What Are the PCV Show Me Tell Me Questions?
The PCV show me tell me questions are a mandatory part of the DVSA Category D practical driving test. At the start of your test, the examiner will ask you up to five vehicle safety questions drawn from a bank of 19 approved checks. You must demonstrate that you can identify and explain the key safety systems on a bus or coach before you are permitted to drive.
The questions are split into two types. Tell me questions require you to explain verbally how you would carry out a safety check. Show me questions require you to physically demonstrate the check while the vehicle is stationary. Each incorrect or incomplete answer counts as a driver fault (minor), and a serious or dangerous fault during the safety check section can result in an immediate test failure.
Why the Safety Checks Matter for Category D
Buses and coaches carry passengers, which means the consequences of a mechanical failure are far greater than for a private car. The DVSA requires Category D candidates to demonstrate competence in checking brakes, tyres, lights, steering, fluid levels, emergency exits, and passenger safety systems before they can be trusted with a vehicle carrying up to 72 passengers.
The Full List of PCV Show Me Tell Me Questions (2026)
Brakes
1. Tell me: How would you check the footbrake for excessive wear or deterioration?
Apply the footbrake and check that the pedal does not feel spongy or travel too close to the floor. On vehicles with air brakes, check the air pressure gauge is within the normal operating range before moving off.
2. Tell me: How would you check the parking brake for excessive wear?
Apply the parking brake and check that it holds the vehicle on a gradient. Check that the travel of the lever or button is not excessive and that the warning light illuminates when applied.
3. Tell me: How would you check the air pressure warning system is working?
With the engine off, operate the footbrake repeatedly to reduce air pressure. The low-pressure warning buzzer or light should activate before the pressure drops to a dangerous level (typically below 5.5 bar).
Tyres
4. Tell me: How would you check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and are in a safe condition?
The legal minimum tread depth for buses and coaches is 1mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width. Check for cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and embedded objects. Check tyre pressures using a calibrated gauge when the tyres are cold.
5. Tell me: How would you check the wheel nuts are secure?
Visually inspect the wheel nuts for signs of movement (rust streaks, paint cracking). Many commercial vehicles use wheel nut indicators — coloured plastic arrows that misalign if a nut has moved.
Lights and Indicators
6. Show me: How would you check the headlights and tail lights are working?
Switch on the ignition and activate the headlights. Walk around the vehicle to confirm both headlights, both tail lights, and both number plate lights are illuminated.
7. Show me: How would you check the direction indicators are working?
Activate the left indicator and walk around to confirm both front and rear indicators are flashing at the correct rate. Repeat for the right indicator.
8. Show me: How would you check the brake lights are working?
With a second person or using a reflective surface, apply the footbrake and confirm both rear brake lights illuminate.
9. Show me: How would you check the hazard warning lights are working?
Activate the hazard warning lights switch and confirm all four indicators are flashing simultaneously.
Steering
10. Tell me: How would you check the power steering is working before starting a journey?
Before starting the engine, turn the steering wheel — it should feel heavy. Start the engine and turn the wheel again — it should feel noticeably lighter, confirming the power steering pump is operating.
Fluid Levels
11. Tell me: How would you check the engine oil level?
Park on a level surface and allow the engine to cool. Locate the dipstick, remove it, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then withdraw it again. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
12. Tell me: How would you check the engine coolant level?
Allow the engine to cool completely before opening the coolant reservoir cap. The coolant level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the translucent reservoir. Never open the cap when the engine is hot.
13. Tell me: How would you check the brake fluid level?
Locate the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. A low level may indicate a leak or worn brake pads.
14. Tell me: How would you check the windscreen washer fluid level?
Locate the windscreen washer reservoir and check the fluid level is adequate. Top up with a suitable screenwash solution.
Windscreen and Wipers
15. Show me: How would you clean the windscreen using the washers and wipers?
Operate the windscreen washer and confirm that fluid is ejected onto the windscreen. Activate the wipers and confirm they clear the screen effectively without smearing.
Horn
16. Show me: How would you check the horn is working?
Sound the horn briefly. It should produce a clear, audible sound.
Passenger Safety Systems
17. Tell me: How would you check the emergency exits are operational?
Locate all emergency exits (rear door, roof hatches, emergency windows). Check that each exit is clearly marked, unobstructed, and can be opened from both inside and outside. Ensure the emergency exit hammer is in its holder.
18. Tell me: How would you check the passenger door operation?
Operate the passenger door using the driver's controls and confirm it opens and closes smoothly. Check the door interlock system — the vehicle should not be able to move with the passenger door open (where fitted).
19. Tell me: How would you check the fire extinguisher is present and serviceable?
Locate the fire extinguisher. Check the pressure gauge is in the green zone, the safety pin is intact, and the extinguisher is within its service date.
How the Questions Are Assessed
The examiner will ask you up to five questions from the bank above. A correct, confident answer with a clear demonstration (where required) scores no fault. A partially correct answer may score one driver fault. An incorrect answer scores one driver fault. You can accumulate up to 15 driver faults across the entire test and still pass, but a single serious or dangerous fault results in an immediate failure.
PCV vs HGV Show Me Tell Me: Key Differences
| Feature | PCV (Category D) | HGV (Category C) |
|---|---|---|
| Questions in bank | 19 | 19 |
| Questions asked per test | Up to 5 | Up to 5 |
| Air brake checks | Yes | Yes |
| Passenger door checks | Yes | No |
| Emergency exit checks | Yes | No |
| Fire extinguisher check | Yes | No |
| Tachograph checks | No | Yes |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is confusing the tell me and show me formats. Listen carefully to whether the examiner says "tell me" or "show me" before beginning your answer. A second common mistake is checking fluid levels with the engine running — always allow the engine to cool first. Finally, do not rush: a slow, methodical, correct check is always preferable to a fast, incomplete one.
Next Steps
Once you are confident with the show me tell me questions, the next step is practising the manoeuvres and road driving elements of the Category D test. For a full overview of the PCV licensing process, see our How to Get a PCV Licence guide. For theory test preparation, see our PCV Theory Test Guide 2026. To book PCV training in Surrey with GS Driver Training, call 01252 447808 or visit our PCV training course page.
