Discover the most common driving test faults — and learn how to avoid them with practical, easy-to-follow tips from your instructor. A must-read before your big day!
Learn what goes wrong most often on the driving test – and how to get it right
Passing your driving test isn’t just about knowing the Highway Code — it’s about showing that you can drive safely, smoothly, and consistently. The DVSA has shared data on the most common reasons people fail their practical test, and most of them come down to awareness and control.
Here’s a complete guide to the 15 most common mistakes learners make, and exactly what you can do to avoid them.
1. Not Making Effective Observations at Junctions
This is the number one reason for failing a driving test. Many learners either pull out too early or hesitate when it’s safe to go. Examiners want to see that you’re aware of everything around you and that you assess the situation calmly before moving.
How to avoid it: Use the “peep and creep” method at closed junctions. Take time to look both ways and only proceed when you have a clear, safe gap.
2. Forgetting Mirror Checks
Mirrors are there for a reason — to help you make safe, informed decisions. Learners often forget to check them before turning, changing lanes, or slowing down.
How to avoid it: Follow the rule Mirror → Signal → Manoeuvre every time. Make it a habit to check your mirrors early, not last-minute.
3. Moving Off Without Proper Checks
Starting your drive safely is just as important as driving well. Many learners forget to check blind spots or signal before moving off.
How to avoid it: Before pulling away, check mirrors and blind spots, signal if needed, and move only when it’s completely clear.
4. Incorrect Positioning at Junctions
Positioning too far left or right when turning can confuse or endanger other drivers. Examiners expect smooth, accurate positioning.
How to avoid it: Plan early. Get into the correct lane before the junction and keep your car straight while waiting to turn right.
5. Not Responding Correctly to Traffic Lights or Road Signs
Another frequent cause of failure is reacting too slowly — or not at all — to signs and traffic signals.
How to avoid it: Always scan ahead. Anticipate traffic light changes and pay close attention to road signs and lane markings.
6. Poor Steering Control
Over-steering, crossing arms awkwardly, or letting go of the wheel completely are common mistakes.
How to avoid it: Keep both hands on the wheel (ideally at 9 and 3) and steer smoothly. Guide the wheel back yourself — don’t just let it spin.
7. Weak Manoeuvre Control
Parking, reversing, or bay manoeuvres make many learners nervous — and that’s when mistakes happen.
How to avoid it: Go slow and steady. Use your mirrors and check all around before reversing. Focus on precision rather than speed.
8. Poor Road Positioning
Driving too close to the kerb, drifting across lanes, or being in the wrong lane for a junction are all common test faults.
How to avoid it: Read road markings early, keep a steady position within your lane, and give parked cars or cyclists plenty of space.
9. Signalling Errors
Signalling too early, too late, or not at all can confuse other road users.
How to avoid it: Signal in good time — around three seconds before your action. Cancel indicators after completing a turn.
10. Stalling the Car
Stalling happens to almost everyone — especially in a manual car. It’s not an automatic fail unless it causes danger, but it can knock your confidence.
How to avoid it: Practise finding the biting point and using the clutch smoothly. If you stall, stay calm — handbrake on, neutral, restart safely.
11. Following Too Closely
Driving too close to the vehicle in front (tailgating) is a serious safety issue and one of the most common minor faults.
How to avoid it: Maintain at least a two-second gap between you and the car ahead, or four seconds in wet weather.
12. Coasting in Neutral or with the Clutch Down
“Coasting” means driving with the clutch pressed or in neutral, which reduces your control and braking power.
How to avoid it: Stay in gear until you’re nearly stopped. Let the engine assist you in slowing down.
13. Ignoring Road Markings
Missing arrows, stop lines, or lane directions can cause confusion and unsafe actions.
How to avoid it: Keep scanning the road ahead and the surface markings. Read them early so you can position correctly in advance.
14. Driving Too Fast — or Too Slow
Both speeding and excessive caution can lead to faults. Examiners want to see confidence that matches the road and conditions.
How to avoid it: Drive at a safe, appropriate speed for the area. Match the flow of traffic without rushing or holding others up.
15. Lack of Awareness and Forward Planning
Most faults ultimately come down to one thing — not looking far enough ahead or anticipating what could happen next.
How to avoid it: Keep your eyes moving, read the road ahead, and expect the unexpected. Anticipate hazards before they appear.
Final Thoughts
Every learner makes mistakes — that’s part of the process. What matters is that you understand why they happen and how to correct them.
With regular practice, calm confidence, and strong observation habits, you’ll turn these common faults into strengths — and be well on your way to passing your driving test.
