Show Me, Tell Me
Q1: Show me how you would check that the direction
indicators are working
A: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch
and check functioning of all indicators. (may need
to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
Q2:Tell me how you would check that the brakes are
working before starting a journey
A: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes
should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not
pull to one side
Q3: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is, and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A: Identify reservoir and explain how to check level. Check your car's manual to see how to do this.
Q4: Show me how you would check that the brake
lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if
you need to switch the ignition on, please don't
start the engine
A: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in
windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to
help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to
start engine
Q5: Show me / explain how you would check that the
power assisted steering is working before starting a
journey
A: If the steering becomes heavy the system may not
be working properly. Before starting a journey two
simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on
the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is
started, should result in a slight but noticeable
movement as the system begins to operate.
Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after
moving off will give an immediate indication that the
power assistance is functioning
Q6: Tell me where you would find the information for
the recommended tyre pressures for this car and
how tyre pressures should be checked.
A: Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure
gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are
cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit
valve caps
Q7
Show me how you would check the parking brake
(handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you
keep safe control of the vehicle
A: Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying
parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully
applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the
working travel

Q8: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check
the engine oil level and tell me how you would
check that the engine has sufficient oil
A: Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check
of oil level against the minimum/maximum marker

Q9: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check
the engine coolant level and tell me how you would
check that the engine has the correct level
A: Identify high/low level markings on header tank
where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how
to top up to correct level
Q10: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is
correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection
in the event of a crash
A: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid
part of the head restraint is at least as high as the
eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of
the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints
might not be adjustable
Q11: Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid
reservoir is and tell me how you would check that
you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid
A: Identify reservoir, check level against high/low
marking
Q12: Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure
that they have sufficient tread depth and that their
general condition is safe to use on the road
A: No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across
the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around
the entire outer circumference

Q13: Show me how you would check that the horn is
working (off road only)
A: Check is carried out by using control (turn on
ignition if necessary)

Q14: Show me how you would clean the windscreen
using the windscreen washer and wiper
A: Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn
ignition on if necessary
Q15: Tell me how you would check that the headlights &
tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
A: Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if
necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a
"Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically
check the lights
Q16: Show me how you would set the demister controls
to clear all the windows effectively, this should
include both front and rear screen
A: Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature,
air direction / source and heated screen to clear
windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to
be started for this demonstration
Q17: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog
light(s) and explain when you would use it/them.
(No need to exit vehicle
A: Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and
ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on.
Explain use
Q18: Tell me how you would know if there was a
problem with your anti lock braking system
A: Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault
with the anti lock braking system
Q19: Show me how you switch your headlight from
dipped to main beam and explain how you would
know the main beam is on whilst inside the car
A: Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if
necessary), check with main beam warning light

From 23 January 2012 the theory test will be made up of multiple-choice questions which are no longer published in learning materials.

The reason behind the move is to stop candidates from simply memorising theory test questions and answers and learning by rote.

Revision materials still available
New official driving and riding theory books were published in September 2011 to help candidates prepare for the test and for life on the road.

The new books contain:

new sections of text for motorcyclists, a free e-book for car drivers and full references throughout to help candidates learn and revise
questions and answers for revision, including practice for case studies
the official DSA explanations for every revision question, helping candidates fully understand the answer
This approach to learning will help candidates to gain a better knowledge and understanding of driving theory which will help them respond correctly to the new, reworded live questions used in the actual test.

No changes to the format of the test
No changes are being made to the format of the theory test. It will still be made up of a multiple-choice part and a hazard perception part.

The time allowed and the pass marks will stay the same.

Find out more
You can find details about the new official learning materials at tsoshop​.co​.uk/​dsa.

For information about how the theory test works, visit direct​.gov​.uk/​t​h​e​o​r​y​t​est

Hazard warning lights. These may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed. Rule 116

Directgov is the only official driving test
booking website. Other websites offer
driving test booking services, but might
charge extra administrative fees on top of
the test fee. Those websites are not run by
or connected to DSA or Directgov.
DSA recommend that all learner drivers book
their driving test through the official booking
service on Directgov by visiting direct.gov.uk/
drivingtest