Every year, countless new drivers embark on a journey to obtain their driver’s license, and for many, it can be a daunting experience. Passing the driving test is a pivotal moment and an experience you will never forget, but it requires more than just basic driving skills. The UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has recently released data highlighting the top 10 faults made in car driving tests between April 2022 and March 2023. In this month’s blog, we’ll explore these common mistakes and provide valuable insights to help aspiring drivers avoid them to increase their chances of success.
1. Not Making Effective Observations at Junctions.
This has remained at number 1 in the top 10 for many years and latest figures confirm it is still the main reason to cause you to fail your driving test! So let’s take a closer look at what you might be doing which would result in this fault…
When waiting to emerge or turn you might misjudge the speed of approaching traffic causing them to slow down.
If you’re emerging you must be able to leave the junction and get up to an appropriate, safe, legal speed before any approaching traffic reaches you, and without causing them to change speed or direction because of your actions.
If you’re waiting to turn right from a main road, you must be able to cross the path of any approaching traffic without causing them to slow down.
When making these decisions, consider the speed limit of the road you’re on or wanting to join, the width of the road you’re turning into, and whether there are any emerging vehicles or hazards near the entrance. This will create less space and will effect the speed at which you can safely cross the traffic.
You might enter a roundabout when a vehicle is approaching from the right.
The key to dealing with roundabouts safely is to set your car up in good time on the approach, control your speed so you can stop safely if you need to, look early and keep looking!!!
Things change very quickly on roundabouts, so don’t make the go decision too soon, and always be prepared to change your mind and stop if necessary! Mentally divide the roundabout into quarters, and don’t enter if you have traffic already on the roundabout in the quarter to your right, or if you have traffic in the exit to your right which is about to enter.
You might not make any effective observations at all!
Just because you look doesn’t mean you see! It could be that you make a quick last second glance which is not enough for you to process what is actually there. Frequent glances on the approach, at the mouth of the junction and just before taking action is the key to effective observations. Look, Assess, Decide, Act (LADA).
You may not make effective observations when joining a dual carriageway from a slip road.
Use your mirrors to monitor the main carriageway as you travel down the slip road, your wing mirrors don’t give an accurate indication of distance due to the convex glass, so make sure you also use your centre mirror, adjust speed to fit with traffic already on the road, remember the 2 second rule to ensure you don’t get too close to other traffic, and make a final blind spot check before entering.
Going straight ahead at crossroads.
Crossroads can be tricky places… make sure you understand how to deal with them properly, take time to assess which direction other drivers might be going at the crossroads, remember to look ahead as well as left and right, try to get eye contract with the opposite driver and don’t assume anything!!!
You might look too late on approach.
Late observations at junctions will almost always result in poor decisions. Looking too late doesn’t give you time to properly process what you see. This usually results in you going when it’s not safe, or stopping when you didn’t need to, which can result in a rear end collision.
Finally you may only look right when turning left.
This is very common but why do you also need to look left? What could be happening on the left which might prevent you leaving the junction even if it’s clear to the right?
2. Not Using Mirrors Correctly When Changing Direction.
Failing to use mirrors correctly when changing direction can lead to crashes and dangerous situations. You must demonstrate effective use of mirrors every time you change speed or direction which will enhance situational awareness, promote defensive driving and help you make safe driving decisions. Let’s take a closer look at what might cause this fault…
You may not check your mirrors when exiting a roundabout.
When leaving a roundabout it’s essential to look out for any traffic which may be on your left before changing position. Take special care to look out for motorbikes, and if you’re in any doubt, also make a blind spot check. Think about when you should be checking your mirrors on a roundabout, which ones should you be using, what are you looking for and what are the likely consequences if you don’t make those all important mirror checks?
You may cause a vehicle to slow down when changing lanes on a dual carriageway.
Lane changing should be planned… Take time to assess traffic in the outside lane, look several times to decide if they are gaining on you and whether there is a safe gap. Don’t make any sudden lane changes, and give plenty of notice of your intentions, by giving properly timed signals which will not confuse or cause other drivers to slow down.
