Top 10 Causes For Failing The Practical Driving Test

In this blog we will explain the top 10 reasons people fail the practical driving test in Great Britain, below are some examples of the types of mistakes people make.

41.7% was the pass rate between January and March 2022

The driving test pass rate was 47.1% between January and March 2022. Many people who failed their test made at least one of the mistakes:

1.Not making effective observations at junctions:

• You must make effective observations before moving into a new road
• Make sure it is safe before proceeding

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Junctions – Observations’ fault on your driving test result.

2. Not using mirrors correctly when changing directions:

• Make full and effective use of mirrors
• Check the mirrors carefully before signalling, changing direction or changing speed
• Use the mirror – signal- manoeuvre routine effectively

some examples:

• Not using mirrors when exiting a roundabout
• Not checking mirrors when on a dual carriageway

Any mistakes you make in this area when changing direction will be counted under the ‘Mirrors – Change direction’ fault on your driving test result.

3. Not having proper control of the steering:

• You must be able to steer the car as smoothly as possible and at the right time.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Control – Steering’ fault on your driving test result.

4.Incorrect positioning when turning right at a junction:

• You must be able to position the car as close to the center of the road as is safe.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Junctions – Turning right’ fault on your driving test result.

5. Not moving off safely:

You must be able to move off safely while making the correct observations:

• On a slope or hill (gradient)
• From the side of the road
• From behind a parked vehicle, so you have to move off at an angle

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Moving off – Safety’ fault on your driving test result.

6. Not responding appropriately to traffic lights correctly:

• You must take notice and respond correctly to traffic lights

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Response to signs – Traffic lights’ fault on your driving test result.

7. Poor positioning on the road during normal driving:

• position the car correctly for your intended route
• position the car in the middle of marked lanes
• only change lanes when necessary

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Positioning – Normal driving’ fault on your driving test result.

8. Not corresponding correctly to traffic signs:

• You must be able to understand and be able to react to all traffic signs

Any mistakes you make in this area will show as ‘Response to signals – Traffic signs’ in your result.

9. Not having control of the vehicle when moving off:

• You must be able to move off under control, including on a slope or hill (gradient), from behind a parked vehicle and at junctions.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Move off – Control’ fault on your driving test result.

10. Not keeping control of the vehicle during reverse parking:

• You must be able to parallel park at the side of the road
• You must be able reverse to park in a parking bay