If you have ever failed any test, you will know what a harrowing experience it is. A driving test is no different – failing can be challenging and knock your confidence, especially if you’ve failed several times. Hearing you failed your driving test is a big letdown, especially when you know you’ve put in hours of hard work. Most of the time, it comes down to nerves and making basic errors you haven’t made during lessons for a long time. The key to passing your test lies in preparation and avoiding minor faults. It is best to practise as much as possible, read up on the common driving test mistakes and learn from this particular attempt to ace the next one.
In this post, we discuss the common mistakes on driving tests you could make. We’ll also provide a list of the top reasons people fail their driving test and examples so you know what to look out for.
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), not observing junctions properly and not using their mirrors effectively are the top reasons learners fail the driving test in the UK. The driving test pass rate was only 47.1% in the first quarter of 2022. Many people who failed their tests made at least one of the mistakes explained in this post.
Junction Observations
According to records from the DVSA, drivers not observing junctions were responsible for 37% of all reported accidents in the UK. This is a serious fault; the examiner usually pays close attention to how well you handle junctions and demonstrate critical observation skills. There are a few things to observe at a junction that could affect your driving test with common mistakes.
- Failing to judge the speed of an approaching vehicle: This is when you turn from a minor road and fail to consider the speed of the approaching vehicle. And move off, forcing the vehicle to slow significantly.
- Entering a roundabout with a vehicle approaching from the right: When you get to a roundabout and a vehicle is approaching from the right and keep driving and entering the roundabout, that is a mistake.
- Going straight ahead at a crossroads: This mistake occurs when you approach an intersection and cross without making any observations to the right or left.
Approaching a junction can feel like one of the most stressful parts of driving tests, and it is bound to make you nervous. So get plenty of practice approaching different junctions as this crucial skill ensures you feel confident.
Not Using Mirrors When Changing Directions
As mentioned above, not using mirrors effectively is one of the most common reasons people fail their driving test. It has consistently been among the top three most common driving mistakes most learners make. When you use your mirrors correctly, your driving is smoother and safer. But not using them correctly is a prevalent mistake that can lead to a failed driving test.
Maintaining awareness of your surroundings will help you anticipate potential hazards, making you a much safer driver. You must demonstrate these abilities to your examiner during your test.
Usual errors that the examiner will look for include failing to check mirrors before turning, changing lanes, or when overtaking another vehicle. Most learners miss checking the mirrors because of complacency or stress during the test.
Not Checking Road Markings And Responding Accordingly To Them
Another reason for common driving test fails is if you don’t demonstrate that you understand and react appropriately to traffic signs and various road markings during your test. These include road lines and lane markings, stop and give-way lines at intersections, pedestrian crossings, and road parking markings. One of the driver faults that the driving test examiners watch out for is if the driver crosses or straddles a double solid white line and other designated markings.
Taking notice of road markings even when aren’t driving is a good way to stay in the habit of paying attention tot hem. If you are unsure how to respond to the markings during normal driving, make a note to ask your driving instructor. Being comfortable with all the various road markings will help you react faster to hazards, prevent serious or dangerous fault, and help prevent some of the common driving test faults.
Driving Too Slowly
Driving is more than merely using the mirror; observing junctions and using the correct speed when notified plays an essential role in safe driving. Appropriate speed use is more than just staying under the speed limit while driving, but also judging what is suitable, as per the traffic around you, other drivers, the weather, or an approaching junction.
Driving too slow is as dangerous as driving fast and can be the cause of an accident. Driving too slowly also indicates to the examiner that you need to be made aware of the speed limit, which could lead to you failing the test, so press the pedal if you are too slow, but keep an eye on the upper-speed limit too.
Letting Your Nerves Take The Wheel
One of the easiest ways to fail your driving test is by letting nervousness get the better of you. This can lead to poor decision-making, lack of concentration, and questionable driving. It is essential to stay calm and composed throughout the test. If it helps, take a few deep breaths before you start your test and focus on the examiner’s instructions and the road. The examiner will look for cues to see if you are letting your nerves take the wheel and drive you to failure.
