If you’re preparing for your driving test in 2025, then you need to understand the “Show Me, Tell Me” questions. These questions come at the very start of your practical test and during your drive. They test your knowledge of car safety and your ability to operate essential controls during driving. While the questions are not new this year, they still remain one of the easiest parts to lose points on—especially if you’re not prepared.
What the questions are and when they happen
At the beginning of your test, the examiner will ask you one “Tell Me” question. You’ll have to explain how to carry out a basic vehicle safety check. Later, while driving, you’ll be asked one “Show Me” question. This time, you’ll have to demonstrate a safety task, like turning on the dipped headlights or operating the windscreen washers.
You must answer these confidently. The “Show Me” question will happen when it’s safe to do so. If you don’t know how to use a control or use it incorrectly, the examiner may mark a fault—or worse, stop the test if it’s unsafe.
Why mastering these questions matters
Knowing these questions shows you understand how to check your car is safe to drive. These checks aren’t just for the test. They matter every time you get in a car. For example, knowing how to check your tyres or spot a brake fault could prevent an accident.
Practising these questions also helps you feel more in control during your test. A good start can give you confidence, while struggling with controls during your drive can be stressfull.
The 2025 questions you need to prepare for
The current set of questions has been the same since 2018. They cover key areas like tyres, brakes, engine fluids, and lights. For the “Tell Me” part, the examiner may ask how to check oil or brake fluid levels under the bonnet, or how to test if your brakes are working. You’ll only need to explain, not perform the task.
However, for two of the questions (about fog lights and switching from dipped to main beam), you will need to actually operate the switches inside the car.
During the drive, the “Show Me” question will involve tasks like cleaning your windscreen, setting the demisters, or using the horn. You must do this while keeping full control of the vehicle. If you hesitate or perform the task at an unsafe moment, it could affect your result.
To get familiar with what to expect, we recommend watching this official DVSA video: Watch on YouTube.
How to get ready for test day
You should practise every possible question. If you have doubts—ask your driving instructor. Don’t just memorise the answers. Make sure you know where every control is in the car you’ll be tested in. Some controls, like fog light switches or demisters, can vary by model.
If you’re unsure during the test, don’t rush. Take a moment to think. The examiner wants to see you stay calm and act safely. That’s more important than speed.
Ready to pass your test quickly and confidently?
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