Top 5 Myths Busted About the Driving Test
By Blind Spot DriveBlog
Top 5 Myths Busted About the Driving Test
Taking your driving test is one of those big milestones in life. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and often surrounded by a sea of misinformation. Many learners go into their test with unnecessary stress, partly due to the myths that float around about the exam. Let’s clear the air and bust some of the most common misconceptions that could be weighing on your mind.
Outline
- Introduction
- Myth 1: Hitting the Kerb Means Instant Failure
- Explanation of minor vs. major faults
- Common situations where this myth applies
- Myth 2: Wearing Sunglasses Isn’t Allowed
- Sunglasses during a test: What the law says
- Impact of weather on driving ability
- Myth 3: Examiners Have a Pass/Fail Quota
- The origins of this myth
- How the examiners actually assess candidates
- Myth 4: You Can Only Have 14 Minor Faults to Pass
- Clarification of the fault system
- How many faults you can really have and still pass
- Myth 5: You Don’t Have to Drive Independently
- Introduction of independent driving in 2010
- Current guidelines: 20 minutes of independent driving
- Other Myths to Watch Out For
- Can supervisors be over the drink limit?
- Can you fail for driving too slowly?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Myth 1: Hitting the Kerb Means Instant Failure
It’s easy to believe that touching the kerb during your driving test spells instant doom. This is a myth that even seasoned drivers think is true. According to research by the AA, around 72% of learners either believe or aren’t sure about this. But here’s the good news: lightly touching the kerb won’t lead to an automatic fail.
Minor vs. Major Faults
During your driving test, faults are categorized as minor or major. If you bump the kerb while maneuvering, this could be classified as a minor fault, depending on the severity. Minor faults are allowed (up to 15) as long as they don’t compromise safety. However, mounting the kerb entirely or losing control of the car might be considered a major fault, which could lead to failure.
When This Myth Matters
This myth tends to cause anxiety, especially during the parking or reversing portions of the test. While you should aim to avoid hitting the kerb, a minor touch isn’t the end of the world. Keep your cool and focus on correcting your mistake.
Myth 2: Wearing Sunglasses Isn’t Allowed
Another myth that has been making the rounds is that you can’t wear sunglasses during your driving test. Surprisingly, 76% of 18-24-year-olds aren’t sure or believe this to be true. The reality? You absolutely can wear sunglasses!
Sunglasses During the Test
As long as the tint on your sunglasses is graded between 0 and 3, you’re in the clear. This means most common sunglasses will be perfectly acceptable during your test, especially if you’re driving in bright sunlight. In fact, not wearing sunglasses when it’s glaringly sunny could impair your driving, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Weather Conditions Matter
Bright sunlight can be just as dangerous as driving in the rain. If you’re struggling to see clearly, that could affect your ability to respond to hazards on the road. Sunglasses improve visibility and reaction time, which is crucial during a driving test.
Myth 3: Examiners Have a Pass/Fail Quota
There’s a persistent belief that driving examiners follow a quota system, meaning they have to fail a certain number of candidates every day. While 64% of young drivers have either heard or believe this myth, it’s simply not true.
Origins of This Myth
This myth likely comes from the frustration of failing, especially when someone believes they did everything right. The idea that examiners have a hidden agenda makes it easier to explain why some people pass while others fail. But driving tests are not subject to quotas.
How Examiners Actually Assess
Examiners are professionals. They assess each candidate based on their performance on the day of the test. There are no external influences dictating whether they should pass or fail someone. If you demonstrate safe driving skills, you’ll pass, regardless of how many people have passed earlier that day.
Myth 4: You Can Only Have 14 Minor Faults to Pass
Many learners panic when they think they’re nearing the 14 minor fault threshold, believing that they’ll fail if they go over. According to the AA’s research, 88% of drivers either didn’t know or believed this myth was true.
Fault System Clarified
During your test, you are allowed up to 15 minor faults. However, you must have no major faults (also known as serious or dangerous faults) to pass. Minor faults are for less significant errors, while major faults typically involve compromising safety.
How Many Faults Can You Really Have?
You can pass your driving test with 15 minor faults, but 16 or more will result in a fail. More importantly, a major fault, such as dangerous driving or failing to follow road rules, will lead to failure regardless of the number of minor faults you accumulate.
Myth 5: You Don’t Have to Drive Independently
Some learners are confused about the independent driving part of the test. A whopping 73% of drivers didn’t know or thought it was false that you have to drive independently for 20 minutes. This myth stems from older guidelines.
Introduction of Independent Driving
Independent driving was introduced to the UK driving test in 2010, originally for 10 minutes. However, since 2017, it has been extended to 20 minutes. During this part of the test, you’ll either follow road signs or a satnav to navigate without step-by-step instructions from the examiner.
Why This Matters
The independent driving portion tests your ability to make decisions without guidance. It’s a critical part of the test, as it demonstrates your readiness to drive on your own after passing.
Other Myths to Watch Out For
Can Supervisors Be Over the Drink Limit?
This might be the most shocking myth: some believe that the person supervising a learner can be over the drink drive limit. Thankfully, this is not true. The supervisor must be sober and fit to take control of the vehicle if necessary.
Can You Fail for Driving Too Slowly?
While driving too fast is a clear danger, excessively slow driving can also cause issues. If you’re driving significantly below the speed limit without reason, it could be seen as hesitation or poor judgment, leading to minor or even major faults.
Conclusion
Debunking these driving test myths can help ease some of the unnecessary stress and confusion surrounding the test. Remember, your examiner is there to assess your driving skills and ensure you’re safe on the road, not to trick you or fail you based on falsehoods. Stay informed, ask your instructor any questions you might have, and focus on becoming a safe and confident driver.
FAQs
- Can I fail my driving test for stalling?
Stalling the car once or twice is usually a minor fault. However, if it happens frequently or in a dangerous situation, it could lead to a major fault. - Do driving examiners try to trick you?
No, examiners are professionals who assess your driving based on safety and competence, not tricks or surprises. - What happens if I make a wrong turn during independent driving?
Don’t worry! As long as it’s safe, you won’t be penalized for going the wrong way. Just listen to the examiner’s instructions and follow the rules of the road. - How soon can I retake my driving test if I fail?
In the UK, you can retake your driving test after 10 working days if you fail the first time. - What is considered a major fault?
A major fault is something that poses a risk to safety, such as running a red light, failing to yield, or causing a dangerous situation.Image by bobtheskater from Pixabay.
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