The Most Common Reasons People Fail Their Driving Test (and How to Avoid Them)

Most driving test failures aren't caused by one dramatic mistake. They come from a small number of faults that examiners see again and again. Know what they are, practise them deliberately, and your chances of passing first time go up dramatically.

How faults are marked

• Driving fault (minor): not dangerous on its own, but a habit could become one. You can have up to 15 and still pass.
• Serious fault: something potentially dangerous. One serious fault = fail.
• Dangerous fault: actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property. One = fail.

Repeating the same minor fault many times can also be marked as a serious fault, so watch out for habits.

The common faults that cause fails

1. Poor observation at junctions

The number one issue. Pulling out without looking properly, looking but not seeing, or misjudging the speed of approaching traffic.

Fix it: approach slowly enough to look. At closed junctions, creep and peep. Look right, left and right again — and keep looking as you emerge.

2. Not using mirrors when changing direction or speed

Signalling or turning without checking mirrors first — or checking too late.

Fix it: stick to Mirrors – Signal – Position – Speed – Look (MSPSL). Check the interior mirror and the relevant door mirror before any signal, change of lane or speed.

3. Lack of control when moving off

Rolling back on hills, stalling repeatedly, or moving off without full control.

Fix it: practise hill starts until they're automatic. In West Yorkshire, you'll get plenty of hills to practise on.

4. Not moving off safely

Pulling away from the kerb without checking the blind spot or into the path of traffic or cyclists.

Fix it: all-round observation every time you move off — mirrors and both blind spots.

5. Responding incorrectly to traffic lights

Going through on amber when you could have stopped, or not moving on green when it's safe.

Fix it: anticipate — if a green light has been on a while, be ready for it to change.

6. Poor positioning at right turns

Cutting the corner or not positioning just left of centre when turning right.

Fix it: position correctly early and turn when your front wheels reach the centre line of the road you're turning into.

7. Ignoring road markings and signs

Wrong lane on a roundabout, missing a no-entry sign, or ignoring lane arrows.

Fix it: read signs early. Our roundabout guide covers lane choice in detail.

8. Poor road positioning

Drifting too close to parked cars or wandering across lanes.

Fix it: keep about a car door's width from parked cars where possible and stay central in your lane.

9. Steering control

Crossing hands badly, over-steering or one-handed driving.

Fix it: push-pull steering, smooth inputs and both hands on the wheel unless changing gear or operating controls.

10. Losing marks in manoeuvres

Hitting the kerb, finishing outside a bay or not observing during reversing.

Fix it: observation matters as much as accuracy. Keep looking all round and stop if anyone approaches.

Test-day nerves

Nerves cause mistakes you'd never normally make. A few tips:

• Get a good night's sleep and eat before your test
• Do a warm-up drive with your instructor
• If you make a mistake, forget it and focus on the next hazard — you may not have failed
• Ask the examiner to repeat instructions if you're unsure; there's no penalty

Practise with a mock test

A full mock test, marked by your instructor like an examiner, is the best way to spot your personal habits before the real thing. It's built into every A1 Intensives course.

Want to fix your faults fast? Read what happens on an intensive driving course or contact us.

FAQs

How many minors can you get on a driving test?

Up to 15 driving faults, with no serious or dangerous faults.

What is the most common reason for failing the driving test?

Not making effective observations at junctions is consistently among the top reasons.

Can repeating a minor fault fail you?

Yes. Repeating the same minor fault can be marked as a serious fault.

Can I ask the examiner to repeat directions?

Yes. You won't be marked down for asking, and taking a wrong turn isn't a fault if you do it safely.