In short
The examiner asks one "tell me" question at the start of the test (before you drive) and one "show me" question while you are driving. Get either wrong and it is a single driving fault — get both wrong and it is one fault, not two. All 21 in the bank are covered here.
Updated 2026-06-06 · 10 min read · By Driving Routes Editorial
Tell-me questions (before you drive)
- How would you check the brakes are working before starting a journey? "Push the brake pedal — it should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off, listening for unusual noises."
- How would you check the tyres are safe? "Check the tread depth (minimum 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters), tyre pressure, and general condition — no cuts or bulges."
- How would you check the headlights and tail lights are working? "Turn on the lights, walk round the car. Or have someone confirm. If alone, use reflections from a wall or garage door."
- How would you check the direction indicators are working? "Turn on the hazard warning lights, then walk round the car checking all four indicators flash."
- How would you check the brake lights are working? "Press the brake pedal, get someone to confirm. Or use reflections from a wall or garage door."
- How would you check the power-assisted steering is working? "Mild pressure on the wheel as the engine starts: if it gives, PAS is working. Or move the steering as you pull away — it should feel light, not heavy."
- How would you check the horn is working? "Press the horn briefly with the engine on. Don't do this when stationary in a built-up area at night."
- How would you set the head restraint? "Top of the restraint should be level with the top of your head, as close to the back of your head as is comfortable."
- How would you know there's a problem with the anti-lock braking system? "The ABS warning light on the dashboard will stay on after starting."
- How would you check the engine has enough oil? "Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert, pull again, check level is between min and max."
- How would you check the engine has enough coolant? "Look at the expansion tank — the level should be between max and min when the engine is cold."
- How would you check there is enough screenwash? "Open the bonnet, check the reservoir — top up if low."
Show-me questions (while you drive)
- Show me how you'd wash and clean the windscreen. "Operate the washer stalk while driving — wipers will activate automatically."
- Show me how you'd wash the rear windscreen. "Push the washer stalk away from you (or pull, depending on car) while driving."
- Show me how you'd switch on rear demister. "Press the rear-demister button on the dash."
- Show me how you'd set the rear window heater. "Same as above — it heats the rear window to clear it."
- Show me how you'd open and close the side window. "Use the driver-door switch — close it once demonstrated."
- Show me how you'd switch the headlights from dipped to main beam. "Push the indicator stalk away from you (or pull, depending on car) — main beam icon will appear."
- Show me how you'd set the heater to clear mist from the front windscreen. "Set fan high, temperature warm, direction to windscreen."
- Show me how you'd switch on the rear fog lights, then off. "Twist the dial or press the button on the indicator stalk."
- Show me how you'd check the parking brake is working. "Demonstrate the handbrake holds the car (e.g. when stopped at a hill)."
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I get one wrong?
One mistake is one driving fault. Two mistakes (one show-me and one tell-me) still counts as a single fault — they are paired in marking.
Will the examiner ask the same questions on every test?
No — they're drawn from the bank of 21. You won't know which two until the day.