This guide is checked against the current DVSA driving test standards and UK MOT inspection criteria. Use the links below for official references.
The "Show Me, Tell Me" vehicle safety questions are part of the UK practical driving test. The examiner asks one "Tell Me" question before you start driving and one "Show Me" question while you're on the move.
There are 33 questions in total — 20 "Tell Me" and 13 "Show Me". You'll be asked one of each. While you can't technically fail for getting them wrong, a poor answer can count as a driving fault, and two or more could contribute to failing the test.
These questions are asked before you move off. The examiner will ask you to explain or demonstrate a vehicle safety check.
Answer: Press the brake pedal — it should feel firm, not spongy or loose. The car should not pull to one side. Test the brakes at low speed as you move off.
Answer: Tyre pressures are found in the vehicle manufacturer's handbook or on a plate inside the driver's door flap. Check pressures with a reliable gauge when tyres are cold.
Answer: Turn the ignition on, then switch on the lights. Walk around the car and check all lights are working — or use reflections in windows/doors at night.
Answer: Turn the ignition on, activate the indicator, and walk around the car to check all four indicators are flashing.
Answer: Press the brake pedal and ask someone to check behind, or look for reflections on a wall or window behind the car at night.
Answer: Before starting the engine, the steering should feel heavy. Once the engine is running, it should feel noticeably lighter. If it doesn't, there may be a fault.
Answer: Activate the windscreen washers and confirm washer fluid is sprayed onto the windscreen.
Answer: Press the horn — it should sound clearly. Check it works with the ignition on.
Answer: Apply the handbrake and try to move the car — the handbrake should hold the car on a slight incline without the engine running.
Answer: Adjust the driver's door mirror and interior mirror so you can see the road behind and to the sides without moving your head too much.
Answer: Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to check the level is between the minimum and maximum marks. Check when the engine is cold.
Answer: Check the coolant level in the expansion tank when the engine is cold. The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the tank.
Answer: Check the brake fluid reservoir under the bonnet. The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it's consistently low, there may be a leak.
Answer: Look at the windscreen for any chips or cracks. Any damage within the driver's swept area (roughly in front of the steering wheel) that is larger than 10mm can cause an MOT failure.
Answer: The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width. Use a tread depth gauge or the 20p coin test — if the outer rim is visible, the tread is below the legal limit.
Answer: Check for cuts, bulges, or damage to the sidewalls. Also check that all tyres (including the spare) are inflated to the correct pressure.
Answer: Pull each seat belt out and check it feeds smoothly, retracts properly, and clicks securely into the buckle. Check for fraying or damage.
Answer: Wipe the headlight lenses with a clean cloth if they are dirty. Dirty headlights can reduce visibility and fail an MOT.
Answer: Inspect the wiper blades for tears, splits, or hardening. They should sweep the windscreen cleanly without leaving streaks or missing areas.
Answer: Don't panic. If the car is driving normally, continue to your destination and get it checked. If the car is misfiring, overheating, or losing power, stop safely as soon as possible. Use an OBD2 scanner to read the fault code.
These questions are asked while you're driving. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate a safety check without creating a hazard.
Answer: Turn the light switch to the dipped beam position while maintaining full control of the vehicle.
Answer: Turn on the rear fog lights using the correct switch (usually a separate button or the light switch pulled out). Remember to turn them off when visibility improves.
Answer: Turn on the heater to full, direct it at the windscreen, turn on the air conditioning (to remove moisture), and set the fan to a high speed.
Answer: Switch on the rear window demister (usually a button with a rectangular symbol with wavy lines).
Answer: Pull or push the windscreen washer stalk to spray washer fluid onto the windscreen.
Answer: Press the rear demister button (rectangular symbol with wavy lines). It typically switches off automatically after a few minutes.
Answer: Use the electric window switch on the driver's door to open and close the window smoothly.
Answer: Adjust the fan speed dial or buttons on the heater controls to increase or decrease airflow.
Answer: Press the heated rear window button (rectangular symbol with wavy lines). It usually switches off automatically.
Answer: Press the hazard warning light button (red triangle). All indicators will flash. Use this if you need to stop in a dangerous position.
Answer: Use the mirror adjustment controls on the driver's door to position both door mirrors correctly.
Answer: Check the dashboard warning lights or indicators to confirm the headlights are on. You can also check reflections in vehicles ahead.
Answer: Turn the headlight switch to the dipped beam position. The dashboard indicator should confirm they are on.
Many Show Me Tell Me questions cover items that are checked during the MOT test. Here's how they relate:
| Show Me Tell Me Topic | MOT Check |
|---|---|
| Lights check | Headlights, tail lights, indicators, brake lights, fog lights — all checked |
| Tyre condition | Tread depth (1.6mm minimum), condition, pressure |
| Brake check | Brake pads, discs, fluid level, handbrake effectiveness |
| Fluid levels | Brake fluid, coolant — checked if visible |
| Windscreen | Damage in driver's swept area |
| Wipers | Condition and operation |
| Seat belts | Condition, locking mechanism, retraction |
| Mirrors | Condition and security |
If your engine warning light is on, it could affect your MOT and driving test. Get a diagnostic report first.
Get My AI Diagnostic Report — £1.59 →You cannot fail specifically for getting the question wrong, but if your answer or action shows you're unsafe, it could count as a driving fault. Two or more driving faults in this section could contribute to failing.
You'll be asked one "Tell Me" question before you start driving and one "Show Me" question while driving.
You could be asked any one from the pool of 33 questions, so it's best to know them all. However, the examiner will only ask one of each type.
No — the theory test has its own vehicle safety questions. Show Me Tell Me are practical questions asked during the driving test itself.
Sources: DVSA Practical Driving Test · DVSA Show Me Tell Me Questions · DVSA MOT Inspection Manual
AI-Diagnostics-Pro provides AI-generated information for educational purposes only. Always consult the official DVSA guidelines and a qualified instructor for driving test preparation. Content reviewed July 2026.