Top Ten Reasons People Fail Their Driving Test

…And the best advice to make sure you pass!

1. Ineffective observations at junctions – This fault has been recorded as the most common reason for failing every year since 2006!

How to make sure you don’t make this mistake: Take your time and approach junctions at a suitable speed. We know there’s a lot to think about, but the classic learner mantra “mirror – signal – manoeuvre” will ensure you don’t make a mistake!

2. Not using mirrors when changing direction – You may have guessed it – this is the second most common reason for failing every year since 2006/07!

Avoid this mistake when taking your driving test: This one should be easy to remember as it’s exactly the same advice as tip number one! “Mirror – Signal – Manoeuvre”. So, remember to check your mirrors and don’t worry about making it too obvious because examiners will notice if you are doing the right thing.

3. Not moving off safely – Starting to drive without being seen to check for any possible dangers is a recipe for driving test failure!

Obvious but necessary advice for passing your test: While you shouldn’t be hesitant, you must ensure you’ve checked every possible direction before moving off in a test scenario, and of course in your day-to-day driving. It’s essential to check all your mirrors and your blind spot before moving the car.

4. Incorrect positioning for turning right at a junction – This is an issue that long-time drivers find very frustrating and can cause unnecessary queues.

Ensuring you don’t make this common error: It’s simple really, you just need to remember there are other people using the road and taking a different route to you! While you should keep to the centre of the lane when driving on a straight road, just ensure you position your car to the right side of the lane when you approach to turn right.

5. Not having proper control of your steering wheel – Holding the steering wheel incorrectly or letting it spin back is considered a fault on your test.

A tip to ensure you don’t receive a fault on your test: If you’ve had formal driving lessons, you should be well practised at this, but remember to keep both hands on the wheel – preferably at the quarter to three position (advice used to be ‘10 to 2 o’clock’ but the adjustment has been made for safe air bag deployment). Whenever you make a turn, be sure you feed the wheel firmly through your hands back into position rather than letting it spin.

6. Poor responses to traffic lights – There are multiple ways to record a fault at traffic lights, from hesitating too long as you set off, to cutting it too fine when traffic lights are turning red.

Simple advice to avoid this driving mistake: Keep your focus as you’re approaching any traffic lights. If they’ve been green for a long time you can anticipate that they may well change and don’t take any risks or accelerate through a light change. When you are pulled up at a red light don’t lose your concentration and be ready for a smooth set-off.

7. Not responding appropriately to road signs – Learner drivers are likely to be taken on routes to test their knowledge of signs and failing to respond will incur a fault.

How to ensure you pass this part of your test: Go back to your theory knowledge and ensure you know what road signs mean so you can identify a sign swiftly and confidently. When you see a sign, react in plenty of time and in a safe manner.

8. Poor positioning on the road during normal driving – It’s a tell tail sign of a new driver and one that can cause a driving test fault.

Advice for avoiding this typical learner driver error: You should already be mindful of road markings, which will help you stay in the centre of the lane, and on unmarked roads you should stay aware of your distance to the edge of the road. A simple but effective tip is to look ahead as you drive, which will keep your direction and positioning smooth, rather than focussing on the road immediately in front of you.

9. Not responding correctly to road markings – Road markings are like signs on the road and ignoring them can mean another fault on your test.

Making sure you don’t tot up multiple minor faults: As we advised for road signs, we also suggest you review your knowledge of road markings. When you are out on the road, ensure you read the road ahead, looking out for any changes in road markings and drive accordingly.

10. Not keeping control of the vehicle during reverse parking – Making excessive attempts to reposition the car, losing control of the car, ending up outside of the parking bay and/or hitting the kerb, or even an adjacent vehicle.

To make sure you don’t get a fault in this area of your test: Make sure you use the reference points you’ve practiced to position your vehicle correctly. Maintain control of the vehicle with a slow and steady pace, using controlled movements and remember to check your blind spots as well as your mirrors to anticipate any potential problems. This manoeuver is really only one achieve by plenty of practise in different scenarios before your test!