How many marks do I lose for getting one wrong?

One driving fault. Getting both the show me and the tell me wrong still counts as a single driving fault overall.

Can I fail the test on show me tell me alone?

Not on the answer itself. But if you do something dangerous while demonstrating a 'show me' — such as taking your eyes off the road at a critical moment — that can be recorded as a serious or dangerous fault.

Are the questions the same for automatic cars?

Broadly yes. The published list applies to car tests generally; your instructor will cover anything specific to the vehicle you use.

Show me, tell me questions

5 min read

In the UK car practical test you are asked one 'tell me' question before you start driving and one 'show me' question while you are driving. Getting either wrong results in one driving fault (a minor); getting both wrong is still only one driving fault, but a dangerous action while demonstrating a 'show me' answer can result in a serious fault.

The difference between the two

'Tell me' questions are asked at the start, with the car stationary — you explain how you would carry out a check. 'Show me' questions are asked while you are driving, and you demonstrate a control such as the windscreen washers or the demister without compromising your safety.

Typical 'tell me' topics

The examiner picks from a published DVSA list. Learn the principle, not a script — you are allowed to explain in your own words.

How you would check the brakes are working before a journey
How you would check tyre pressures and tread depth
How you would check the headlights, brake lights and indicators are working
How you would check the power steering is working
How you would check the engine oil or coolant level
How you would know the handbrake or parking brake is working

Typical 'show me' topics

These are asked on the move, so timing matters. If it would be unsafe to demonstrate right now, say so and do it when it is safe — that judgement is part of what is being assessed.

Clean the front or rear windscreen
Demist the front or rear windscreen
Switch on the dipped headlights or rear fog light
Wash and clean the rear windscreen
Open and close the side window
Operate the horn

How to prepare

Sit in the car you will use for the test and physically find every control. Knowing where the rear fog light switch is in your instructor's car is worth more than memorising the wording of an answer. Ask your instructor to fire questions at you during ordinary lessons.

Common questions

How many marks do I lose for getting one wrong?: One driving fault. Getting both the show me and the tell me wrong still counts as a single driving fault overall.
Can I fail the test on show me tell me alone?: Not on the answer itself. But if you do something dangerous while demonstrating a 'show me' — such as taking your eyes off the road at a critical moment — that can be recorded as a serious or dangerous fault.
Are the questions the same for automatic cars?: Broadly yes. The published list applies to car tests generally; your instructor will cover anything specific to the vehicle you use.