The minimum age for taking driving lessons in a car in the UK is 17, or age 16 if you are currently getting Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate (mobility component).

Before you can start taking driving lessons you must apply for a provisional licence, which you can do 2 months before your 17th birthday, however you can NOT drive until your 17th birthday.

To apply for your provisional licence, and obtain further details, visit the DVLA website at www.dvla.gov.uk or obtain form D1 from the Post Office.

Great Driver is committed to providing a high standard of driver education, in line with the Driving Standards Agency's aim of 'safe driving for life'. Our patient, reliable & friendly driving instructors are all licenced by the Driving Standards Agency, and often hold advanced driving certificates from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) or RoSPA Advanced Drivers (ROADA).

As you learn to drive, we will not only teach you to pass your test, but our driving lessons will give you the skills required to drive in today's demanding traffic conditions.

Becoming a new driver can open a whole new world of freedom and independence, but it is not just about passing your test. We aim to give you the confidence to tackle driving in the 21st century, and the skills to survive, ensuring 'safe driving for life'.

The 'Show Me, Tell Me' questions, so called because it consists of a 'Show Me' question where you will show the examiner a relevent safety check on the vehicle, and a 'Tell Me' question where you will simply be asked to explain how you would carry out a safety check. The questions are asked at the start of the driving test, and may require you to open the vehicle bonnet (covering the engine bay). Vehicles have a two-stage bonnet release, the first is usually a lever normally found in either the drivers or passengers footwell inside the car, the second is usually located by feeling under the front, central part of the bonnet. Once open the bonnet usually needs to be secured in position by lifting the bonnet support strut and clipping into the bonnet. Your instructor will demonstrate the procedure and allow you to practice it whilst explaining the various safety checks to you.

The Driving Standards Agency introduced the "Show me, tell me" safety questions for all categories of tests in September 2003. A commitment to review the questions was given at that time, and from 1st July 2008 some additional questions will be included to more accurately reflect the need for candidates to have the skills and knowledge to ensure they and their vehicles are safe to be on the road. Additional questions will cover the use of wipers, demisters, brake lights, fog lights, head restraints, ABS warning lights and the correct operation of relevant controls and switches.

The number of questions to be asked will remain unaltered. Set combinations of questions will be retained for Category B car tests, these combinations have been updated. For all other categories examiners will choose a selection of two or five questions (dependent on the type of test) from the Question Bank. Questions will suit the vehicle presented for test and the location the test is being delivered from. Answers to the questions can be found in the relevant DSA Essential Skills publication. There is no change to the level of assessment.

The questions are as follows:

Combination
Question No.
Show / Tell
Question
Answer

1
B08
Show
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)

1
B10
Tell
Tell me how you would 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
B05
Tell
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

2
B09
Show
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)
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)

3
B02
Show
Show me / explain how you would check that 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 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.

3
B12
Tell
Tell me where you would 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.

4
B04
Show
Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle
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.

4
B05
Tell
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

5
B01
Show
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.
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

5
B12
Tell
Tell me where you would 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.

6
B03
Show
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.
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

6
B18
Tell
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. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable

7
B07
Show
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.
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

7
B13
Tell
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.
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.

8
B06
Show
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

8
B13
Tell
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.
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.

9
B10
Tell
Tell me how you would 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.

9
B14
Show
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary.

10
B11
Tell
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
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.)

10
B15
Show
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens
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

11
B16
Show
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)
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

11
B19
Tell
Tell me how you would 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

12
B09
Show
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)
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)

12
B11
Tell
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
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.)

13
B17
Show
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
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light

13
B19
Tell
Tell me how you would 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