What the Show Me, Tell Me Questions Actually Involve

Before your practical test begins, the examiner asks one tell me question. You answer while stationary, often with the bonnet open. Later, while driving, they ask one show me question. You demonstrate a control on the move. You won't get both at once. A wrong or hesitant answer earns one minor fault. With practice, these are easy marks. The questions are predictable, so preparation pays off.

The Tell Me Questions: Checks Before Driving

These test basic car maintenance. You might open the bonnet and point, or simply explain. Common examples:

• Engine oil: "Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert, pull out again. Oil should be between min and max. Top up if needed."
• Coolant: Point to the translucent reservoir. "Check level is between min and max when cold. Never open the cap when hot."
• Brake fluid: Point to the reservoir. "Check level is between min and max. Low fluid can mean worn pads or a leak."
• Screen wash: Point to the cap with the windscreen symbol. "Check level and top up with water and screen wash concentrate."
• Tyres: "Use a pressure gauge when tyres are cold. Check against the handbook figures. Don't forget the spare."
• Lights: "Turn them on and walk around the car. Check main beam, dipped beam, indicators, brake lights, and reverse lights."

Speak clearly. Point to the right part. If unsure, say you'd check the handbook – but knowing it is better.

The Show Me Questions: Controls While Driving

You'll be asked to demonstrate a control only when safe. Then return your hands to the wheel. Common examples:

• Horn: Press the centre of the steering wheel.
• Dipped headlights: Turn the switch or stalk to the dipped beam position.
• Main beam: Push or pull the stalk. Dip when other traffic approaches.
• Windscreen washers: Pull the stalk towards you or press the button.
• Rear demister: Press the button with the rectangular window and wavy lines.
• Front demister: Press the windscreen symbol button. Turn up fan and heat if needed.
• Hazard lights: Press the red triangle button.
• Fog lights: Front fog symbol points down with a wavy line; rear points straight back. Only use in seriously reduced visibility.
• Parking brake: Show how you'd apply the handbrake or press the electronic switch.

Practise until you can find each control without looking down for more than a split second.

Where to Find the Controls in Your Car

Every car differs. Before test day, sit in the driver's seat and locate:

• Bonnet release: Under the dashboard, driver's side. Often a lever or pull handle.
• Dipstick: A bright yellow or orange loop or handle on the engine block.
• Coolant reservoir: Translucent plastic tank with min and max markings.
• Brake fluid reservoir: Near the back of the engine bay, often with a black cap.
• Screen wash cap: Has a windscreen symbol.
• Light controls: Stalk behind the steering wheel, or a dial on the dashboard.
• Hazard lights: Red triangle button, usually centre console.
• Demister buttons: Front and rear buttons on the centre console or dashboard.
• Parking brake: Lever between the seats, or electronic switch with a 'P'.

Your instructor can show you these in the test car. If using your own car, spend time finding them yourself.

How to Answer Confidently

Confidence comes from preparation. Here's how:

• Practise with your instructor. Run through the questions at the start of a lesson.
• Say the steps out loud. For tell me, describe the process as if teaching someone.
• Point to the right part. Open the bonnet smoothly and point to the correct component.
• Stay safe during show me. Check mirrors and blind spots first. If it's not safe, say "I'll do that when it's safe."
• Don't panic if you forget. One minor fault won't fail you. Take a breath and move on.

The examiner isn't trying to trip you up. They want to see you understand your car. Treat the questions as a warm-up for the drive.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learners often make the same small errors. Avoid them with practice:

• Fumbling for the bonnet release. Find it before test day. It's usually a lever, then a secondary catch under the bonnet.
• Pulling the wrong stalk. Indicators, wipers, and lights can all be on stalks. Learn which is which.
• Confusing coolant and screen wash. Different reservoirs. Coolant for the engine, screen wash for the windscreen.
• Pressing hazard lights instead of demister. Look for the red triangle versus wavy line symbols.
• Rushing. No time limit. Think before you answer.

With a calm approach and a few minutes of practice, show me, tell me becomes easy. You'll set off feeling in control, ready to focus on the road ahead.