You may try to change lane on a roundabout when a vehicle is directly alongside.
When navigating the curves of a roundabout it’s more difficult to see traffic, so mirror checks are essential to ensure you are not moving into the path of another vehicle, and also do a blind spot check if necessary.
3. Not Moving Off Safely.
Moving off safely is a skill which you will start to learn on your very first lesson and yet it’s number 3 in the top 10 reasons to fail your driving test. Let’s take a deeper look on why, to help you avoid this classic mistake!…
Moving off from behind a parked vehicle into the path of an approaching vehicle.
Remember to check all around including assessing the speed and position of approaching traffic. If things change ahead after you have started moving off, it’s OK to stop again and give way to approaching traffic.
Repeatedly moving off from the side of the road with no blind spot checks.
This is a must! Just checking your mirrors is not enough, they do not give you the full picture… You must make effective observation and do not under estimate the dangers of moving away without checking for other road users lurking in your blind spot!
Moving off from the right hand side of the road causing an oncoming vehicle to slow or stop.
Constant all round observation is essential with this maneuver, look carefully for traffic before moving back to the left hand side and make sure there is a big enough gap that you will not cause others to slow down for you.
Not making any rear observations when moving off following an emergency stop.
The “emergency” stop (or controlled stop ) can carry a lot of anxiety for many people. Remember stopping the car safely and under control is only 1 part of this simulated exercise. Once the car is stopped many people feel such a sense of relief that they forget to check it’s safe before moving off again. Once the car has stopped and is secure. Try taking a deep breath to refocus, don’t rush and check all around before safely moving off.
4. Incorrect Positioning When Turning Right at Junctions.
Incorrect positioning can obstruct traffic flow and can also put you on the wrong side of the road which could result in a collision with oncoming traffic. Let’s look at the most common situations this may happen.
Positioning in the left-hand lane when turning right at a roundabout.
The “norm” for roundabouts is left lane or towards the left for going left or ahead, and right lane or towards the right for turning right. Assume the “norm” on approach, but look out for road markings or signs which may deviate from the norm, especially on large roundabouts which may have multi lane approaches. Get in lane early, and if you do find yourself in the wrong lane, go in the direction of the lane you are in. You cannot fail your driving test for going the wrong way in the correct lane, but you can fail your test for going the wrong way in the wrong lane!
Obstructing traffic when waiting to turn right.
While you should usually be left of the centre line when waiting to turn right. Make sure that you are not over the line and also consider the width of the road when positioning. If it’s a narrow road you need to ensure that you have left enough room for traffic to pass.
When you want to turn right at the end of the road, you incorrectly position to the left.
This error will typically happen in a one- way street and usually because you haven’t noticed you’re in a one way street. Whenever you turn into a new road, look for any signs as you enter the road which will give information on whether it’s a one way street, if there is a new speed limit, and any other useful information. A one way street often has repeater signs along the road to remind you, arrows painted on the ground and when you get to the end of the road there may be a “give way” sign on the left and the right, or road markings to help you position. If you are still in doubt look to see if all the parked cars in the road are facing in the same direction!…
5. Not Having Proper Control of the Steering.
Maintaining control of the steering wheel is essential for safe driving as most steering faults will ultimately result in poor road position which will inevitably result in a potentially dangerous outcome with other traffic or road users. Let’s take a look at what you might do which may be counted as a steering fault.
Not steering enough or steering late on the approach to junctions when turning left.
This will result in you swinging wide as you turn into the new road, and has the potential to position you too close to the centre of the road and dangerously close to approaching traffic.
Not steering enough when going around a bend.
As above, this will result in you being in the wrong position on the road with potential to meet oncoming traffic head on.
Steering late when turning right into a minor road.
