Show Me Tell Me Questions

What are the Show and Tell Questions?

At Thames Driving School Norwich Branch, we help learners prepare for the driving test with clear guidance on the Show Me, Tell Me questions. These questions are designed to check that you understand simple vehicle safety checks and can demonstrate basic control knowledge with confidence on test day.
​Vehicle Safety Questions in the Driving Test
The examiner will ask one question at the start of the test before you begin driving, and another while the car is moving when it is safe to do so. Learning these questions in advance can help reduce nerves and improve your chances of a calm, confident test.

Why They Matter

Show Me, Tell Me questions are an important part of the practical driving test because they help show that you can look after the vehicle you are driving and understand essential safety checks. They cover areas such as brakes, tyres, lights, demisters, windscreen washers, horn use, and basic under-bonnet checks.
If you answer these questions incorrectly, it may result in a fault on your test, so it is well worth practising them with your instructor before your test date. At our Norwich Branch, we make sure our pupils are properly prepared and comfortable with every part of the test process.

How We Help

Our Norwich Branch instructors will guide you through the full range of Show Me, Tell Me questions and show you how each check works in a real car. We explain everything clearly and patiently so that you can learn at your own pace and feel ready for your driving test.
We also encourage learners to practise outside of lessons by reviewing the questions regularly and speaking the answers aloud. The more familiar you are with them, the more confident you will feel when the examiner asks.

WHAT IS SHOW ME TELL ME? 

You’ll be asked two questions: one “Tell Me” question at the start of your test (before you drive off) and one “Show Me” question while you’re driving.

How It Works One

  • One “Tell Me” question: Asked by the examiner at the start of your test, before you begin driving. You’ll explain how you’d carry out a safety task.
  • One “Show Me” question: Asked while you’re driving. You’ll physically demonstrate a safety task when it’s safe to do so.
  • Scoring: If you get one or both questions wrong, you’ll receive one driving fault (a minor). You won’t fail your test for answering incorrectly, unless you lose control of the vehicle during the “Show Me” question.
  • One “Tell Me” question: Asked by the examiner at the start of your test, before you begin driving. You’ll explain how you’d carry out a safety task.
  • One “Show Me” question: Asked while you’re driving. You’ll physically demonstrate a safety task when it’s safe to do so.
  • Scoring: If you get one or both questions wrong, you’ll receive one driving fault (a minor). You won’t fail your test for answering incorrectly, unless you lose control of the vehicle during the “Show Me” question.

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“Tell Me” Questions (Explained at the Start)
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You’ll be asked one question from the following list:
  1. Brakes: Explain how you’d check the brakes are working before starting a journey (e.g., brakes shouldn’t feel spongy or slack; the car shouldn’t pull to one side when you test them as you set off).
  2. Tyre pressures: Tell the examiner where you’d find the recommended tyre pressures for the car (manufacturer’s guide or door frame) and how you’d check them (use a reliable gauge when tyres are cold; include the spare tyre and refit valve caps).
  3. Head restraint: Explain how you’d adjust the head restraint so it’s at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable (note: some restraints aren’t adjustable).
  4. Tyres: Describe how you’d check the tyres have sufficient tread depth and are in safe condition (at least 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference; no cuts or bulges).
  5. Headlights and tail lights: Explain how you’d check they’re working (operate the switch, turn on ignition if necessary, then walk around the vehicle).
  6. Anti-lock braking system (ABS): Explain how you’d know if there was a problem (a warning light on the dashboard would illuminate if there’s a fault).
  7. Direction indicators: Explain how you’d check they’re working (operate the switch, turn on ignition if necessary, then walk around the vehicle).
  8. Brake lights: Explain how you’d check they’re working (press the brake pedal and use reflections or ask someone to help).
  9. Power-assisted steering: Explain how you’d check it’s working (gentle pressure on the steering wheel while starting the engine should result in a slight movement; or the steering should feel light just after moving off).
  10. Rear fog lights: Explain how you’d switch them on and when you’d use them (operate the switch with dipped headlights and ignition on; explain you’d use them when visibility is less than 100 metres).
  11. Headlight beam switch: Explain how you’d switch from dipped to main beam and how you’d know the main beam is on (operate the switch with ignition or engine on; check the blue main beam warning light on the dashboard).
  12. Engine oil: Open the bonnet and explain how you’d check the oil level (identify the dipstick, pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert fully, then check the level is between the minimum and maximum markers).
  13. Engine coolant: Open the bonnet and explain how you’d check the coolant level (identify the header tank or radiator filler cap and ensure the level is between the high and low markings).
  14. Brake fluid: Open the bonnet and explain how you’d check the hydraulic brake fluid level (identify the reservoir and check the level is between the high and low markings).

“Show Me” Questions (Demonstrated While Driving)

You’ll be asked one question from the following list, and you’ll carry it out when the examiner says it’s safe to do so:
  1. Wash and clean the rear windscreen: Operate the rear wiper and washer controls to clean the rear window.
  2. Wash and clean the front windscreen: Operate the front wiper and washer controls to clean the front window.
  3. Switch on dipped headlights: Operate the headlight switch to turn on dipped headlights.
  4. Set the rear demister: Operate the rear demister switch to clear the rear window.
  5. Operate the horn: Press the horn (when stationary and safe).
  6. Demist the front windscreen: Operate the front demister controls (including fan, heater, and air conditioning if needed) to clear the front window.
  7. Open and close the side window: Operate the electric window controls to open and close the side window.

4 Tips for Success
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  1. Know your test car: Familiarise yourself with the location of controls (lights, wipers, demisters, horn) before your test day.
  2. Safety first: For “Show Me” questions, only carry out the task when the examiner says it’s safe—and ensure you maintain full control of the vehicle.
  3. Clear explanations: For “Tell Me” questions, speak clearly and confidently, using the correct terminology (e.g., “dipped headlights,” “central three-quarters of the tyre”).
  4. Practice: Ask your instructor to run through these questions during your lessons so you’re comfortable on test day.

Get Ready To Pass in Norwich

Ready to Pass (readytopass.campaign.gov.uk) is a UK government behavioural change campaign run by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to help learner drivers understand when they’re truly ready to take their practical driving test. Launched in July 2022, it aims to reduce first-time test failures, cut test waiting times, and improve road safety by encouraging learners to delay their test if they aren’t fully prepared.

Driving Test Centres in Norwich

Click on the links below to find out more about these local driving test centres, including local pass rates

Norwich (Peachman Way): Plot 16A, Peachman Way, Broadlands Business Park, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0WE.

Norwich (Jupiter Road): Jupiter Road, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 6SS.
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King's Lynn: Rollesby Road, Hardwick Industrial Estate, PE30 4LS.

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