Practise the official DVSA vehicle safety questions with Dave Driving School.
During your practical driving test, the examiner will ask you two vehicle safety questions:
One “tell me” question at the start of the test, before you begin driving.
One “show me” question while you are driving, when it is safe to do so.
If you answer one or both questions incorrectly, you will normally receive one driving fault. If you lose control or drive dangerously while answering a “show me” question, it could affect the result of your test.
At Dave Driving School, we practise these questions during lessons so you feel confident and prepared on test day.
Tell Me Questions — Asked Before You Start Driving
1. Brakes
Question:
Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Answer:
The brake pedal should not feel spongy or slack. As you move off, test the brakes gently.
The car should slow down properly and should not pull to one side.
Dave’s tip:
Do not just say “press the brake”. The examiner wants to know how you would recognise the brakes are working correctly.
2. Tyre Pressures
Question:
Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Answer:
You would check the manufacturer’s guide or vehicle information plate for the correct tyre pressures. Use a reliable pressure gauge, check the tyres when they are cold, adjust the pressure if needed, and remember to refit the valve caps.
Dave’s tip:
Tyre pressures affect steering, braking, fuel economy and tyre wear.
3. Head Restraint
Question:
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Answer:
The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable.
Dave’s tip:
The head restraint is there to reduce neck injury, not just for comfort.
4. Tyre Tread and Condition
Question:
Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
Answer:
The tyres should have no cuts or bulges. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the full outer circumference.
Dave’s tip:
Remember: no cuts, no bulges, and minimum 1.6mm tread depth.
5. Headlights and Tail Lights
Question:
Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You do not need to exit the vehicle.
Answer:
You would turn on the lights, then walk around the car to check they are working. Because this is a “tell me” question, you explain what you would do rather than physically doing it.
Dave’s tip:
Some cars may need the ignition on before the lights operate fully.
6. ABS Warning Light
Question:
Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Answer:
The ABS warning light would stay on or illuminate if there was a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Dave’s tip:
ABS helps prevent the wheels locking under heavy braking, but if the warning light stays on, it needs checking.
7. Direction Indicators
Question:
Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You do not need to exit the vehicle.
Answer:
You would operate the indicators or hazard warning lights, then walk around the vehicle to check the lights are working.
Dave’s tip:
Hazard lights are often the easiest way to check both sides.
8. Brake Lights
Question:
Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Answer:
You would press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help check that the brake lights are working.
Dave’s tip:
Brake lights are important because they warn traffic behind that you are slowing or stopping.
9. Power-Assisted Steering
Question:
Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Answer:
If the steering feels heavy, the system may not be working properly. You can apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine and feel for a slight movement as the power steering begins to work. Alternatively, you can check that the steering feels light just after moving off.
Dave’s tip:
If the steering suddenly feels very heavy, do not ignore it.
10. Rear Fog Lights
Question:
Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light or lights and explain when you’d use them. You do not need to exit the vehicle.
Answer:
You would turn on the ignition and dipped headlights if needed, operate the rear fog light switch, and check the warning light on the dashboard. Rear fog lights should be used when visibility is seriously reduced.
Dave’s tip:
Rear fog lights should not be used in normal rain because they can dazzle drivers behind.
11. Main Beam Headlights
Question:
Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Answer:
You would operate the main beam control and check that the blue main beam warning light appears on the dashboard.
Dave’s tip:
Use main beam only when it is safe and you will not dazzle other road users.
12. Engine Oil
Question:
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer:
You would identify the dipstick or oil level indicator, check the oil level against the minimum and maximum marks, and top up if needed using the correct oil.
Dave’s tip:
Low oil can seriously damage the engine.
13. Engine Coolant
Question:
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Answer:
You would identify the coolant reservoir and check the level against the minimum and maximum markings. If the level is low, top it up carefully with the correct coolant when safe to do so.
Dave’s tip:
Never remove a coolant cap when the engine is hot.
14. Brake Fluid
Question:
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Answer:
You would identify the brake fluid reservoir and check that the fluid level is between the minimum and maximum markings.
Dave’s tip:
If brake fluid is low, the car should be checked because it may indicate a problem.
Show Me Questions — Asked While Driving
The examiner will ask one “show me” question while you are driving. Only do it when it is safe. Keep proper control of the car and keep looking at the road.
1. Rear Windscreen
Question:
When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Answer:
Operate the rear washer and wiper control when it is safe.
2. Front Windscreen
Question:
When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Answer:
Operate the front washer and wiper control when it is safe.
3. Dipped Headlights
Question:
When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
Answer:
Turn on the dipped headlights using the correct control, then continue driving safely.
4. Rear Demister
Question:
When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
Answer:
Press or operate the rear demister control when it is safe.
5. Horn
Question:
When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
Answer:
Press the horn briefly, but only when it is safe and legal to do so.
6. Front Demister
Question:
When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
Answer:
Set the heater, fan or demister controls to clear the front windscreen when it is safe.
7. Side Window
Question:
When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Answer:
Use the electric window control to open and close the side window when it is safe.
Dave’s Final Tip:
Do not panic if you are asked a Show Me Tell Me question. The examiner is checking basic vehicle safety knowledge. Practise the answers before your test, and during the “show me” question, only operate the control when it is safe and you are fully in control of the car.