Driving Test Questions You’ll Actually Be Asked in 2026
The DVSA driving test is not just about driving. Before you even pull away from the test centre, your examiner will ask you questions — and getting them wrong can affect your result. This guide covers exactly what questions come up on the driving test in 2026, how they’re structured, and how to make sure you’re ready.
The Two Types of Questions on the Driving Test
The driving test includes two types of verbal questions: “Show me” and “Tell me” questions. They’re known collectively as the vehicle safety questions or the “show me, tell me” questions.
Tell me questions are asked before you start driving. The examiner asks you to explain how you’d carry out a safety check. You answer verbally — you don’t need to demonstrate anything.
Show me questions are asked while you’re driving. The examiner asks you to demonstrate something on the car without stopping — like operating the rear windscreen demister or using the horn.
Getting either of these wrong counts as a driving fault (minor). Getting both wrong in the same test counts as two minor faults. Neither on its own will fail you, but they contribute to your total.
Tell Me Questions — The Full List
There are 19 possible “tell me” questions. Your examiner will ask you one. Here are all of them with the answers:
1. How would you check the engine oil level? Locate the dipstick, pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then withdraw it again. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum markers. Top up with the correct grade if low.
2. How would you check the coolant level? Check the coolant reservoir (when the engine is cold). The level should be between the minimum and maximum markings on the side of the reservoir.
3. How would you check the brake fluid? Locate the brake fluid reservoir and check the level is between the min and max markings. The fluid should be clear to light yellow — dark fluid may indicate it needs changing.
4. How would you check the power steering is working? As you start to move off slowly, turn the steering wheel slightly. If it requires more effort than usual, the power steering may not be working correctly.
5. How would you check the tyres are safe to use? Visually inspect for cuts, bulges, or foreign objects. Check the tread depth — the legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Use a tread depth gauge or check the tread wear indicators.
6. How would you check the headlights and tail lights are working? Operate the light switch and walk around the vehicle to check all lights are functioning. Alternatively, reverse close to a wall or garage door and check the reflection.
7. How would you check the direction indicators are working? Switch on the ignition (without starting the engine), activate the indicators and walk around the vehicle to confirm both front and rear indicators are flashing.
8. How would you check the brake lights are working? Ask someone to stand behind the vehicle while you press the brake pedal, or reverse towards a reflective surface and observe the reflection.
9. How would you check the horn is working? Test it — simply press it. The examiner won’t ask you to sound it in the test centre car park, but they may ask this question verbally.
10. How would you check the windscreen washers and wipers are working? Operate the windscreen washer and confirm the wipers and jets are functioning correctly.
11. How would you check the front fog lights are working? Switch them on — they usually require the headlights to be on first — and walk to the front of the vehicle to confirm they’re illuminated.
12. How would you check the rear fog light is working? Switch it on and walk to the rear of the vehicle to confirm the single rear fog light is illuminated.
13. How would you check the steering is not excessively worn? With the engine running, very gently turn the steering wheel — there should be minimal free movement before the wheels begin to respond.
14. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system. The ABS warning light should illuminate briefly when you start the engine and then go out. If it remains on while driving, there may be a fault with the ABS system.
15. Tell me how you’d check the tyres have sufficient tread depth and are in good condition. (As question 5 — tread depth gauge or visual check of wear indicators and tyre condition.)
16. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures and how you’d check the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. The recommended pressures are in the vehicle handbook or on a sticker inside the fuel filler cap or door. Check with a reliable pressure gauge — ideally when the tyres are cold.
17. Tell me how you’d check the power steering is working before driving. (As question 4.)
18. Tell me how you’d check the windscreen is clear before starting a journey. Check for dirt, ice, condensation, or other obstructions. Use windscreen wash, de-icer, or a scraper as appropriate. The legal requirement is a clear view through all windows.
19. Tell me how you’d check the demister is working. Switch on the front or rear demister and check the heated elements are functioning.
Show Me Questions — The Full List
There are 10 possible “show me” questions. Your examiner will ask you one while you’re driving. You’ll need to operate the relevant control without stopping:
- Show me how you’d wash and clean the rear windscreen
- Show me how you’d wash and clean the front windscreen
- Show me how you’d switch on the rear fog light and explain when you’d use it
- Show me how you’d switch on the front fog lights and explain when you’d use them
- Show me how you’d open and close the side window
- Show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights
- Show me how you’d demist the front windscreen
- Show me how you’d sound the horn
- Show me how you’d use the rear windscreen heater
- Show me how you’d check the parking brake is secure
How to Prepare for Show Me Tell Me Questions
The honest truth is these questions are straightforward if you actually know your vehicle. The best preparation is to spend 20 minutes with your car (or your instructor’s car, the one you’ll be testing in) and physically locate every item and test every system.
Walk around the car. Find the dipstick. Find the coolant reservoir. Find the brake fluid reservoir. Turn on every set of lights and confirm they work. Find the front and rear fog lights. Know where the horn is. Know where the rear windscreen heater button is.
Do this once and you’ll answer any question confidently.
What Happens If You Don’t Know the Answer?
One wrong answer equals one minor fault. One minor fault on its own won’t fail you. The pass mark allows for up to 15 minor faults provided none are serious.
However, being flustered at the start of your test because you couldn’t answer the opening question is not a great way to begin. Knowing these answers cold means you start your test confidently — and that confidence carries through to your driving.
Ready for Your Test?
The best way to prepare for your driving test is to take lessons with an instructor who covers every aspect of the test — including the vehicle safety questions — as part of their teaching.
At TDA, show me tell me questions are covered in every course and during regular lessons as part of full test preparation.
Or call Darren on 07903 506692.
Team Driving Academy provides driving lessons across Liverpool, Wirral, St Helens, Warrington, and Widnes.