'Show me, tell me' Safety Questions

You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions during your car driving test.

The examiner will ask you one:

‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving

You’ll get one driving fault (sometimes called a ‘minor’) if you get one or both questions wrong. You’ll fail your driving test if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer the ‘show me’ question.

"Tell Me" Questions

1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

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.

3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

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

Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 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.

10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain

use.

11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.

You need to open the bonnet and tell the examiner how you’d do the check if you’re asked question 12, 13 or 14.

"Show Me" Questions

Your Instructor will go through these questions with you as each vehicle's controls are specific to the vehicle you are learning in.

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?

Do I need a provisional licence before my first lesson?

Yes — you must have a valid provisional driving licence before you can take lessons on public roads. You can apply for one online via the DVLA website at gov.uk. It usually arrives within a week. Once you have it, get in touch and we'll book your first lesson straight away.

Getting Started

What should I bring to my first lesson?

Just bring your provisional driving licence (the photocard). Wear comfortable flat shoes — trainers are ideal. You don't need to bring anything else. We'll take care of everything from there.

Getting Started

Can I take lessons in the evenings or at weekends?

Yes. We offer flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends to fit around work, college or other commitments. Just let us know what works for you when you get in touch and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Getting Started

What's included in a block booking?

A block booking is simply a pre-paid bundle of lesson hours at a discounted rate — 10 hours for £350 or 20 hours for £700. Your lessons are still booked individually at times that suit you. Block bookings are the most popular choice for learners who want to lock in their rate and get consistent, regular lessons.

Pricing

Do you offer automatic driving lessons?

Please get in touch to discuss automatic lesson availability in your area. Note that passing in an automatic car means your licence will be restricted to automatic vehicles — you won't be able to drive a manual car without taking a further test. If you're unsure which is right for you, we're happy to talk it through.

Pricing

Which test centres do you cover?

We cover four DVSA driving test centres across Greater Manchester: West Didsbury, Sale, Cheadle and Cheetham Hill. Your lessons will always be planned around the specific routes and requirements of your nearest test centre, so you know exactly what to expect on test day.

Test Centres

What is the pass rate at the test centres you use?

Pass rates vary by centre and change regularly, but Cheadle and West Didsbury consistently perform above the national average for Greater Manchester. Our instructors know the specific routes used at each centre, which gives our students a real advantage on test day. For current DVSA pass rate data, visit the gov.uk driving test statistics page.

Test Centres

What happens if I fail my driving test?

Failing your test is disappointing but it's not the end — most people need more than one attempt. After a failed test, we'll review the examiner's report with you, identify exactly what went wrong and plan the additional lessons needed to address it. You can rebook your test as soon as you're ready. We'll support you through the process.

Test Centres

What areas do you cover for driving lessons?

We cover a wide area across Greater Manchester including Chorlton, Didsbury, Sale, Wythenshawe, Salford, Stockport, Altrincham, Stretford, Urmston, Fallowfield, Burnage, Levenshulme, Longsight, Hulme, Flixton, Davyhulme, Ancoats, Ardwick, Cheadle, Cheetham Hill, Old Trafford, Northenden and Parrs Wood. Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call and we'll confirm.

Getting Started

How do I book my first lesson?

Simply call us on 07515 313993, send us a WhatsApp message or fill in the contact form on this page. We'll confirm your instructor, agree a convenient time and get you booked in. No upfront payment is required for your first lesson.

Getting Started

How many driving lessons will I need?

It varies depending on your starting point, how often you practise between lessons and how quickly you pick things up. The DVSA average is around 45 hours of professional tuition, but many of our students need fewer. After your first lesson, Kaz will give you an honest assessment and a realistic guide to how many hours you're likely to need.

Getting Started

How much do driving lessons cost?

Single lessons start from £36 for one hour, £54 for 1.5 hours and £70 for two hours. If you book a block of lessons you'll save money — a 10-hour block is £350 and a 20-hour block is £700. Intensive courses start from £995 including your test. There are no hidden fees and no upfront payment is required on your first lesson.

Pricing

What is included in an intensive course?

Our intensive courses are designed to get you test-ready in weeks rather than months. The course includes all tuition hours, a mock test and your practical driving test fee. Prices start from £995. Intensive courses are ideal if you need your licence quickly for work, travel or personal reasons. Get in touch to discuss what's right for your current level.

Pricing

What is Pass Plus and is it worth it?

Pass Plus is a six-hour post-test course covering motorway driving, night driving, rural roads, dual carriageways and town driving. It's designed to build confidence in conditions you may not have covered during lessons. Many insurance companies offer a discount to Pass Plus certificate holders, which can offset the cost of the course. It's available from £38 per hour.

Pricing

Which test centre is closest to me?

It depends on where you live. As a general guide: West Didsbury covers Chorlton, Didsbury, Fallowfield, Withington, Levenshulme and Northenden. Sale covers Sale, Altrincham, Stretford, Urmston, Flixton, Davyhulme and Old Trafford. Cheadle covers Cheadle, Stockport, Wythenshawe and Gatley. Cheetham Hill covers Salford, Hulme, Ancoats, Ardwick and Longsight. Get in touch and we'll confirm the right centre for your area.

Test Centres

What is the test cancellation finder?

The DVSA test waiting list across Manchester can stretch to several months. Our test cancellation finder is a service unique to Drive Elite — we monitor for cancelled test slots at your preferred test centre and secure an earlier date for you when one becomes available. This can save you weeks or even months of waiting. Ask us about it when you book.

Test Centres

Can I use my own car for my driving test?

Yes, providing it meets DVSA requirements — it must be roadworthy, taxed, insured for the test, and fitted with a working rear-view mirror for the examiner. Most learners use their instructor's car as it's dual-controlled and the examiner is already familiar with the make and model. Speak to us if you'd like to use your own vehicle.

Test Centres

How long does it take to pass your driving test from scratch?

There's no fixed answer — it depends on how often you lesson, whether you practise privately and how quickly you progress. Learners who take weekly two-hour lessons and practise between sessions often reach test standard in four to six months. If you want to pass faster, an intensive course can get you there in a matter of weeks. We'll give you a realistic estimate after your first lesson.

Getting Started