The practical driving test can feel intimidating, but being properly prepared makes all the difference. To ensure your test day runs smoothly without any surprises, you need to bring the right documentation and be ready for the vehicle safety check.
Your Valid UK Provisional Driving Licence (Photocard): This is the single most important document. It must be original, in-date, and undamaged. (Note: Digital versions on your phone or photocopies are strictly rejected).
Your Theory Test Pass Certificate: While the DVSA usually checks this digitally, it is highly recommended to bring your physical certificate or pass letter just in case there is a system issue.
A Suitable, Roadworthy Car: Most students use their Queens Park Driving School instructor’s dual-controlled car. If you choose to use your own private vehicle, it must have valid learner insurance, a current MOT, up-to-date road tax, and matching L-plates.
Glasses or Contact Lenses: If you need corrective lenses to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres, you must bring and wear them during the exam.
At the start of your practical test, the examiner will ask you two vehicle safety questions.
The “Tell Me” Question: Asked before you start driving. You only need to explain the answer verbally.
The “Show Me” Question: Asked while you are actively driving. You must safely operate the control to demonstrate it.
Here are the most common examples to practice with your instructor:
Q: Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. > A: Before setting off, tap the foot brake. It shouldn’t feel spongy or slack. As you move off slowly, test them firmly—the car should stop smoothly without pulling to one side.
Q: Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. > A: Look in the manufacturer’s guidebook (or the sticker inside the driver’s door pillar). Use a reliable pressure gauge to check and adjust all tyres when they are cold—and don’t forget the spare tyre!
Q: Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth. > A: Ensure there are no cuts or bulges on the sidewalls. The tread depth must be a minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s width, all the way around the outer circumference.
Q: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil. > A: Ensure the car is parked on level ground. Open the bonnet, locate and pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, replace it, and pull it out again. The oil level should sit between the minimum and maximum indicator markers.
“When it is safe to do so, show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.” * Action: Operate your windscreen wiper stalk by pulling it towards you to squirt fluid and clear the glass while maintaining full control of the car.
“When it is safe to do so, show me how you would demist the front windscreen.” * Action: Without taking your eyes off the road for long, locate and turn on the front demister fan control on your center console.
“When it is safe to do so, show me how you would operate the horn.” * Action: Press the center of the steering wheel briefly when the road ahead is completely clear.
“When it is safe to do so, show me how you would open and close the side window.” * Action: Locate the window switch on your door panel and briefly press it to lower and raise the window safely.
Pass with Confidence! At Queens Park Driving School, we conduct complete mock tests—including full “Show Me, Tell Me” drills on real local test routes around Mill Hill and Hendon.
Want to test your knowledge or lock in a test preparation package? Call us today at 07951 259614!