Free driving lesson tutorial
Show me / tell me
Every DVSA vehicle safety question with the answers. You'll be asked one 'tell me' question before you drive, and one 'show me' question on the move.
At the start of your driving test the examiner asks one tell me question (you explain how you'd carry out a safety check), and while you're driving they'll ask one show me question (you actually carry it out). Getting an answer wrong is one driving fault — but nailing them is an easy way to settle your nerves and make a great first impression. Practise these in the Cowley's car until they're second nature.
Tell me questions
Tap a question to reveal the answer — perfect for testing yourself before the big day. Try answering out loud before you peek!
1.Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.RevealAnswer
Test the brakes as you set off. The car should stop promptly and not pull to one side, and the brake pedal should feel firm — not spongy or slack.
2.Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car, and how tyre pressures should be checked.RevealAnswer
In the manufacturer’s handbook. Use a reliable pressure gauge — many petrol stations have one. Check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold, and don’t forget the spare.
3.Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.RevealAnswer
Adjust the head restraint so its middle is level with the middle of your head — roughly the top of your ears. There’s normally a button to adjust it.
4.Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.RevealAnswer
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its entire circumference — check it with a tread depth gauge. Also check visually for cuts, bulges or other damage.
5.Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.RevealAnswer
Operate the light switch (turning on the ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle to check. As it’s a “tell me” question, you only need to explain — not physically check.
6.Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.RevealAnswer
A warning light on the dashboard would illuminate if there’s a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
7.Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.RevealAnswer
Either turn on the left indicators and check, then repeat for the right — or turn on the hazard lights and check all around the car in one go. Explain the process; no need to get out.
8.Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.RevealAnswer
Press the brake pedal and either ask someone to check for you, or use reflections in a window, garage door or another reflective surface.
9.Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.RevealAnswer
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working. Two simple checks: apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine — you should feel a slight movement as the system operates. Or turn the wheel just after moving off — it should feel light and responsive.
10.Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.RevealAnswer
Operate the fog light switch (you’ll likely need the ignition and lights on) and check the warning light comes on. Fog lights should be used when visibility drops below 100 metres.
11.Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.RevealAnswer
Usually by pushing or pulling the indicator stalk with the headlights on. You’d know the main beam is on because the blue warning light shows on the dashboard.
12.Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.RevealAnswer
Point to the dipstick, and explain you’d take it out, wipe it clean, re-dip it, and check the level sits between the minimum and maximum markers.
13.Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.RevealAnswer
Identify the high and low level markings on the header tank (or radiator filler cap) and explain you’d check the level sits between them, topping up if needed.
14.Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.RevealAnswer
Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the level against the high and low markings.
Show me questions
These are asked while you're driving — take your time, and only do them when it's safe. Your instructor will make sure you know where every control is in your lesson car.
- 1When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
- 2When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
- 3When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
- 4When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
- 5When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
- 6When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
- 7When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Watch the video
Keep learning
Cockpit Drill & Car Controls
Your very first lesson — seat, mirrors, and what every control does.
Moving Off & Stopping
The POM and MSPSL routines for pulling away safely and stopping under control.
Junctions
Emerging, turning and the MSPSL routine — with real local examples.
Roundabouts
Lane discipline, signalling and judging gaps with confidence.
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Every Cowley's pupil gets these tutorials plus the pupil app and theory practice free — get in touch to book your lessons.
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