How to Pass the UK Driving Test First Time: Tell Me Show Me Questions (2026)

🟢 INTRODUCTION : TELL ME SHOW ME

If you are preparing for the UK practical driving test in 2026, you must learn the Tell Me Show Me questions.
These are easy marks, but many learners fail because they over-explain or get distracted.

https://youtu.be/-UR3AxCxmsg

This complete guide covers:

Explained in simple English for international learners

All official DVSA questions

What to say (Tell Me)

What to do (Show Me)

🟢 WHAT ARE TELL ME SHOW ME QUESTIONS?

During your driving test:

• You will be asked one Tell Me question before driving
• You will be asked one Show Me question while driving
• You may get a minor fault if you answer incorrectly

⚠️ If your driving becomes unsafe during a Show Me question, you can fail.

🟢 TELL ME QUESTIONS (WHAT TO SAY)

1️⃣ Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Answer (say this):

The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. I would test them as I set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.

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2️⃣ Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Answer:

I would check the manufacturer’s guide. I would use a reliable pressure gauge. I would check and adjust the pressures when the tyres are cold. I would not forget the spare tyre and I would refit the valve caps.

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3️⃣ Tell me how you’d make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

Answer:

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part is at least as high as my eyes or the top of my ears, and as close to the back of my head as comfortable. Some head restraints may not be adjustable.

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4️⃣ Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

Answer:

I would check there are no cuts or bulges. The tyres must have at least 1.6 millimetres of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference.

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5️⃣ Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Answer:

I would turn on the lights using the switch, then walk around the vehicle to check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

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6️⃣ Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

Answer:

A warning light would stay on or come on while driving, indicating a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

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7️⃣ Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Answer:

I would operate the indicator switch and then walk around the vehicle to check that all the indicators are working.

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8️⃣ Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

Answer:

I would press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help check the brake lights.

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9️⃣ Tell me how you’d check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

Answer:

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. I would apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine and notice a slight movement, or I would turn the steering wheel just after moving off.

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🔟 Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it or them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Answer:

I would turn on the dipped headlights and then switch on the rear fog lights. I would check the warning light is on. I would use them when visibility is seriously reduced, usually when you cannot see for more than 100 metres.

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1️⃣1️⃣ Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

Answer:

I would operate the switch to change from dipped to main beam. I would know the main beam is on because the blue warning light would show on the dashboard.

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1️⃣2️⃣ Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Answer:

I would identify the dipstick, remove it, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then remove it again and check the oil level is between the minimum and maximum markings.

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1️⃣3️⃣ Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Answer:

I would identify the coolant reservoir and check that the coolant level is between the high and low markings. I would only top it up when the engine is cold.

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1️⃣4️⃣ Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Answer:

I would identify the brake fluid reservoir and check that the level is between the minimum and maximum markings.

🚦 SHOW ME QUESTIONS

(Asked while driving – ACTION ONLY)

⚠️ Rule:
Say “When it’s safe, I will do that.”
Then show the action only.

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1️⃣ When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

Action:
➡️ Pull the wiper stalk towards you

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2️⃣ When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

Action:
➡️ Push the wiper stalk away from you

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3️⃣ When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?

Action:
➡️ Turn the light switch to dipped beam

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4️⃣ When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?

Action:
➡️ Press the rear demister button

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5️⃣ When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?

Action:
➡️ Press the centre of the steering wheel briefly

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6️⃣ When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?

Action:
➡️ Press the MAX demist button
(or airflow to windscreen if no MAX)

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7️⃣ When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?

Action:
➡️ Press window switch down slightly, then pull it up to close

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🧠 FINAL EXAM REMINDER (VERY IMPORTANT)

• Tell Me = clear words
• Show Me = safe control
• Do not explain during Show Me
• Eyes on road at all times

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