Steering late when turning right into a minor road, will cause you to overshoot your point of turn and result in you getting too close to the pavement. This will endanger pedestrians nearby, and, as you come out of the turn you will likely “Swan Neck” into the new road ending up on the wrong side as you battle to control the over steer which occurred going into the junction.
Repeatedly mounting the pavement when pulling up on the left.
Learning to pull up safely on the left is a skill which should be frequently practiced in order to consistently stop in a safe, convenient and legal place which is parallel and reasonably close to the kerb. You will be asked to do this multiple times on your test.
Steering late when pulling out to pass parked vehicles.
Where possible start to pull out when you are approximately 2 car lengths away from the parked vehicle you are passing.
6.Not Responding Appropriately to Traffic Lights.
Failure to respond appropriately to traffic lights is not only a test fault but could also have potentially serious consequences. Let’s have a look at what could go wrong at traffic lights.
Failing to react to a red traffic light.
Always approach traffic lights with caution, consider how long they have been on green and always prepare to respond appropriately to any changes.
Stopping after the first white line when there are advanced stop lines for cyclists.
Can you consistently stop in the correct position at stop and give way lines and do you know the rules for advance stop lines for cyclists?
Not progressing when you’re waiting to turn right at a junction and it’s safe to proceed.
Understand the meaning of filter arrows and right turn arrows to avoid becoming confused in the heat of the of the moment and not knowing whether to go.
Not going ahead when a green light is showing and the junction is clear.
Keep actively looking all around the car for safety and pay attention to the lights. Try to anticipate when the lights might change by watching the flow of traffic from other directions. Waiting at a red light is not an opportunity to day dream!
Going ahead when a green light is showing but the junction is not clear.
A green light means proceed if it’s safe. Consider the traffic ahead of you…for example how many cars are ahead of you? Are they waiting to turn right and blocking your passage through the junction? If so wait behind the line until you can safely navigate the junction or you might be stranded blocking the junction.
7. Not Responding Correctly to Traffic Signs.
Traffic signs provide crucial information to drivers, and ignoring or misinterpreting them can lead to dangerous situations. Aspiring drivers must familiarize themselves with the meaning of traffic signs/ road markings, and be proactive in looking out for them especially in key places such as turning into a new road or coming into a built up area. Look out for these 5 scenarios where not noticing the signage is most common.
Going to the wrong side of a keep left sign.
Take the time to properly learn your roadsigns. Be sure to be familiar enough with all the signs that they won’t confuse when under pressure in the moment!
Ignoring a stop or no entry sign.
Actively look for signage when turning into or out of a junction. This is where you will find information on the type of junction you are approaching or the sort of road you are planning to enter. For example is the junction I am coming up to a “giveway”, “stop”, blind junction, crossroads etc. Or am I about to turn into a “no entry” by mistake, or is this a “one way street”, has the speed limit changed, is it a dead end etc. All the information is there to help you navigate the roads safely but you must be actively looking for the help or you will miss it!
Driving in a bus lane.
Driving in a bus lane during it’s operational hours can have heavy fines. Some bus lanes do not allow other vehicles at any time, and others have restrictions during certain times of the day. There are signs which give information as to when you may or may not use a bus lane. Make sure you are familiar with the timings of the ones in your area and don’t enter a bus lane without first reading the signage.
Choosing the wrong lane at a roundabout with clear signage.
On the approach to roundabouts, be clear on the exit you need and look early for signage, either on roadsigns which may advise which lane for your direction, or any markings on the road which will help you choose the correct lane. Do not make any changes to position without first checking it’s safe.
Acting late or not at all to speed limit changes.
Knowing where speed limit changes are likely to occur will help you actively look for signs to avoid missing them. Where might you expect to see changes to speed limits? Coming into a town or village? At the end of a dual carriageway? Approaching or leaving a roundabout? Entering a new road? What have I missed? Where else can you think of?
8.Poor Positioning on the Road During Normal Driving.
Proper road positioning ensures smooth traffic flow and minimizes conflicts with other drivers. Candidates should strive to stay centered within their lane on a normal width road and avoid hugging the curb or drifting towards the centerline. Let’s look at this fault in more detail….
