ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions” includes the full question list, model answers, and embedded video demonstrations added in December 2017.
A PDF version of this official document is available through third-party hosts that have republished the DVSA file. Candidates searching for a downloadable version can find the document on platforms hosting government publications.
Contents of the official document
The official publication contains several key sections that candidates should review carefully before their test. These include the complete list of 14 ‘tell me’ questions with model answers, the 7 ‘show me’ questions with demonstration guidance, and video content showing correct responses.
- Introduction explaining the purpose and format of the questions
- 14 ‘tell me’ questions with detailed model answers
- 7 ‘show me’ questions with demonstration instructions
- Embedded video content added 4 December 2017
- Notes on common faults and how to avoid them
Checking for updates
The official question list has remained unchanged since its December 2017 update. Sources referencing 2026 driving tests confirm that no modifications to the question bank have been announced. Candidates should verify they are using the most current version when downloading materials.
Checking the publication date before downloading ensures candidates have the latest information. The DVSA website always hosts the most current version of official driving test materials.
Show and tell me’ questions driving test
The practical driving test in England, Scotland, and Wales includes a mandatory vehicle safety section with two questions. This component has been part of the test format for many years and remains a standard assessment criterion for all candidates.
Test structure and timing
The ‘tell me’ question occurs at the very beginning of the test, before the driving portion begins. The examiner will ask you to explain how you would perform a specific safety task. This portion is conducted while you are still seated in the vehicle with the engine off.
The ‘show me’ question can be asked at any time during the driving portion of the test. This means candidates must be prepared to demonstrate a task while simultaneously controlling the vehicle. The question is often incorporated into independent driving sections.
Question selection process
Examiners work from the official list of 21 questions, selecting specific combinations for each test. According to available guidance, there are 12 possible examiner combinations that may be used.
The selection is not random but follows patterns established by the DVSA. Some question combinations appear more frequently than others, though candidates should prepare for any possibility from the official list.
Why these questions matter
The show me, tell me questions serve an important purpose in road safety. They ensure that new drivers understand basic vehicle maintenance and can identify potential problems before they lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Understanding tyre pressure checks, brake condition assessment, and indicator operation reflects real-world driving requirements. These skills help new drivers maintain their vehicles safely and respond appropriately to mechanical issues.
Relationship to other test components
While the show me, tell me questions contribute only minor faults if answered incorrectly, they form part of the overall assessment of a candidate’s readiness to drive. Poor performance in this section may indicate gaps in practical knowledge that could prove problematic in real driving situations.
For information on related vehicle maintenance topics, see our guide to Tyre Pressure Warning Light – Meaning, Causes and Fixes.
Timeline of show me, tell me questions
The show me, tell me vehicle safety questions have evolved over time to become a standard part of the UK practical driving test. Understanding the development of this assessment helps contextualise its current format and importance.
- December 2017: The DVSA published the current official list of 21 questions with embedded video demonstrations. This update consolidated previous question banks into a single authoritative source.
- Post-2017: The question list has remained unchanged with no major revisions announced by the DVSA.
- 2026 sources: Multiple driving test preparation resources reference 2026 requirements while confirming the official GOV.UK list remains current. No specific 2026 changes have been documented.
For more information on other 2026 driving test changes, see our overview of Mot Changes 2026 DVSA – Key Rules and Timeline.
What is confirmed and what remains unclear
Based on available official sources and driving test preparation materials, certain aspects of the show me, tell me questions are clearly established, while others require careful consideration.
| Established information | Information requiring verification |
|---|---|
| 21 questions in the official DVSA list | Whether question frequency data is officially published |
| 14 ‘tell me’ and 7 ‘show me’ questions | Whether examiner combination selection is random or systematic |
| Last updated December 2017 | Whether 2026 will bring any changes to the format |
| One minor fault per incorrect answer | Specific pass rate impact of show me, tell me faults |
| Dangerous driving during ‘show me’ = automatic fail | Exact weighting compared to other test components |
Official sources versus third-party guidance
The official GOV.UK publication remains the most authoritative source for question content and format. Third-party sites provide useful interpretation and practice materials, but candidates should verify information against government sources when possible.
YouTube demonstrations supplement the written materials with visual explanations of expected answers.
Background and context
The show me, tell me questions form a small but significant part of the UK practical driving test. Introduced to assess candidates’ basic vehicle maintenance knowledge, these questions ensure new drivers can identify and address common safety issues before they become hazards.
The questions cover essential topics including tyre maintenance, brake condition, lighting operation, and fluid levels. Each topic reflects real-world situations that drivers may encounter, making the assessment relevant to everyday motoring.
The DVSA’s approach emphasises practical knowledge over theoretical understanding. Candidates must demonstrate they can actually perform safety checks, not merely describe them in theory. This practical focus aligns with the broader goal of producing competent, safety-aware drivers.
Sources and official guidance
Several organisations provide authoritative information on show me, tell me questions. Primary sources include government agencies and established automotive organisations with recognised expertise in driver testing.
“The ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions test your knowledge of basic car maintenance and safety. You’ll be asked one question before you start driving and one question while you’re driving.”
— DVSA official guidance on GOV.UK
The RAC driving advice provides detailed explanations of the 12 possible examiner combinations and guidance on answering each question type. Their resources complement the official government materials with practical examples.
“You’ll be asked one ‘tell me’ question at the start of your test, before you start driving. You’ll be asked one ‘show me’ question while you’re driving.”
— RAC driving test guide
Driving Test Success offers detailed breakdowns of question combinations and model answers, providing candidates with additional preparation resources alongside official materials.
Summary
The show me, tell me questions form a standard part of the UK practical driving test, assessing candidates’ knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance and safety checks. Two questions are asked during each test: one ‘tell me’ question before driving begins, requiring a verbal explanation, and one ‘show me’ question during the driving portion, requiring physical demonstration.
The official list contains 21 questions, last updated in December 2017, with no announced changes for 2026. Incorrect answers result in one minor fault each, while dangerous driving during the ‘show me’ question leads to immediate test failure. Candidates should consult the official GOV.UK publication and practice using available quiz resources before their test date.
Frequently asked questions
Are there different show me, tell me questions for the 2026 driving test?
No official changes to the question list have been announced. The current list was published in December 2017 and remains in use for 2026 according to available DVSA sources and third-party preparation materials.
How many show me, tell me questions are there in total?
There are 21 questions in total: 14 ‘tell me’ questions and 7 ‘show me’ questions. Examiners select two questions per test from the official DVSA list.
What happens if I answer a show me, tell me question incorrectly?
An incorrect answer results in one driving fault (a minor). Multiple minor faults can contribute to test failure, so correct answers are important for overall success.
When is the ‘show me’ question asked during the test?
The ‘show me’ question can be asked at any point during the driving portion of the test, including during independent driving sections. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate a task while controlling the vehicle.
Where can I find the official list of show me, tell me questions?
The official list is published on GOV.UK in the publication titled “Car ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions.” This resource includes all questions, model answers, and embedded demonstration videos.
Can I use practice quizzes to prepare for show me, tell me questions?
Yes, practice quizzes from reputable sources such as REGIT.CARS, Driving Test Success, and the RAC can help candidates prepare. However, the official GOV.UK publication should be used as the primary reference source.
What topics do the show me, tell me questions cover?
Questions cover basic vehicle maintenance including tyre pressure, brake condition, indicator operation, lighting checks, fluid levels, and general safety inspections. The official GOV.UK publication lists all 21 questions with model answers.
Fiona Caldwell is Managing Editor at TradeWireUK.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and the newsroom workflow.