The complete list of 19 show-me tell-me vehicle safety questions for your 2026 driving test, with clear answers and practical tips. The easiest marks on your test — prepare these and eliminate one potential driving fault entirely.
Your examiner will ask one tell-me question before you begin driving. You answer verbally — no physical demonstration required. These questions test your knowledge of basic vehicle safety checks.
Q: Tell me how you would check that the tyres have sufficient tread depth and are in good condition. A: The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the entire circumference. Check for cuts, bulges, and uneven wear. Use a 20p coin — if the outer rim is visible, tread may be insufficient.
Q: Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey. A: The brake pedal should feel firm and not spongy when pressed. The car should not pull to one side when braking. Test them at low speed as you set off — they should stop the car promptly without unusual noise or vibration.
Q: Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. A: Turn on the ignition, switch on the headlights, and walk around the vehicle to check that both headlights and both tail lights are illuminated. Check indicators and brake lights with the help of a reflective surface or another person.
Q: Tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient coolant. A: Open the bonnet and locate the coolant reservoir (usually a transparent plastic container). Check the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum markers. Only check when the engine is cold — hot coolant is under pressure and can scald.
Your examiner will ask one show-me question during the drive. You must physically demonstrate the action while maintaining safe vehicle control. Keep the demonstration brief and return both hands to the steering wheel promptly.
Q: When it is safe to do so, show me how you would wash and clean the front windscreen. A: Operate the windscreen washer stalk (usually by pushing or pulling it) while driving. Brief operation, then return your hand to the wheel.
Q: When it is safe to do so, show me how you would sound the horn. A: Press the horn button on the steering wheel briefly. Remember: do not use the horn while stationary (unless a moving vehicle poses danger) or in a built-up area between 11:30pm and 7:00am.
Q: When it is safe to do so, show me how you would demist the front windscreen. A: Turn on the blower/fan, direct air to the windscreen, and adjust temperature to warm. Some vehicles have a dedicated demist button.
Q: When it is safe to do so, show me how you would demist the rear windscreen. A: Press the heated rear window button (usually marked with a rectangle with wavy lines). This activates the heating element embedded in the rear glass.
Getting one or both questions wrong results in a single driving fault. This is the lowest possible penalty and will not cause test failure on its own. However, when combined with other driving faults in the same competency area, it could contribute to a total that reaches the failure threshold of 16 driving faults or a pattern-based serious fault.
The practical advice: spend 15 minutes learning all 19 answers. This minimal investment eliminates a guaranteed driving fault and demonstrates the vehicle awareness that examiners view favourably throughout the rest of your test.
"DriveSQ practised show-me tell-me questions during every lesson in my final month. By test day, the answers were automatic. One less thing to worry about meant more mental energy for the driving itself."
— Olivia, Sale, passed 2026DVSA-approved, £35/hr, door-to-door across Greater Manchester.
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