Below are all the DVSA 2024 practical driving test questions and answers (also known as the show me, tell me questions or vehicle safety questions).
The examiner will ask you one 'tell me' question at the start of the test, before you begin driving, where you will have to explain how you would carry out a safety task.
You will also be asked one 'show me' question, where you will actually have to demonstrate how you would carry out a safety task while driving.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the controls and how to use them before attempting them while driving and, of course, before the test.
You won’t fail if you get any of the questions wrong, but you will receive one driving fault if you incorrectly answer one or both questions. You can receive a serious or dangerous fault if you lose control of the car while answering the 'show me' question.
These questions are for a Ford Puma, but many cars are similar.
Show me, tell me questions for a Ford Fiesta here.
The examiner will ask you one 'tell me' question at the start of the test, before you begin driving, where you will have to explain how you would carry out a safety task.
You will also be asked one 'show me' question, where you will actually have to demonstrate how you would carry out a safety task while driving.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the controls and how to use them before attempting them while driving and, of course, before the test.
You won’t fail if you get any of the questions wrong, but you will receive one driving fault if you incorrectly answer one or both questions. You can receive a serious or dangerous fault if you lose control of the car while answering the 'show me' question.
These questions are for a Ford Puma, but many cars are similar.
Show me, tell me questions for a Ford Fiesta here.
Show me, tell me questions video
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Tell Me
1.Q: Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil.
A: The dipstick is identified in the picture below. This involves you opening the bonnet. You would check the oil level by removing the dipstick, wipe it clean of oil, dip it back in, removing it again and the oil should leave an oily mark between the maximum and minimum marker.
Tell Me
2.Q: Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
A: The coolant expansion tank is identified in the picture below. This involves you opening the bonnet. The coolant can be checked by looking at the maximum and minimum levels found on the side of the expansion tank (never open the coolant when it's hot).
Tell Me
3.Q: Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A: The brake fluid reservoir is identified in the picture just below. This involves you opening the bonnet. It can be checked by looking at the maximum and minimum levels found on the side of the brake fluid reservoir.
How to open the bonnet and identify what's underneath...
Tell Me
4.Q: Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A: Tell the examiner that you would drive forward slowly, press the foot brake, it shouldn't feel spongy or slack and the car shouldn't pull to one side.
Tell Me
5.Q: Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A:
(Air pressure gauge) |
Tell Me
6.Q: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
A: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part is at least as high as your eyes or top of the ears and as close to the back of your head as comfortable. If you do need to adjust it, there's a little button at the base of the head restraint that you can press and then move the head restraint up or down.
Tell Me
7.Q: Tell me how you'd check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A:
(Tread depth gauge) |
Tell Me
8.Q: Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
A: You'd turn the ignition on, turn the dipped headlights on and then walk round the car to check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Tell Me
9.Q: Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).
A:
(ABS warning light) |
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Tell Me
10.Q: Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
A: Tell the examiner that you'd press the hazard warning lights button, it's identified by a red triangle. Then you would walk around the car to make sure all six indicators are working (you don't need to physically check on the driving test as it's a 'tell me' question).
Tell Me
11.Q: Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.
A: Tell the examiner that you'd turn the ignition on, press the foot brake and either see reflections in windows or a garage door for example or ask someone to help and check the brake lights are working.
Tell Me
12.Q: Tell me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A: To check it's working, you can give the steering a little pressure as you start the engine. There should be slight movement as the power steering begins to operate. Also, as soon as you move off, you'll feel the steering is light to turn and not heavy.
Tell Me
13.Q: Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you'd use it/them. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
A:
(Rear fog light indicator) |
Tell Me
14.Q: Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know the main beam is on.
A:
(Main beam indicator light) |
Show Me
15.Q: When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
A: The control for this is on the right hand stork (Ford Fiesta). push it towards the dashboard and hold it to wash the rear windscreen. The rear wiper turns on automatically. Let go to stop the washer.
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Show Me
16.Q: When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
A: The control for this is on the same stalk as the rear windscreen washer. This time you'll have to pull it towards the steering wheel to squirt the windscreen washer. Only use it when it's safe as it might be hard to see out of the windscreen for a second. The wipers activate automatically in some cars and turn themselves off.
Show Me
17.Q: When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?
A: The switch for the dipped headlights is shown in the image. Turn the switch once to the left for the dipped headlights. The symbol on the dashboard shows they're on. Don't forget to turn them off after. Try not to look at the control when driving.
Show Me
18.Q: When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?
A:The demister controls are shown in the image. Press the button to turn it on. Don't forget to turn it off by pressing it again.
Show Me
19.Q: When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?
A: The horn is in the centre of the steering wheel. When there aren't any other road users nearby just press it.
Show Me
20.Q: When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?
A: The demister controls are shown on the image. To turn it on and demist, press the button shown. Don't forget to turn it off by pressing it again.
Show Me
21.Q: When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?
A: The same as all the other 'show me' questions, only do this when it's safe. The controls are on the drivers door. You can open and close any window. The button on the right is for the drivers window. Press it down to fully open the window. Pull it up to close the window. Try not to look at the controls when driving.
Frequently asked questions:
Is this the full list of the DVSA practical driving test 'show me, tell me' questions and answers?Yes, it is. We've also tried to word the answers in as plain english as possible and in a memorable way.
When does the examiner ask the 'show me, tell me' questions?
The examiner will ask you the 'tell me' question after you've read a number plate (eye sight test) at the start of the practical driving test. You'll be asked a 'show me' question whilst you're driving.
What happens if I get the 'show me, tell me' questions wrong?
Firstly, you won't fail your driving test! You will get a maximum of one 'driving fault' (a minor as they're commonly called) if you get one or both the questions wrong.
How many 'driving faults' am I allowed in my practical driving test?
You're allowed up-to fifteen driving faults. They are also known as minor faults. Read more about the driving test here.