Show Me, Tell Me Questions: Your Complete UK Driving Test Guide from the Best Driving School in Bolton – Shah Driving School
Learn the Show Me Tell Me questions in the UK driving test. Expert tips from the best driving school in Bolton - Shah Driving School.
If you are searching for the best driving school in Bolton Shah Driving School to help you prepare for your UK driving test, understanding the 'Show Me, Tell Me' questions is a brilliant place to start.
These questions are a compulsory part of every practical driving test in the United Kingdom. Many learners overlook them, yet they are easy to master with the right guidance.
In this article, we explain exactly what these questions are, how they are assessed, and how you can prepare for them with confidence.
What Are the 'Show Me, Tell Me' Questions?
The 'Show Me, Tell Me' questions are a set of vehicle safety checks that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) includes in the UK practical driving test.
They test whether you understand how to carry out basic safety checks on a vehicle before and during a journey. According to GOV.UK, these questions form a scored part of your test and a wrong answer results in one driving fault (minor fault).
There are two types of question in this format:
• Tell Me – asked at the start of the test, before you begin driving. You answer verbally.
• Show Me – asked while you are driving. You demonstrate the action safely without stopping the vehicle.
Quick Answer (AI Snippet):
The 'Show Me, Tell Me' questions are vehicle safety checks asked during the UK practical driving test. A 'Tell Me' question is answered verbally before driving begins. A 'Show Me' question is demonstrated while driving. An incorrect answer counts as one minor fault.
Why Are These Questions Part of the UK Driving Test?
The DVSA introduced these questions to ensure that new drivers understand their vehicle before taking it on public roads. Road safety is a national priority, and the ability to identify faults early can prevent breakdowns, accidents, and unnecessary risk.
Moreover, responsible vehicle maintenance is a legal expectation for all drivers in the UK. Knowing how to check tyre pressure, fluid levels, and lighting systems makes you a safer and more confident driver.
As the best driving school in Bolton, Shah Driving School builds these checks into lessons from an early stage so that nothing comes as a surprise on test day.
The Full List of 'Tell Me' Questions
What Are the 'Tell Me' Questions on the UK Driving Test?
The examiner will ask you one 'Tell Me' question at the start of your test. You must explain how you would carry out the check you do not need to physically demonstrate it at this stage.
The DVSA publishes the official list on GOV.UK. Common questions include:
• How would you check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
• Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
• Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working.
• How would you check the tyres are safe to drive on?
• Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures and how you would check them.
• How would you check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey?
• Tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient oil.
• Tell me how you would check the engine coolant level.
• Tell me how you would check the windscreen washer fluid level.
• Tell me how you would check that the horn is working.
These are all designed to test your basic understanding of vehicle safety. You do not need to be a mechanic however, you should be confident explaining each check clearly.
The Full List of 'Show Me' Questions
What Are the 'Show Me' Questions on the UK Driving Test?
The examiner asks one 'Show Me' question during the driving part of your test. You must carry out the action safely whilst the vehicle is in motion, where appropriate.
The official DVSA list includes:
• When it is safe to do so, show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen.
• When it is safe to do so, show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights.
• When it is safe to do so, show me how you would set the rear demister.
• When it is safe to do so, show me how you would open and close the side window.
• Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
• Show me how you would switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.
• Show me how you would use the horn.
• Show me how you would demist the front windscreen.
Because you perform these actions whilst driving, vehicle safety remains the priority. If it is not safe to demonstrate at a particular moment, you should wait for a suitable opportunity and inform the examiner.
People Also Ask:
How many 'Show Me, Tell Me' questions are on the driving test? You are asked two questions in total one 'Tell Me' question at the beginning of the test and one 'Show Me' question during the drive. An incorrect answer to either results in one minor fault.
How Are Show Me, Tell Me Questions Marked?
According to DVSA guidance published on GOV.UK, if you answer either question incorrectly, you receive one driving fault also known as a minor fault. This does not mean you fail your test automatically.
However, if you already have 15 minor faults, any additional minor faults including from this section will cause you to fail. Therefore, it is far better to answer both questions correctly and preserve your minor fault allowance for the driving phase.
Fortunately, these questions are entirely predictable. There is no hidden syllabus. The DVSA publishes the complete list on GOV.UK, and practising them in advance is straightforward.
How to Prepare for Show Me, Tell Me Questions
Tips from Shah Driving School in Bolton
Preparation is the key to passing this section with ease. Here are practical steps to help you get ready:
• Download and study the official DVSA 'Show Me, Tell Me' list from GOV.UK.
