Top 10 Official Reasons Why Learners Fail Their Driving Test

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Top 10 Official Reasons Why Learners Fail Their Driving Test

Of course, passing the practical test is considered one big milestone for any learner driver in the UK. Unfortunately, quite a number of people fail at their first attempt to take the practical test because of some common mistakes. Helping learner drivers prepare well, the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency has compiled a list of the top 10 reasons why people fail in driving tests. Knowing these common pitfalls can help you avoid them and raise your chances of success.

Anything that reduces the number of mistakes you make on a driving test can save you time, money, and frustration given that waiting lists for driving tests can now stretch up to five months. In the rest of this article we take an in-depth look at each of these top 10 reasons and what you can do to improve in these areas.

1. Not Making Effective Observations at Junctions

Probably the most common cause of test failure is not making adequate observations at junctions. This may be coupled with failure to check the speed of approaching vehicles or ineffective or insufficient checking when entering the junction.

Examples of Common Faults:

Failure to make a proper judgement of the speed of an approaching vehicle leading to hazardous decisions in consequence. Not making any observation or mere cursory glance.Practice making early observations whenever approaching a junction. Look in all directions to decide whether it is safe to continue.
Practice with your instructor forming a habit of consistent and effective observations at all junctions, including blind spots.

2. Inadequate Use of Mirrors When Changing Direction

The checking of the mirrors should be on each lane change, roundabout exit, or simple turn. Because if he or she doesn’t do that, then in case of a vehicle in immediate proximity, it will be dangerous for the driver. Common mistakes with examples: Not looking at the mirrors while trying to come out of a roundabout. Trying to change lanes on a roundabout without checking the presence of vehicles next to them. Improvement Tips:

Practice “mirror-signal-manoeuvre” with your instructor and build up a habit of going through the routine every time you’re preparing to change direction.
Always use all your mirrors, including side mirrors and rear-view mirrors before changing lanes or turning.

3. Inadequate Steering Control

Steering is an important factor to be ensured for the safety of the vehicle. Most of the learners get nervous while driving for the first time and may lose grip on the steering and vice-versa.

Some of the common faults:

• Not steering enough in order to negotiate around a bend.
• Continuously bumping onto the curb while attempting to pull up on the side of the road.

Improvement Tips:

• Conduct practice with your instructor in terms of steering on quiet roads to help build your confidence.
• Practice smooth steering, and conducting effective correction without overcorrection.

4. Failure to Properly Position on Right-Hand Turns Going into Junctions

The second most frequent cause of failure for tests relates to improper positioning when making a right turn. It is crucial to learn how to position your vehicle so that you do not obstruct other drivers or be the cause of confusion.

Some examples of common faults:

• Not waiting right behind the kerb, obstructing the flow of traffic.
• Being too far to the left when needing to turn right at the end of the road.

Improvement Tips:

The positioning needs practicing and must be practiced with your instructor, especially at different types of junctions.
You will also need to always match your vehicle’s alignment to the turn well in advance.

5. Not Moving Off Safely

It would be safer to move away if the rear and blind areas are checked to clear the road. In not doing so, this will surely attribute to test failure.

Common faults:

Not checking the blind spots when moving away from the side of the road.

Not making rear observations moving off after an emergency stop.

Improvement Tips:

Get yourself in to a routine of checking the mirrors and blind spots before you move away.
Practice moving off under various conditions so that these checks become second nature.

6. Inadequate Response to Traffic Lights

This area is particularly crucial: you must show that you can respond quickly and appropriately to traffic lights. Failing to do this can be hazardous and result in failure.

Some of the Common Mistakes:

• You do not stop on the red light.
• Going on the green light if junction is not clear; this may create a hazard.

Points for Improvement:

Practice with your instructor how to improve reaction times to traffic lights
Always assess a junction, even when you have right of way and be prepared to take a wait if necessary

7. Bad Road Positioning During Normal Driving

A correct and safe road position is considered a foundational but pivotal skill, poor positioning can create an unsafe situation and confuse other road users.

Examples of common faults include:

Driving in the right-hand lane of a dual carriageway if there is no reason to do so.
Driving too close to the kerb or veering across towards the centre line.
Improvement Tips:

Practice staying centred with your instructor and learn to judge lane position correctly.
Make sure you are aware of your road position in relation to road surface markings and take action, if necessary to correct .

8. Failure to Take Correct Action at Traffic Signs

Not obeying or misjudging traffic signs is fraught with danger and is one of the most common areas wherein applicants fail. Be constantly alert and obey all signs; they are there to let you know something or to give instructions.

Examples of Common Mistakes:

Passing on the incorrect side of a “keep left” sign.

Driving into a bus lane without seeing the restriction sign.

Tips for Improvement:

Spend some time studying the common traffic signs and what they mean.
Practice during lessons to observe signs and act on them promptly.

9. Failure to Control Vehicle When Moving Off

From the aspect of vehicle control again, moving off is quite fundamental as well. Failure to control the vehicle when moving off causes things such as stalling or rolling backwards, dangerous indeed.

Common examples of faults:

You continually stall when attempting to move off.
You attempt to move off without selecting a gear and promptly roll backwards.
Improvement Tips:

Practice moving off on an uphill start with your instructor.
Focus on a very smooth use of the clutch and accelerator to avoid stalling.

10. Loss of Control of the Vehicle Whilst Reversing

A number of candidates blow on reverse parking manoeuvres. Failing to maintain control when reversing is the most frequent reasons applicants fail a driving test, particularly those applicants who simply have not put in enough practice.

Common faults noticed:

Ending with wheels on the pavement when trying to parallel park
Losings control when trying to park in a bay
Tips for Improvement:

Practice reverse parking in different scenarios to gain confidence.
Go slow during the test and focus on making accurate adjustments.

Why Are These Basic Mistakes So Common?

Most of these mistakes come down to nerves and a lack of preparation. Many learners have much test anxiety and may forget to do basic things that they would normally do correctly. Other learners simply may not have enough practice and may be particularly weak in specific problems.

Following are some tips that will help overcome the test-day nerves and thereby better prepare for them:

Nerves: Practice mindfulness or deep breathing to manage your stress. A few deep breaths before starting the test can calm the nerves.

Preparation: Ask your instructor to keep a score of your performance in regard to items like junctions, mirror checks, and road positioning. Conserve your effort on areas where you feel least confident.

Practice mock tests: These are mock driving tests you go through with your instructor, trying to make conditions as realistic as possible. In this way, you get used to the format and pace of the test.

Record-keeping: Keep a record of areas where you need improvement both with your instructor and in cases where you practice with family or friends. This enables you to address weak spots systematically.

Theory Review: Refresh your memory on the rules of the road and traffic signs, so you’re prepared for anything unexpected that might arise on test day.

Final Words: Preparation is Key
The driving test requires a lot of preparation to make sure that you tackle it confidently. Being aware of these top 10 reasons why learners fail their driving test means you’re one step closer to being well-versed in your weaknesses and will give you a better chance of passing.

It’s these things that will make a difference between success on the first try and waiting another three or four months for a retest. So, listen closely to your instructor, practice regularly, and take the test confident of your preparation.

Best of luck on your driving journey! Remember that every hour you put into learning counts for an hour earned toward becoming a safer and more confident driver.

Main image by Pexels