Show Me Tell Me Questions quiz
Show me Tell me Questions Quiz 2026
You’ll be asked two vehicle safety questions during your car driving test,one show me second tell me question
The examiner will ask you one:
‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d perform a security task) at the start of your test, before you start driving‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d perform a security task) while you’re driving
You’ll get one driving fault (sometimes called a ‘minor’) if you get one or both questions wrong.
You’ll fail your driving test if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer the ‘show me’ question.
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Correct!
Wrong!
The brake pedal should provide some resistance. It should not feel hard, like you’re pushing against a wooden plank, and it also shouldn’t go right to the floor. When you move off, check the brakes before you build up too much speed. The brakes could be defective even if you have brake fluid in the reservoir.
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. (Choose all that apply).
Correct!
Wrong!
Check in the car’s manual or online with the manufacturer what the correct tyre pressure is. Use a reliable gauge and measure them when they are cold. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre. Don’t check tyres when they are warm as the temperature will change.
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Correct!
Wrong!
In most cars you simply either pull backwards on the wipers stalk or push a button on the end of the wipers stalk (make sure you know how to identify this stalk). You will almost certainly need the ignition turned on. Remember that the windscreen is at the front of the car, as opposed to the rear window – you might have a rear window washer, too.
Which is the cap for the radiator?
Correct!
Wrong!
Make sure you don’t remove this cap if the engine is hot otherwise you could spray yourself with boiling liquid
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level. (Choose all that apply).
Correct!
Wrong!
Once you have identified the reservoir, check the level on the side. This is usually fairly near the top. If you can’t see any line on the reservoir, it will need a lot of water as it could be almost empty.
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash. (Choose all that apply).
Correct!
Wrong!
Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car. (Choose all that apply).
Please select 2 correct answers
Correct!
Wrong!
It would be very unusual if you have to turn your ignition on for your brake lights to activate, let alone start the car. When you press the brake pedal, if you are parked in front of something reflective like a window or shiny garage door, you should see the lights come on.
Show me how you would check that the horn is working. (Choose all that apply).
Correct!
Wrong!
The horn will work regardless of whether you have the ignition on or off; you just need to press the horn button which usually is in the centre of the steering wheel but is sometimes on a stalk. There isn’t a test swith on the back of the horn.
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ArrayWhich is the cap for the coolant reservoir?
Correct!
Wrong!
You should be able to read the level of the coolant on the side of the reservoir
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively.
Correct!
Wrong!
You won’t need to start the engine for this demonstration, just show which controls you will set. Some new vehicles have one button that does it all, but you should show the examiner that you know that you should turn the temperature up, the fan on high, the air conditioning on, the rear demister button on and also set the direction of airflow to the windscreen as opposed to, say, blowing at your feet.
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working (no need to exit vehicle). (Choose all that apply).
Correct!
Wrong!
To activate your low beam lights you will likely have to turn on the ignition. Then turn on the lights and look for the green light that shows your lights are on (make sure the blue high beam light isn’t on). Then explain to the examiner that to check the lights you could get out and walk around. As it’s a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to actually do it.
Which is the switch for the hazard warning lights?
Correct!
Wrong!
Hazard warning lights switches have a red triangle
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. (Choose all that apply).
Correct!
Wrong!
You’ll see green indicator lights flash on the dashboard when they are activated. Some vehicles have a small light visible in the wing mirror. If an indicator bulb is blown, the indicators might blink very quickly. You can also explain to the examiner that you could get out of the car to check they are working.
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Correct!
Wrong!
Ideally the engine should be cold. Open the bonnet, find the dipstick and pull it out. Wipe the dipstick off and put it back in. Pull it out and read the level. It should be between min and max. If it’s less than min, put some oil in it and retest after a minute to make sure it’s settled. Don’t overfill it.
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
Correct!
Wrong!
The engine should be off. Once you have found the reservoir (look for the right type of cap), simply read the level from the side. You shouldn’t need to open the cap. There is no dipstick in it.
Which button activates the rear demister?
Correct!
Wrong!
The rear demister sends a current through wires embedded in the rear window, clearing it of condensation. Not all cars have one, but most do.
Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid. (Choose all that apply).
Correct!
Wrong!
With the engine off, identify the reservoir and rear on the side whether the fluid level is between min and max.
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them, (no need to exit vehicle).
Correct!
Wrong!
Most cars will either have a collar on the lights stalk, or a separate button with the fog light symbol. A warning light will illuminate on the dashboard to let you know the fog light is on
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Correct!
Wrong!
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on. (Choose all that apply).
Correct!
Wrong!
Once you have turned your headlights onto dipped beam, the usual way of activating main beam is to either pull the lights stalk back or push it forwards. You will see this blue symbol illuminate on the dashboard
Which is the oil filler cap?
Correct!
Wrong!
Next to the oil cap there should be the dipstick which you use to check the oil level.
Which warning light is for low oil?
Correct!
Wrong!
If this light comes on you should pull over immediately (assuming it’s safe to do so); continuing on could cause your engine to seize
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
Please select 2 correct answers
Correct!
Wrong!
Check the sidewalls and tread for cuts and bulges (you may have to turn your wheels outwards to do this), check you have at least 1.6mm tread depth using a gauge.
Which is the cap for the brake fluid reservoir?
Correct!
Wrong!
The brake fluid reservoir often has the type of fluid it takes printed on the cap.