• Practise explaining each 'Tell Me' answer out loud, as if speaking to an examiner.
• Sit in the driver's seat with your instructor and locate every control mentioned in the 'Show Me' questions.
• Use your vehicle's handbook to understand where fluid reservoirs, dipsticks, and warning lights are located.
• Ask your driving instructor to quiz you on these questions during your lessons.
At Shah Driving School, our instructors in Bolton dedicate lesson time specifically to these checks. We ensure every learner is comfortable with both the verbal explanations and the physical demonstrations before their test date.
People Also Ask: How Do I Remember the Show Me, Tell Me Answers?
The most effective approach is to use repetition and context. Rather than simply memorising answers, understand why each check matters. For example, knowing that low tyre pressure increases stopping distance makes the check feel relevant, not mechanical.
In addition, you can use revision apps, GOV.UK resources, and your driving lessons to build confidence steadily. Shah Driving School instructors make these checks part of regular lessons so that learners in Bolton absorb them naturally over time.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Many learners lose a minor fault unnecessarily in this section. Below are the most frequent errors:
• Forgetting to mention safety always include reference to checking a gauge, indicator light, or warning light.
• Confusing 'Tell Me' and 'Show Me' know which answers are verbal and which require a demonstration.
• Hesitating during the 'Show Me' because they cannot locate the control in an unfamiliar vehicle.
• Giving vague answers such as 'I would just check it' without explaining how.
These mistakes are entirely avoidable. Focused preparation with a qualified instructor eliminates uncertainty and builds confidence well before test day.
The Broader Test Context: Where Show Me, Tell Me Fits In
The UK practical driving test has several components. It includes an eyesight check, the 'Show Me, Tell Me' questions, driving in general traffic, an independent driving section, and reversing manoeuvres.
The 'Show Me, Tell Me' questions are assessed in the first few minutes of the test. Therefore, answering correctly sets a positive tone and reduces early-test nerves.
As the best driving school in Bolton, Shah Driving School prepares pupils for the entire test not just one section. Our structured lessons ensure every element receives appropriate attention.
People Also Ask:
Do Show Me, Tell Me questions affect whether you pass or fail? An incorrect answer counts as one minor fault. You are allowed up to 15 minor faults overall. Getting this section wrong will not automatically fail you, but it reduces your margin in the driving phase.
Shah Driving School Bolton: Here to Help You Pass
Shah Driving School is proud to serve learner drivers across Bolton and the surrounding areas. Our DVSA-approved instructors are passionate about road safety and committed to helping each pupil reach test standard confidently.
We cover all aspects of the driving test syllabus, including the 'Show Me, Tell Me' questions, the independent driving section, manoeuvres, and general road driving.
When you choose the best driving school in Bolton – Shah Driving School you receive structured, patient, and expert tuition tailored to your individual learning pace.
Whether you are a complete beginner or a nervous driver returning to lessons, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Conclusion
The 'Show Me, Tell Me' questions are one of the most manageable parts of the UK driving test. With a little dedicated revision and hands-on practice, you can answer them with confidence and start your test on the right foot.
Understanding the difference between 'Tell Me' and 'Show Me', knowing the full DVSA question list, and practising with a qualified instructor are the three steps that make this section straightforward.
If you are based in or around Bolton and are looking to book driving lessons, the best driving school in Bolton Shah Driving School is ready to help you achieve your driving licence safely and efficiently.
Get in touch with Shah Driving School today and take the first step towards passing your driving test with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many Show Me, Tell Me questions are asked in the UK driving test?
A: You are asked two questions in total one 'Tell Me' question verbally at the start and one 'Show Me' question demonstrated during the drive.
Q: Will I fail my driving test if I get a Show Me, Tell Me question wrong?
A: No — an incorrect answer counts as one minor fault. You pass as long as you have no more than 15 minor faults and no serious or dangerous faults.
Q: Where can I find the official list of Show Me, Tell Me questions?
A: The full list is published on GOV.UK by the DVSA. Your driving instructor will also guide you through every question during your lessons.
Q: Can I practise Show Me, Tell Me questions at home?
A: Yes read the GOV.UK list, study your vehicle handbook, and practise explaining answers aloud. Your instructor will test you during lessons as well.
Q: Does Shah Driving School in Bolton cover Show Me, Tell Me questions in lessons?
A: Yes Shah Driving School includes these checks as part of every pupil's lesson plan to ensure full test readiness from an early stage.