Show Tell Questions London – 21 Calm Answers for Driving Test Day

Show tell questions London

Show me / tell me questions

Show tell questions London learners need for the practical driving test are simple safety checks, but they can still feel stressful if you have not gone through them properly beforehand. At the start of the practical test, the examiner asks one “tell me” question before you drive and one “show me” question while you are driving. These questions are there to check that you understand basic vehicle safety and control.

The good news is that you can get one of these questions wrong and still pass your test. These show tell questions London learners worry about are not designed to catch you out, and with a calm explanation and a bit of practice they become much easier to remember. This page brings together the full DVSA-style list in one place so you can read through them before lessons or before test day.

If you are a nervous learner, show tell questions London learners often worry about can feel bigger in your head than they really are. The best approach is to treat each question as a short, practical routine. Once you understand the logic behind the answer, the questions start to feel much more manageable.

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How show tell questions London learners get asked on test day

The “tell me” question is asked before you start driving. The “show me” question is asked during the test while you are on the move, so the examiner will say “when it’s safe” before asking you to do something simple such as operate the windscreen washers or dipped headlights. This means you should always keep driving safely first and only carry out the instruction when the road situation allows it.

You can read more about the practical test itself on the driving test day page, and you can also read the official DVSA practical driving test guidance.

You can get one question wrong and still pass. The key is staying calm and giving a simple, safe answer to the show tell questions London test examiners ask.

Show me questions (asked while driving)

When it’s safe, show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen

Operate the rear wiper and washer control.

When it’s safe, show me how you would wash and clean the front windscreen

Operate the front windscreen washer and wipers.

When it’s safe, show me how you would switch on dipped headlights

Turn the light switch to dipped beam.

When it’s safe, show me how you would set the rear demister

Switch on the heated rear window or rear demister button.

When it’s safe, show me how you would use the horn

Press the horn control briefly, usually in the centre of the steering wheel.

When it’s safe, show me how you would demist the front windscreen

Set airflow to the windscreen, turn on the fan, and adjust the temperature as needed.

When it’s safe, show me how you’d open and close the side window

Operate the electric window switch to open and close the side window.

Tell me questions (asked before driving)

Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey

Brakes should feel firm, not spongy, and the car should not pull to one side when braking.

Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car. Also tell me how you should check the tyre pressures

Use the manufacturer’s guide or sticker, often inside the driver’s door, door pillar or fuel flap. Check pressures with a reliable gauge when the tyres are cold, including the spare if fitted.

Tell me how to adjust your head restraint correctly, so it provides the best protection if you crash

Adjust it so the rigid part is as close to the back of your head as is comfortable, with the top level with the top of your head or at least eye level.

Tell me how you’d check that the tyres have enough tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road

Tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre around the whole circumference. Check for cuts, bulges and correct inflation too.

Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail-lights are working. (No need to get out of the car)

Switch on the lights and explain that you would check them by using reflections in windows or by walking around the vehicle if needed.

Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system

The ABS warning light should come on briefly when you start the engine and then go out. If it stays on, there may be a fault.

Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. (No need to get out of the car)

Operate the indicators or hazard warning switch and explain you would check using the sound, the dashboard indicator or reflections.

Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car

Press the brake pedal and check reflections in windows or on a wall, or ask someone to confirm that the brake lights are working.

Tell me how you’d check the power assisted steering’s working before starting a journey

Apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel as you start the engine. The steering should become lighter if the system is working properly.

Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s). Also explain when you’d use it/them. (No need to get out of the car)

Switch on the dipped headlights if needed, then operate the rear fog light switch. Use fog lights only when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres.

Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam. Also explain how you’d know the main beam is on

Use the stalk or switch to turn on main beam. A blue warning light on the dashboard shows that main beam is on.

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has enough oil. Please do not touch the engine

Identify the dipstick, remove and wipe it, reinsert it fully, then remove it again and check the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks.

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has enough engine coolant. Please do not touch the engine

Identify the coolant tank and check the level is between the minimum and maximum markings. Do not open it when the engine is hot.

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid. Please do not touch the engine

Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check that the level is between the minimum and maximum marks.

How to remember the show tell questions London learners get asked more easily

The easiest way to remember the show tell questions London learners get asked is to group them by topic. Some are about windows and wipers, some are about lights, and some are basic under-bonnet safety checks. Once you stop seeing them as a long random list and start seeing them as a few simple groups, they become much easier to remember.

You do not need to sound mechanical or over-rehearsed. A calm, simple answer is enough. In lessons, these show tell questions London learners practise usually become second nature because you hear them more than once and connect them to the actual car controls. That is why practise matters more than memorising word for word.

Practise the controls in the actual lesson car
Group questions by lights, windows, tyres and under-bonnet checks
Keep answers short and practical
Remember that safety comes first during “show me” questions
Do not panic if you are not word-perfect

Ready for test day

These questions become much easier with practice. If you want calm support with show tell questions London learners often worry about, I will cover them as part of your normal lessons so they feel familiar well before the test.

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