Not Responding Appropriately To Traffic Lights
This error is tied to the previous one – since the nerves usually get you wired up, and you miss the traffic signal. The examiner will look to see if you stop at the appropriate place for red lights, what you do when it switches to amber, and how you drive off once it turns green.
You could be penalised for sailing through a red light or setting off before green light – when it was not time or ready.
Forgetting Your Turn Signals
Many drivers make the common mistake on driving tests of failing to use their turn signal, indicating a turn during their driving test. Turn signals are necessary to communicate with other drivers and pedestrians and prevent accidents. Use your turn signals well before turning or changing lanes to avoid making this mistake. Before signalling, check your mirrors and the blind spots and only indicate the turn when it is safe to do so. Another tiny detail the examiner will look for is whether you cancel the signal once you’ve turned.
Changing Lanes In An Intersection
Another common mistake learners make during a driving test is changing lanes at an intersection. This is a potentially dangerous manoeuvre if not executed correctly. To avoid this mistake, check your mirrors and blind spots before entering the intersection. If you have to change lanes, wait until you’ve exited the intersection before doing so, and remember to use your turn signals when switching lanes and signal at the right time to indicate your shift.
Following too closely
The Highway Code recommends a minimum two-second gap between vehicles. This is to avoid tailgating – another common mistake drivers make during their tests. Drivers who follow too closely do not leave enough space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them, resulting in accidents if the vehicle in front brakes or slows down suddenly.
Not Being Aware of Changes To The Speed Limit
One of the most top driving faults drivers make during a Uk driving test is not being aware of changes to the speed limit. Speed limits can change unexpectedly, especially in urban areas – it is important to pay attention to road signs and speed limits, as those not being alert will fail their driving test.
Not Keeping Both Hands On The Wheel
Another crucial detail the examiner looks at during a driving test is the position of your hands on the steering wheel. Most drivers overlook this and fail to keep both their hands on the steering wheel, resulting in poor steering control and a higher chance of an accident. You can avoid this mistake during your test and other times by always keeping both hands on the steering wheel. This improves reaction time in the event of an emergency.
Turning Right From The Left Lane
It is important not to rush when turning right at intersections – while it may seem to be an easy manoeuvre, turning right at intersections necessitates a great deal of thought. It would help if you also positioned your vehicle correctly to alert other road users that you are turning to right hand lane. This requires good observational skills and is something examiners during driving tests look for.
Moving Off In The Wrong Gear
This common mistake occurs when the driver is starting from a stationary position, such as at traffic lights or a junction. Moving off in the wrong gear is one of the serious faults and can result in the driver failing a driving test and can lead to a cut in the score. The driving instructors Birmingham assess the driver’s ability to move off safely, and the mistake will indicate that learner drivers are not fully in control of the vehicle.
Not Stopping At Stop Signs
The stop sign is a red octagon with the word STOP – when approaching a stop sign, a driver must come to a complete stop before proceeding. Failure to do so can lead to a dangerous situation where the driver cannot see oncoming traffic. To avoid this, pay close attention to traffic signs and signals, come to a complete stop when approaching an advanced stop line, and look both ways for oncoming vehicle before proceeding.
Not Understanding Clutch Control At Junctions
Most new drivers struggle with clutch control initially and end up with jerky movements. To avoid this error, practise clutch control before taking the driving test. A driver is expected to slow down as they approach a junction and prepare to turn or merge with traffic. Clutch control at intersections is essential because it allows the driver to control the vehicle’s speed and movement and drive safely.
Not Having Proper Control Of The Steering
Practising proper steering control during your automatic driving lessons is an excellent way to ensure that you maintain adequate steering control during your driving test. Maintaining vehicle control is easier if you keep your hands in the 10 and 2 positions. The push-pull or shuffle steering technique, in which one hand pulls down the steering wheel while the other pushes up the steering wheel, is also a safer alternative and avoids incorrect positioning of the hands.