What are the driving questions asked during a driving test in the UK?

To calm you down before the big day, your driving test examiner will only ask you 2 vehicle safety questions during your practical driving test, not theory. They will ask one question on each of the following:

"Tell Me Question" which is where you explain to the examiner how you carry out a safety task. This is the question that is done before the test begins so you have time to prepare here. 

"Show Me Question" is the other question which is where you show how you carry out a safety task. This question is done during the driving so there may be more pressure and build-up to this one. 

Getting one or both questions wrong will be marked as a "minor" which takes a few points off your total test score. Failing both of these doesn't mean you will fail your test, but getting them correct will definitely help you. 

Important Note: You will FAIL your driving test if you show dangerous driving whilst answering the "Show Me Question". This is because you need to show that you can manage the question whilst driving safely and proving you are not at risk of distractions. 

What are the questions that driving test instructors ask?

Testing center questions are usually asked at the beginning of your driving test to determine whether you are a suitable driver. These questions are designed to assess your driving suitability based on your character and attitude. The questions are designed to be challenging and trick you, so be prepared to answer a number of these questions in one go. The correct answer depends on the situation, so make sure you know what to do in every possible scenario. Here are some common examples of questions the driving instructor may ask.

Tell Me Questions

1. Tell me how you would check that the car brakes are working before beginning your journey. 

The brakes shouldn't feel spongy or slack. Before starting the journey, test them and ensure that whilst doing it, the vehicle does NOT pull over to one side. 

2. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for the car and how it should be checked. 

Use a reliable pressure gauge, then check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold. Refit valve caps if necessary. 

3. Tell me how the head restraint can be correctly adjusted to prevent the best protection in the event of a crash or accident. 

The driver's head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part is level to the eye or top of the ears, whilst being as close to the back of your head. 

4. Tell me how you would check the car tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that the tyres are safe for road driving. 

Each tyre must not have cuts or bulges and has 1.6mm of tread depth around the entire outer circumference of the tyre. Make sure to know the 1.6mm of tread depth. 

5. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working as intended. You can but don't need to exit the vehicle to answer this question. 

You need to tell the examiner that you would operate the switch which may mean turning on the ignition. Prove that they're working.

6. Tell me how you would know if there was an issue with the vehicle's anti-lock braking system.

Inside the front of the car, there will be a warning light that would illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system. This is one of the easier questions as you can simply point at the warning light that would illuminate, and simply describe that it would light up. 

7. Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working as intended. There is no exiting the vehicle required however you can if you would like. 

Explain how you would operate the switch which may mean turning on the ignition. You don't need to show the examiner, but only tell them for this question. 

8. Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.

Explain how you would operate the brake pedal and make use of reflections in the car windows or doors. You can also ask another driver for help. 

9. Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before beginning your journey.

If the steering doesn't feel normal or heavy, you may have a non-working system. Before setting off, check what the problem may be. 

10. Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them. Exiting the vehicle is not required here.

Operate the switch and turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary. Check that the warning light is on and explain the use. 

11. Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipper to the main beam, in addition to explaining how you would know the main beam is turned on.

Operate the switch and turn on the ignition or engine if necessary. To check this, look for the main beam warning light. 

12. Tell me (open the bonnet of the car) how you would check that the engine has suffucient oil. 

You need to find and identify the oil level indicator and describe the check of oil level against the minimum and maxiumum markers.

13. Tell me (open the bonnet of the car) how you would check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

You should find and identify high and low-level markings on the header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap and describe how top-up to the correct level. 

14. Tell me (open the bonnet of the car) how you would check that the car has a safe amount of hydraulic brake fluid. 

You need to find and identify the reservoir and check the level against high and low markings.

PLEASE NOTE: For questions 12, 13 and 14, you will need to open the bonnet of the car so make sure you know how to do this smoothly and safety. 

Show Me Questions

1. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

2. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

3. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights?

4. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would set the rear demister?

5. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would operate the car horn?

6. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would demist the front windscreen?

7. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would open and close the side window?

IMPORTANT NOTE: These questions are from the official Government website, however, we have simplified the questions and answers slightly. 

Conclusion

You can expect to be tested on various questions that will require you to use your common sense and put yourself in the driver's shoes. Remember that being courteous, patient, and safe makes a passenger happier than an angry one. After all, you do not want to complicate matters by involving another vehicle's driving inexperience. When preparing for your driving test, it is also recommended that you be aware of the road network's compulsory and optional features.