'Show me, tell me' questions
During your practical test, the examiner asks two vehicle safety questions from this official list: one 'tell me' question before you drive off, and one 'show me' question while you're driving. Getting one wrong is a single minor fault — not an automatic fail, unless a 'show me' answer involves an unsafe action.
'Tell me' questions (examiner asks 1 of these 14)
1. Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
2. Tell me where you'd find the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how they should be checked.
Manufacturer's guide; use a reliable pressure gauge; check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold; don't forget the spare tyre; remember to refit valve caps.
3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted for best protection in a crash.
The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: some restraints aren't adjustable.
4. Tell me how you'd check the tyres for sufficient tread depth and safe general condition.
No cuts and bulges; at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre's breadth, all the way around.
5. Tell me how you'd check the headlights and tail lights are working (no need to exit the vehicle).
Explain operating the switch (ignition on if needed) — since this is a 'tell me' question, you don't physically check the lights.
6. Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there's a fault with the ABS.
7. Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working (no need to exit the vehicle).
Explain operating the switch (ignition on if needed) and walking round the vehicle to check — described, not physically demonstrated, for this question.
8. Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain operating the brake pedal and using reflections in windows/doors, or asking someone to help check.
9. Tell me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If steering feels heavy, the system may not be working. Gentle pressure on the wheel as the engine starts should give slight noticeable movement, or turning the wheel just after moving off gives an immediate indication.
10. Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and when you'd use them (no need to exit the vehicle).
Operate the switch (dipped headlights and ignition on if needed), check the warning light is on, and explain you'd use it in fog or when visibility drops below 100 metres.
11. Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and how you'd know main beam is on.
Operate the switch with ignition/engine on if needed, and check the main beam warning light on the dashboard.
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify the dipstick/oil level indicator and describe checking the level against the minimum and maximum markers.
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check the engine has sufficient coolant.
Identify the high/low markings on the header tank or radiator filler cap, and describe topping up to the correct level.
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify the reservoir and check the level against the high and low markings.
'Show me' questions (examiner asks 1 of these 7)
For these, you physically demonstrate the check while driving, when it's safe to do so.
- Show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.
- Show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.
- Show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights.
- Show me how you'd set the rear demister.
- Show me how you'd operate the horn.
- Show me how you'd demist the front windscreen.
- Show me how you'd open and close the side window.
Source: DVSA / GOV.UK, 'Show me, tell me' vehicle safety questions, used under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The 'Ready to Pass?' scheme
'Ready to Pass?' is the DVSA's own official campaign to help learners know when they're genuinely ready to sit their test, rather than booking too early. Nationally, close to half of all tests are currently failed — it's worth using their checklist honestly.
You're usually ready when:
- ✓You don't need prompts from your instructor
- ✓You don't make serious or dangerous mistakes
- ✓You can pass mock driving tests
- ✓You've practised managing your nerves
- ✓Your instructor agrees you're ready
Why intensive courses help here
Learning in a short, focused block (rather than one lesson a week over months) means less is forgotten between sessions, and your instructor can build in a proper mock test and honest readiness check before you book your date — exactly what the DVSA recommends.
The scheme also covers the 27 core driving skills you'll build with an instructor, how mock tests work, managing test-day nerves, what happens during the test itself, and a warning about unofficial third-party apps that charge for driving test slots — always book or move your test directly with the DVSA.
Source: DVSA / GOV.UK Ready to Pass campaign, used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Stat and 2026 booking rules current as of the campaign site at time of writing — always check gov.uk for the latest.
Getting a UK driving licence
The full official process, with current fees.
Check you're allowed to drive
Most people can start learning at 17. Check the age rules and eyesight requirements apply to you.
Get a provisional licence — £34 to £43
Apply online (cheaper) or by post via DVLA. You'll need this before taking any lessons.
Take lessons and learn the Highway Code
This is where an intensive course fits in — structured, focused tuition with a DVSA Approved Instructor, plus your own practice and Highway Code study.
Book and pass your theory test — £23
Multiple choice questions plus a hazard perception video test. You must pass this before booking your practical test.
Book and pass your practical test — £62 to £75
Includes general driving, manoeuvres, independent driving, and the 'show me, tell me' questions above. As of 2026, only you (not your instructor) can book, change, or cancel your own test.
You pass — now what?
You can drive as soon as you pass, once you have insurance that covers unsupervised driving. Many new drivers also take a Pass Plus course to build confidence on motorways and in tricky conditions.
Source: DVSA / GOV.UK, 'Learn to drive a car: step by step', used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Fees correct at time of writing — always check gov.uk for the current amount before paying.
Official DVSA & GOV.UK links
Ready to put this into practice?
Our intensive courses are built to get you genuinely test-ready — not just familiar with the questions.
See Intensive Course Options