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Show Me Tell Me Questions: The Complete Guide

At the start of your driving test, the examiner asks one "tell me" question (you explain how you'd do something) and one "show me" question (you...

What Are Show Me Tell Me Questions?

At the start of your driving test, the examiner asks one "tell me" question (you explain how you'd do something) and one "show me" question (you demonstrate while driving). Getting one wrong is a minor fault. Getting both wrong is two minors — not ideal but not a fail on its own.

What Are Show Me Tell Me Questions?

Tell Me Questions


T1: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Answer: Press the brake pedal firmly before moving off. It should feel firm, not spongy, and the car should not pull to one side.

T2: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how you would check them.
Answer: The owner's manual or a sticker inside the driver's door/fuel cap. Use a reliable pressure gauge, checking when tyres are cold.

T3: Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and are in good condition.
Answer: The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the entire circumference. Check for cuts, bulges, and uneven wear.

T4: Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Answer: Turn on the ignition and headlights, walk around the car (or use reflections in a window/garage door) to check all lights, including tail lights.

T5: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Answer: A warning light on the dashboard will illuminate. It should go out shortly after starting the engine. If it stays on, there is a fault.

T6: Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working.
Answer: Turn on the ignition, apply the indicators left and right, and walk around the vehicle to check all indicator lights are flashing. Or use the hazard warning switch and check.

T7: Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.
Answer: Turn on the ignition, press the brake pedal, and check the rear brake lights using a reflection or asking someone to look.

Show Me Questions


S1: When it is safe to do so, show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen.
Demonstrate: Operate the rear wash/wipe controls.

S2: When it is safe to do so, show me how you would wash and clean the front windscreen.
Demonstrate: Operate the windscreen washer and wipers.

S3: When it is safe to do so, show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use them.
Demonstrate: Switch them on. Use when visibility drops below 100 metres.

S4: When it is safe to do so, show me how you would switch your headlight from dipped to main beam.
Demonstrate: Operate the stalk. Explain: use main beam on unlit roads when no other vehicles are ahead.

S5: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively.
Demonstrate: Set blower, temperature, and direct airflow to windscreen. Use air-con if available.

S6: Show me how you would operate the horn.
Demonstrate: Press the horn briefly. Explain: never use it while stationary at night in a built-up area (11:30pm–7am).

Tips for Manchester Test Centres

At Cheetham Hill and Sale test centres, examiners often ask about tyre pressures (T2) and front windscreen wash (S2). At Bredbury, brake-light checks (T7) and demisters (S5) are common. DriveSQ covers all questions in the lessons before your test.

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Tips for Manchester Test Centres

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