Taking a driving test is an important milestone in any driver’s life. It can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right preparation and practice, you can pass your driving test with flying colors! Knowing what the most common faults are during a driving test will help you prepare for success and avoid making any costly mistakes.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the most common faults that occur during a driving test, as well as tips on how to avoid them. We’ll also discuss how taking driving lessons from an experienced instructor can help you become more confident on the road and pass your test with ease. With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be ready to hit the road and start enjoying your newfound freedom!
What is a driving test fault?
A driving test fault is what it says, an error that you make during your driving test where the examiner decides that your driving abilities to do meet the required standards. Errors range from minor to major faults.
A dangerous or serious fault often called a major error will results in you instantly failing your driving test. A dangerous fault is making an error while driving that another road use must act to avoid. A serious fault is an error that could have caused an accident.
Minor errors or driving faults are different and you will not fail for a single minor, however, if you commit the same type of minor driving fault multiple times your examiner may class this as a serious fault, resulting in a fail. You can make up to 15 minor faults without failing.
Top tip – Make sure you are making enough observations to avoid any mistakes. Utilise your mirrors and if you are not sure about something check again! Only proceed where it is safe to do so.
On your driving test try not to get too worried about driving test faults. People often think they have made a mistake but have then been pleasantly surprised to pass. So carry on!
What are the most common driving test faults?
Some of the common faults are lack of observations at junctions, problems with control during manoeuvres, positioning, moving off safely, lack of observations and checking mirrors, and problems with turning right at junctions.
Your manoeuvres do not need to be perfect, the examiner is looking for good control and observations. You will only fail based on a manoeuvre if your observations or the level of control are enough to merit a serious fault.
Do you fail your driving test if you stall?
Stalling is not a fail, as long as it does not cause a problem for other drivers and you follow the correct procedure to restart the car. It really depends on the situation at the time.
In summary
Try not to let nerves affect your test, remember your driving instructor will only put you forward for your test if they are confident in your driving skills. Believe in yourself, remember your observations, check your mirrors, and put into practice what you have learned. By the time you take your practical driving test, you will have practiced with your instructor so that good practice will be second nature and most of these faults will not occur.