As you can see, the most common ways to fail a driving test are pretty basic errors and they're easily avoidable.
The tips below don't just relate to the top ten reasons for failing but they will help you become a safer, more skilful driver in lots of different ways.
There's one more thing you can do that will boost your chances of passing your driving test first time - practice in-between driving lessons. People who drive with parents or partners in-between their driving lessons are 1.4 times more likely to pass that people who only have driving lessons.1
Observation at junctions. It’s no use driving up to a give way line, stopping and then assessing the road. If possible, you need to be looking at the traffic in both directions at least 5 seconds before you reach the give way, if not sooner. If everything is clear, you can simply slow down a little and pull straight out. This shows the examiner that you can drive smoothly and read the road ahead appropriately. If the junction is partially obscured and you can’t see the road, then stopping might be your only option. There’s nothing wrong with this, as long as you don’t wait too long at the junction and hold other people up. Move out as soon as a suitable gap in the traffic appears; hesitancy will count against you.
Reversing parking. Full details on all the reversing manoeuvers (including parallel parking, bay parking and stopping on the right) can be found here.
Misuse of mirrors. This is a common failing in learner drivers, usually because all your concentration is on what’s happening in front of you, with little left over for what might be going on behind. However, you always need to know what's behind you in case you need to slow down suddenly. If you need to brake sharply, it’s best to know if there’s anyone behind you who’s likely to run into the back of you, especially if it's a big lorry that takes a long time to stop! So look in your rear view mirror occasionally (and always whenever you approach a hazard), and use your side mirrors before you overtake or change your position in the road. More info here.
Poor steering. You won’t be failed for crossing your hands on the steering wheel but you have less control on your steering when this happens. It’s best to get into the habit of using the push-pull technique, even if it is a bit awkward, because you keep the control even around sharp corners. Furthermore, you shouldn't take your hands from the wheel for any longer than necessary. So driving with one hand on the gear stick isn’t an option.
Incorrect use of signals. Every learner does it: takes a turning, or an exit on a roundabout, and expects the indicator to self-cancel (you’re even taught to leave it to self-cancel)... and then it doesn’t. Before you know it, you’ve lured everyone behind you into thinking you’re taking a small side street to your left, and they’re mildly annoyed to find you’re actually not. A good way to avoid this is to nudge the indicator back into the middle (neutral) position as you realign the steering wheel.
As for Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre, the name says it all. Check your mirror and only then, if it is SAFE to move out, can you signal your intention to move. Don’t whack your indicator on and expect someone to let you out – it’s arrogant and will probably lead to a serious driving fault.
Poor speed control. It really is worth your life to stick to the speed limit – or, at least, someone else’s life. Speed limits are there for a reason, and yes, there are times when we’re in a rush or it’s simply not practical to stick to the limit. But a driving examiner needs to know that you can stick to the limit, and that you can tell when a limit has changed and act appropriately (it’s surprising how many people fail to notice the big red and white signs with huge numbers on, but they do).
It’s also important you don’t go too slowly. This turns you into a hazard for other cars rather than reducing the chance of you encountering hazards yourself, and is also excruciating to behold. This holds especially true at junctions. Yes, it might be a busy road, but that doesn’t mean you can wait ten minutes for a gap big enough to fit you and the fifteen cars waiting behind you. If you see an opportunity that’s safe, go for it. Don’t get bogged down in being too careful. That way madness lies...
Moving away safely. When moving off, the POM method should always be used. When moving off on a hill ALWAYS use the handbrake unless your car is fitted with hill start assist and you know how to use it. Wait until there’s a big enough gap between you and any approaching vehicles before moving off. Remember that you will be moving off slowly and approaching vehicles could be coming up the hill fast. Take careful observations before moving off - don't rush - and remember that objects in your rear view mirror may be closer than they appear to be. Delay your gear changes as oyu drive up the hill.
Right turns. If you indicate to turn right and stop in the middle of your lane while you're waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic you'll block the road for people behind you who may wish to carry straight on. If the oncoming traffic flow is particularly heavy this could mean you’re keeping them waiting for a long time.
Also, don’t forget to check your right mirror before you turn. Someone might have flashed to let you go, but they might not have seen the motorcyclist coming up on your right and if you don’t check your mirrors, you won’t see them either.
What happens if you don't see the motorcyclist next to you before you turn (video)
Positioning (normal driving)
The examiner is checking to see that you are positioning the car appropriately within the width of the road as you are driving along. In particular the examiner is checking to see that you:
- Keep your car in the centre of the left hand side of the road unless the road is particularly wide in which case keep to the left about a metre from the kerb
- Adjust your position as necessary so that you can safely deal with hazards ahead and behind
- Avoid moving in and out between parked cars unnecessarily
- Position yourself in the correct lane early and avoid unnecessary lane changes
- Keep to the middle of any lane markings if possible
- Only use the right hand lane or lanes on a dual carriageway for overtaking or turning right unless road markings or signs indicate otherwise.
If all this makes you a bit nervous. here’s a last little fact. The current national pass rate for driving tests is only 43%, with most learners needing to take their test 2-3 times before passing - so if the worst comes to the worst and you fail, be comforted in the knowledge that you’re still in the majority. Work hard, listen to your driving instructor and you'll do it next time!
References
1. DVSA, Helping Parents Understand the Learning to Drive Process, [December 2023]
- Safe Driving for Life, An Examiner's Tale, January 8, 2015
- DVSA, The Top Ten Reasons for Failing a Driving Test, 2024
- Learner Driver Centres Ltd, Road Positioning and Lane Discipline
- ibid, Reverse Parking
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