Preparing for your driving test in Birmingham? If so, you will want to master show me tell me questions to help ensure you pass your practical test with confidence.
These vehicle safety questions are asked by examiners; they are straightforward but can result in one minor fault if answered incorrectly.
While these questions are standardised across the UK, it helps to know the specific approaches taken by Birmingham test centres.
In this guide, we have covered all the show me tell me questions for 2025, alongside local tips.
What Are Show Me Tell Me Questions?
Show me tell me questions form part of a UK practical driving test and are designed to assess vehicle safety knowledge.
At the start of your driving test in Birmingham, you will be asked one “tell me” question, which will require you to explain how to check a given vehicle component.
Then, during the driving itself, you will be expected to answer one “show me” question by demonstrating a control.
It is worth understanding the answers to these questions, as they are easy marks to avoid losing. But here is one of the most important driving test tips we will give you: Birmingham examiners often tailor questions to test-centre routes. So, prepare accordingly.
Complete List of Tell Me Questions
Here is every current “tell me” question, with concise answers to help you prepare:
- Tyres: check the tread depth is at least 2.0mm
- Brakes: test the brake pedal; it should feel firm, not spongy
- Power steering: turn the wheel; it should feel light, rather than heavy
- Head restraint: adjust it so that the top aligns with your eye level for safety and comfort
- Indicators: switch on each indicator and walk around the car to confirm they’re working, or ask a helper
- Brake lights: press the brake pedal and check reflections in a window, or ask a helper whether they light up
- Fog lights: use only when visibility is seriously reduced – in other words, when you can’t see for more than 100 metres
- Anti-lock braking: explain that it prevents the wheels from locking during heavy braking, thereby ensuring better control
- Headlights and taillights: walk around the car with the lights on to make sure they’re functioning
- Engine oil: use the dipstick to check the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks
- Engine coolant: check the coolant reservoir is between the minimum and maximum markings
- Windscreen washer: locate the washer fluid reservoir under the bonnet and make sure it is topped up.
Complete List of Show Me Questions (During Your Test)
During your test, you will need to demonstrate one of these controls when you are driving:
- Washing and cleaning the windscreen by operating the windscreen wiper and washer controls
- Switching on the dipped headlights using the appropriate switch or stalk
- Demisting the front windscreen by adjusting climate controls to direct air at the glass
- Operating the horn by pressing it (only when stationary) to confirm it works
- Opening and closing a side window fully, using the window switch
- Demisting the mirrors by activating the heated mirror controls if fitted
- Setting the heated rear windscreen by using the dashboard switch to turn on the demister
Birmingham test routes often include show me questions on quieter roads, like those near Kings Heath test centre.
Birmingham Test Centre Specific Tips
The various Birmingham test centres have their respective quirks in how they handle show me tell me questions:
- South Yardley: with this having historically been an industrial area that can still sometimes be foggy, you can expect to be asked demisting questions.
- Shirley: drivers undergoing their tests here are often asked windscreen operation questions on the busy Stratford Road routes.
- Kings Heath: horn demonstrations are frequently requested here, usually in the car park areas.
- Sutton Coldfield: window questions are commonly asked on the quiet residential streets of this locality.
How Select Drive Prepares You
Here at Select Drive, we can ensure you are thoroughly test-ready. Our intensive driving courses and mock tests cover all show me tell me questions.
You can practise with us in BMW and Mercedes vehicles, getting to grips with varied control layouts. Furthermore, our test routes practice includes safe spots for show me demonstrations.
Practise With Our Expert Instructors to Make Sure You Pass
Some quick reminders to conclude: be sure to practise show me tell me questions at home, and to ask your instructor about car-specific controls. Also, don’t panic if you are unsure about the answer, as even getting both questions incorrect is only a single minor fault.
Ready to ace your test? Book a lesson with Birmingham’s test preparation experts!