What are show me, tell me questions?
During your driving test, your DVSA examiner will ask you one tell me question before the car moves and one show me question while the car is moving.
A show me question necessitates a demonstration of how you would operate one of your car’s auxiliary controls, such as:
“When it’s safe to do so, show me how you’d test the horn’s functionality.”
A tell me question only necessitates an explanation.
We take everything about preparing you for your driving test seriously at Testbusters’s driving school, so we’ve provided a printable show me, tell me question sheet so you can practice on your own as well as with your instructor.
Show me, tell me questions:
The DVSA has provided the two videos below, and watching them should help you understand what is expected. There are many videos available online for the show me, tell me questions, but we recommend the DVSA ones because the terminology used will be the same or very close to what your examiner will say on the day of your driving test.
Show me questions video
Tell me questions video
What happens if you get one or both ‘show me, tell me’ questions wrong?
If you answer both questions incorrectly, you will receive only one driver fault. However, as the car is moving, it is critical that you answer the show me question safely. For more information, see the next question.
What are the common mistakes made by a learner on their test when doing the show me question?
Nobody will fail because they answered the show me question incorrectly. However, if you attempt a show me question and it interferes with your driving, you will be penalised and, in some cases, you may fail your test.
When demonstrating the show me question, we have provided a list of common errors and tips to avoid making the mistake.
Most of these errors occur when you are unfamiliar with the vehicle you are driving or have not practised them in a moving vehicle.
Wash and clean the rear windscreen
In some vehicles, the rear windscreen washer can become confused with the front one. Pressing the front one may cause you to panic and look down at the buttons, indicating that your eyes have been taken off the road for too long.
Another error is turning on the wipers afterward and not fully understanding how to turn them off. This can increase your anxiety and distract you from driving safely.
Switch on your dipped headlights
Avoid turning on your fog lights at all costs; this can blind other drivers and is considered a serious violation. Many vehicles require you to lean or lower your body to reach the light switch. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road. If you lose steering control, this will be recorded as a driver error.
Setting the rear demister
The rear demister is easily confused with the front demister. Remember that the rear demister has arrows pointing up in the shape of a rectangle. If you accidentally press the front one without the air conditioning while it’s raining, the front windscreen can mist up very quickly.
Operate the horn
This is most likely one of the simplest show me questions. Just be careful not to use the horn when other drivers are nearby. The examiner should not ask you to do this during a busy period, but if you are late responding to the instruction, the situation may worsen.
Demist the front windscreen
You should have no problems putting this on and taking it off quickly in cold and rainy weather. If you leave it on without turning on the air conditioner, it may mist up the windows.
If your windows mist up on their own, you will be expected to use this button without the examiner’s assistance. If you’re taking your test on a cold, rainy, or icy day, it might be worth turning it on right away – along with the air conditioning – to keep your windows from misting up.
Open and close the side window
If possible, avoid doing the examiner’s window. It’s not so bad on a sunny day, but if it’s raining, the last thing you want is to drench the examiner. The side window does not have to go all the way down, but it is easy to do if you are unfamiliar with the window controls. If you know how to operate the car you’re driving competently enough, you can open the window briefly and close it again.
General rule for all show me questions
Never attempt a show me question while driving in a difficult situation. Avoid asking a show me question, for example, if you’re on a roundabout and trying to change lanes or overtake. When it is safe and you have time to demonstrate the show me question, the examiner should ask you. However, something unexpected may occur shortly afterwards, such as a car suddenly slowing down or a car cutting in front of you. If this occurs, the examiner will expect you to deal with the driving incident first and then perform the show me demonstration when it is safe.
The majority of errors that occur around the show me question are related to steering and positioning. If you practise the show me questions in your lessons on a regular basis, you should not lose control of your steering on the day of your test.
Best wishes!