Show Me, Tell Me: Everything You Need To Know

When preparing for your UK driving test, one crucial element to understand is the “Show Me, Tell Me” section. This part of the practical driving test evaluates your knowledge about vehicle safety and your ability to operate basic controls. For new drivers, this might seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it’s manageable and even straightforward. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Show Me, Tell Me, including how it works, what questions to expect, and how it can impact your test outcome.

What Is the Show Me, Tell Me Section?

The Show Me, Tell Me part of the UK driving test ensures that you have a basic understanding of vehicle safety and can operate essential controls without losing focus on the road. The questions fall into the following 2 categories:

• Tell Me Question: Asked before you start driving, this requires you to explain how you would carry out a specific safety check on the vehicle.
• Show Me Question: Asked while you’re driving, this requires you to demonstrate how to use a control, such as turning on the wipers or operating the horn.

How Many Show Me, Tell Me Questions Are There?

There is currently a pool of 26 questions your driving examiner can ask your questions from. Here is a breakdown:

• 19 Tell Me Questions: These focus on explaining how you would check various parts of your car, like the brakes, tires, or lights.
• 7 Show Me Questions: These require you to demonstrate using controls, such as turning on the rear demister or opening the windows.

The driving examiner will ask one Tell Me question at the start of the test and one Show Me question while you are driving.

What Are the Show Me, Tell Me Questions?

The questions cover a wide range of topics related to vehicle safety and functionality. Examples include:

Tell Me Questions:

• “Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.”
• “Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tire pressures and how tire pressures should be checked.”

Show Me Questions:

• “When it’s safe to do so, show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.”
• “Show me how you’d open and close the side window while driving.”

These questions are practical and designed to ensure you can handle everyday driving scenarios safely. For a full list with how to answer, check out our Show Me, Tell Me questions and answers page.

Can You Fail on Show Me, Tell Me Questions?

No, you cannot outright fail your driving test solely based on the Show Me, Tell Me section. However, mistakes can impact your overall result:

• Minor Fault: If you answer a Show Me or Tell Me question incorrectly, it’s recorded as a minor driving fault.
• Serious Fault: If your actions during a Show Me demonstration affect your driving—like losing control of the car or becoming distracted—it could lead to a serious fault and a test failure.

Practicing beforehand can help you avoid these mistakes and confidently handle this section.

How to Prepare for Show Me, Tell Me

1. Study the Questions and Answers

Familiarize yourself with the official questions and correct answers. Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and ensures you’re prepared.

2. Practice Demonstrations

Get hands-on practice using vehicle controls. For example, rehearse how to switch on the headlights or test the horn. Practice in the car you’ll be using for the test to minimize surprises.

3. Work with Your Instructor

Your driving instructor is a valuable resource. They can walk you through the questions, explain the answers, and help you practice the demonstrations.

4. Simulate Test Conditions

Practice answering Show Me questions while driving to build confidence and improve your ability to multitask safely.

Tips for Success

1. Stay Calm: Approach the questions with a clear mind. Take a moment to think before answering or demonstrating.
2. Focus on Safety: Ensure that any actions during the Show Me question are performed safely and smoothly.
3. Use Resources: Utilize guides like this one and our detailed Show Me, Tell Me questions and answers page.

Conclusion

The Show Me, Tell Me section of the UK driving test might seem like a small part, but it plays a significant role in ensuring you’re a knowledgeable and safe driver. By understanding the questions, practicing thoroughly, and staying calm, you can approach this section with confidence.

Ready to ace your driving test? HDS Driving School is here to help! Our experienced instructors provide personalized lessons to ensure you’re fully prepared for every aspect of the test, including the Show Me, Tell Me questions. Contact us today to book your lessons and take the next step toward driving success!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why Is the Show Me, Tell Me Section Important?

This section ensures that drivers understand basic vehicle safety and can operate controls without losing focus. It’s a vital skill for safe driving.

2. Are the Questions the Same for All Tests?

Yes, the questions are standardized across the UK. This means you can prepare with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect.

3. What Happens If I Don’t Know the Answer?

If you’re unsure of a Tell Me question, be honest with the examiner. For Show Me questions, do your best to perform the task, but don’t panic if you make a mistake.