You might repeatedly drive too close to the kerb or centre of the road.
If you have a tendancy to do this how far ahead are you looking? It will be difficult to hold a correct position if you are looking just over the end of the bonnet. Raise your gaze and look well ahead at where you want to be on the road as the car will follow your eyes. If you are looking at the centre line or the pavement then that will be where you steer. On many roads you can see a dark patch running down the centre where the tarmac is not so worn from car tyres. Try sitting yourself towards the right of the dark patch for good road position.
You might unnecessarily drive in the right hand lane of a dual carriageway.
What should be your normal driving position on a dual carriageway and when is it permissible to be in the right hand lane? Overtaking? Moving over to allow traffic on the slip road to safely merge? When planning to turn right? Can you think of any other occassions?
Cutting across the normal road position when going ahead at roundabouts with no lane markings.
Follow the curve of the roundabout even when going ahead and there are no lane markings. Lane discipline on roundabouts is essential to avoid drifting into other traffic.
9. Not Responding Correctly to Road Markings.
Road markings convey essential information to drivers. Paying close attention to road markings and reacting accordingly will help you avoid this fault. Let’s take a look at how this fault might happen…
Not Following Direction Arrows on the Road.
Actively look for arrows and get in lane early.
Straddling lanes on a roundabout.
Practice lane discipline, focus on staying centred in your lane and be aware of traffic around you.
Crossing double white lines where the line nearer to you is solid.
Highway code rule number 129 states that “You MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph“.
Ignoring a box junction.
Always actively look for road markings to help you safely navigate junctions and to ensure you don’t miss anything such as box junctions painted on the road. Bear in mind some road markings can be faded and harder to see. Know the rules for box junctions and make sure you understand what they actually mean, especially in relation to turning right when there is oncoming traffic.
Not following road markings at a mini roundabout.
The arrows painted around the edge of a mini roundabout are there to help you navigate “around “ the roundabout. Unless you are in a large vehicle it is not permissible to drive over the top of a mini roundabout. So aim your car in the direction of, and towards the painted arrows to avoid your wheels touching the roundabout as you go around.
10. Not Keeping Control of the Vehicle During Reverse Parking.
Reverse parking requires coordination and spatial awareness. Failing to maintain control of the vehicle during this maneuver can result in test failure. Practicing reverse parking in different scenarios will boost confidence and skill.
Wheels ending up on the pavement at the end of a parallel park.
This fault can sometimes happen by not accounting for road camber which can make the car unexpectedly pick up speed causing you to touch or mount the kerb. Consider the camber of the road before starting and keep close to the brake to control speed! If there is a dropped kerb you also may not notice your wheels are on so be aware of this!
Too many attempts to reposition when parking.
In my experience most examiners are fairly patient during the maneuvers, but there is a limit to how long they can allow you to keep repositioning! To avoid this fault, make sure you practice how to make corrections as no-one parks perfectly every time and correcting your parking is a real life skill you should know.
Losing control of the car when parking in a bay.
Make a note before starting of any gradients which may cause the car to pick up speed, and remember slow walking pace using good clutch control is what you are after to enable time for you to make constant checks for safety.
Ending up parking outside of the bay.
This will definitely be a fail if you leave the car outside the lines. However, you can re adjust position so make sure you have practiced making safe corrections.
Becoming a proficient, safe, and responsible driver requires dedication, practice, and an understanding of the most common driving test faults. By familiarizing yourself with the top 10 driving test faults and incorporating these practical tips into your learning process, you can increase your chances of success on the driving test. Remember, learning to drive is not just about passing the test; it’s about developing lifelong safe driving habits that will keep both the driver and other road users safe on the roads. So, buckle up, follow the rules, drive responsibly and you’ll be celebrating that pass in no time!
Here are those 10 faults again as a quick reference…
Julie Hazell Driver Education 