Show Me, Tell Me Questions Explained — with Shah Driving School Bolton

What Are the Show Me and Tell Me Questions?

During your practical driving test, you’ll be asked:

1 “Tell Me” question before you start driving — where you explain how you’d carry out a safety check.

1 “Show Me” question while you’re driving — where you physically show how to perform a task safely.

Answering these correctly helps demonstrate that you’re a responsible and knowledgeable driver.

🗣️ “Tell Me” Questions and Answers

Here are the official DVSA “Tell Me” questions (you’ll answer these before you start driving):

1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
   → Brakes shouldn’t feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off — the vehicle shouldn’t pull to one side.

2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
   → In the manufacturer’s guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, and don’t forget the spare.

3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.
   → The rigid part should be level with your eyes or top of your ears, and close to the back of your head for protection.

4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and are in a safe condition.
   → Tyres should have no cuts or bulges and at least 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre.

5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
   → Turn the lights on (ignition on if needed), then walk around the car to check.

6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).
   → A warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there’s a fault.

7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working.
   → Turn on the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to check.

8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working.
   → Press the brake pedal and look for reflections in windows or ask someone to check for you.

9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
   → If steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Apply gentle pressure on the wheel while starting the engine — it should move slightly.

10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you’d use them.
    → Turn on dipped headlights, then the fog light switch. Use only when visibility is less than 100 metres.

11. Tell me how you’d switch headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know main beam is on.
    → Operate the switch and check the main beam warning light appears on the dashboard.

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine has sufficient oil.
    → Identify the dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert, then check oil level is between min and max marks.

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
    → Check the high/low markings on the header tank. Top up with coolant mix if needed, when the engine is cool.

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
    → Check the level against the high/low markings on the reservoir.

👋 “Show Me” Questions and Answers

These are asked while you’re driving. Always perform them safely — check surroundings, keep control, and only do them when it’s safe.

1. Show me how you’d wash and clean the front windscreen.
   → Use the windscreen washer control (pull lever towards you).

2. Show me how you’d wash and clean the rear windscreen.
   → Use the rear washer control (push lever away from you).

3. Show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights.
   → Turn the headlight switch to the dipped beam symbol.

4. Show me how you’d set the rear demister.
   → Press the rear demister button on the dashboard.

5. Show me how you’d operate the horn.
   → Press firmly in the centre of the steering wheel — only when safe.

6. Show me how you’d demist the front windscreen.
   → Adjust fan, temperature, and direction controls to blow warm air at the screen.

7. Show me how you’d open and close the side window.
   → Use the window control switch on the door.

💡 Tips from Shah Driving School Instructors

Our DVSA-approved instructors recommend:

1. Practising hands-on — don’t just memorise; do each check yourself.

2. Understanding why each check matters — it’ll help you remember.

3. Staying calm during the test — the examiner just wants to see safe awareness, not perfection.

4. Asking questions during lessons — we’ll walk you through every “Show Me, Tell Me” item until you’re confident.

At Shah Driving School, we make learning these simple, practical, and stress-free.

Driving Lesson Offers at Shah Driving School Bolton

Learning with DVSA-approved instructors doesn’t have to cost a fortune. At shahdrivingschool.uk, we offer flexible, affordable, and high-quality driving lessons across Bolton — tailored to suit your schedule, confidence, and goals.

Whether you prefer manual or automatic driving lessons, our expert instructors make learning simple, safe, and enjoyable for every learner.

Our Current Driving Lesson Offers Include:

1. Introductory Lesson Offer – Perfect for beginners looking to experience their first drive with a DVSA-approved instructor at a reduced price.

2. Block Booking Discounts – Save more when you book multiple manual or automatic lessons in advance.

3. Student & NHS Discounts – Learn to drive for less with exclusive discounts for students, NHS staff, and key workers.

4. Refresher & Pass Plus Courses – Ideal for licensed drivers who want to improve confidence, motorway skills, or reduce insurance costs.

5. Female Driving Instructors Available – Learn comfortably and confidently with our qualified female instructors, available for both manual and automatic lessons.

6. Flexible Scheduling – Choose weekday, weekend, or evening lessons that fit around your life and commitments.

At Shah Driving School Bolton, we make learning easy, efficient, and enjoyable — while giving you the confidence and skills to become a safe, independent driver.

Visit shahdrivingschool.uk today or call us to find out more about our latest offers and packages.