Lorry and Bus Show Me Tell Me Questions | Vehicle Safety Guide

Prepare for lorry and bus vehicle safety questions with a practical checklist and the current official DVSA question lists.

What the lorry and bus vehicle safety questions assess

Vehicle safety questions are part of the on-road practical test. A show me question asks you to demonstrate a check or use a control; a tell me question asks you to explain how you would make a check. The purpose is not to recite a generic script. You need to show that you can find the relevant item on the vehicle you are using and describe a safe check.

The current GOV.UK list for tests without a trailer applies to C1, C, D1 and D. The examiner asks vehicle safety questions at the beginning of the test, and the number asked depends on the type of test. Prepare for the full applicable list rather than relying on a fixed number of questions.

First, use the right DVSA question list

Tests without a trailer

For C1, C, D1 or D, use the official lorry and bus vehicle safety question list. It covers checks such as doors, air leaks, loading, tyres, lights, fluid levels, steering, instruments and cab controls.

Tests with a trailer

If the test is for C1+E, C+E, D1+E or D+E, use the separate official trailer-test list. Some topics overlap, but it is a different set of questions. Check the list for your test category before you make revision cards or practise answers.

A practical way to prepare

Learn the check on the actual vehicle

Start at the cab and work round the vehicle in the same order each time. Identify the controls, gauges, reservoirs, dipstick or indicators that apply to that vehicle. For an item such as air pressure, a light or the demister, practise finding the control and stating what a satisfactory indication looks or sounds like. For exterior items, be ready to point to the component and explain what you would inspect.

Do not assume that one vehicle's layout is the same as another's. Ask your instructor to show you the relevant equipment on the training vehicle, including any vehicle-specific equipment such as a tail lift or kneeling-bus control where fitted.

Use a four-part answer

A clear answer usually follows a simple sequence: identify the item, say how you would check it, state the condition you expect, and explain what you would do if it was not safe. For example, a tyre answer should cover the manufacturer-recommended pressure, a cold check with suitable equipment, legal tread and visible damage. Avoid adding steps that you cannot demonstrate safely on the vehicle.

Practise the walk-round themes

Group the official questions into a few familiar areas so that the list is easier to revise:

Exterior condition: doors, reflectors, mudguards and spray suppression, bodywork, suspension, wheel nuts, tyres, lights and indicators.
Braking and warning systems: air leaks, correct air pressure, brake lights, horn or reversing warning device, and dashboard warnings.
Cab visibility and controls: windscreen, wipers, washers, demister, rear fog lights, headlamp beam, steering assistance and instruments.
Fluids and equipment: engine oil, coolant, washer fluid, tachograph arrangements and any first-aid or vehicle-specific equipment.
Load safety: even distribution, secure stowage and staying within the vehicle's size and weight limits.

Test-day checks that support a good answer

Before moving away, make the normal vehicle precautions part of your routine: set the seat so that you can reach the controls, set the mirrors, make sure doors are shut, apply the parking brake and confirm neutral. The DVSA's practical-test guidance also expects drivers to use secondary controls, such as wipers, heating and indicators, without losing control of the vehicle.

When the examiner asks a question, take a moment to identify whether they want a demonstration or an explanation. Follow any instruction about the ignition or engine, use the controls only when safe, and say what you are checking as you do it. If the question relates to a component you have not yet practised on that vehicle, ask the instructor during training rather than guessing on test day.

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

Memorising an answer without knowing where the relevant control or component is on the test vehicle.
Using the non-trailer list when preparing for a trailer test, or the other way round.
Giving a vague answer such as “check the tyres” without explaining pressure, tread and visible condition.
Focusing only on outside checks and overlooking gauges, warning lights and cab controls.
Trying to demonstrate equipment before understanding the vehicle-specific safe method.

Choose training that matches your licence route

Vehicle safety preparation should match the category you are taking. GS Driver Training's current course information includes C1 driving courses, Category C (Class 2) training, Category C+E training for drivers who already hold Category C, and D1 minibus training. Use the training-course guide to compare the current licence routes and check which vehicle safety list applies to your planned test.

Keep the official wording close by

This guide is a preparation framework, not a substitute for the official question bank. Read the current GOV.UK list for your category, then practise each item on the vehicle you will use for training. That combination helps you give a concise explanation and carry out a safe, vehicle-specific demonstration.

For current course information, contact GS Driver Training; use the official guidance for test rules.

Read the full article on GS Driver Training Blog.

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