it’s not just the serious or dangerous mistakes you need to worry about. If you add up 15 minor faults, or make the same one three times, you’ll fail your test.
which mistakes do learners make the most?
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the top 10 reasons for failing a driving test are:
1.Not making effective observations at junctions
Failing to judge the speed of approaching traffic, only checking in one direction, or going straight ahead without realising you’re at a crossroads.
2.Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction
Whether you’re changing direction or exiting a roundabout, not checking your mirrors counts as a fault.
3.Not moving off safely
Failing to check your mirrors and look around you before moving off, particularly if you’re behind a parked vehicle, on a slope, or you’re moving from the far side of the road.
4.Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions
This includes obstructing traffic while you wait, or using the left-hand lane when you’ll be turning right at a roundabout.
5.Not responding appropriately to traffic lights
Failing to stop at a red light or to go ahead on a green.
6.Not having proper control of the steering
Poor steering or steering too late can cause you to swing out onto the wrong side of the road or mount the pavement.
7.Not responding correctly to traffic signs
Your driving theory knowledge isn’t just needed for your theory test. You need to use that knowledge in real life.
8.Not responding correctly to road markings
This will include things such as not following direction arrows on the road, straddling lanes at roundabouts or ignoring a box junction.
9.Poor positioning on the road during normal driving
Driving too close to the kerb, parked cars, or too close to the centre.
10.Not driving at a safe and reasonable speed
This includes failing to adjust your speed to the road conditions and driving over or under the speed limit.