How the Questions Work
At the start of the practical test, the examiner asks one "tell me" question, which you answer verbally, for example explaining how you would check the brakes or tyre tread. During the drive, you get one "show me" question, where you physically demonstrate a control, such as washing the windscreen or sounding the horn.
Each question you get wrong or cannot answer is a driving fault (minor). You can still pass with up to 15 minors, but a dangerous answer or action can become a serious fault, so never guess blindly with the bonnet open or while moving.
Common "Tell Me" Questions
"Tell me" questions are about checks and maintenance. The classics include tyre tread depth (1.6mm across the central three-quarters, using the tread wear indicators) and tyre pressures (manufacturer's guide, when cold).
Others cover oil, coolant and brake fluid levels (dipstick between min and max; header tanks between min and max marks).
Others cover headlight and brake light checks (ask someone to help or use reflections), power steering (gentle pressure on the wheel, engine on, should feel a slight movement), and what to check before a long journey. Learn the exact wording for your car, because examiners want the check described, not just named.
Common "Show Me" Questions
"Show me" questions test controls you use while driving: wash and clean the rear windscreen, wash and clean the front windscreen, switch on dipped headlights, operate the horn, demist the front or rear screen, and open and close a side window.
The trick is knowing your test car's controls without looking down for long. During lessons, drill each control until you can find it by touch alone. On the day, the examiner asks when it is safe, so do not rush; wait for a straight, quiet stretch.
How to Prepare
Go through every question on the actual car you will test in, ideally with your instructor. Open the bonnet together and physically locate the oil dipstick, coolant tank and brake fluid reservoir, because pointing at the wrong cap is a classic fail. Photograph the engine bay labels for revision.
Do a mock run a few days before: have someone fire random "tell me" and "show me" questions at you. If you can answer all of them without hesitation, this part of the test is banked.
Calming Your Nerves
The show me tell me questions come right at the start, so nailing them settles your nerves for the drive ahead. Examiners ask them conversationally, not as an interrogation. A steady morning routine, a light meal and arriving early do more for your performance than last-minute cramming.
FAQ
How many show me tell me questions are there?
Two: one "tell me" before driving and one "show me" during the drive.
What happens if you get a show me tell me question wrong?
It counts as one minor fault. You can still pass, but a dangerous response can become a serious fault.
Can you fail for show me tell me questions?
Not on their own; each is a single minor. But combined with other faults, they can push you over the 15-minor limit.
Do you open the bonnet in the driving test?
Only for "tell me" questions about fluid levels and checks. The examiner will ask you to open it if the question needs it.
What is the tyre tread depth for the tell me question?
1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, checked with the built-in tread wear indicators.
Should I learn show me tell me on my instructor's car?
Yes. Controls differ between cars, so practice on the exact car you will use for the test.
