They say being forewarned is forearmed – so use this list of top reasons for failing the driving test to ensure you pass with flying colours.
Many of us have experienced that sinking feeling when we fail our test – 53% of us in fact according to the latest official pass/fail rates from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency. To fend off the risk of a failure then, discover the key reasons for driving test foul-ups according to both the DVSA and driving instructors:
1. Parking PerilReverse parking strikes fear into the hearts of many a qualified driver so it’s understandable that it’s one of the most dreaded parts of the test for learners.
Common faults include hitting the kerb and not properly checking the environment around you. The key here is to take it slow, checking your mirrors properly and looking round to ensure all blind spots are covered. If you do find yourself getting in a bind with positioning, take a breath before calmly correcting the situation.
2. Mirror BlindThe use of mirrors impacts on every aspect of driving – but learners are still not using them enough.
From changing speed and direction to moving off, mirrors remain king and using them consistently and appropriately shows the examiner you understand their importance to safe driving. After all, motoring isn’t simply about focusing on the road ahead – it’s also about knowing what’s going on all around you.
“The mirror and signals, that’s the first thing that goes out the window, next thing that goes is speed and approach. [Learners] come up to junctions a little too fast, they brake a little too hard.”
– John King, PASS driving school in Kent, speaking to comparethemarket
*3. Right Foot, Wrong Speed *Too fast? Too slow? Maintaining an appropriate speed is essential to driving test success.
Excessive use of the accelerator resulting in speeding is, of course, going to land any learner with a fail (and potentially a fine too if flashed by a speed camera!), but there are risks for those going too slow as well. After all, examiners expect you to drive at a speed that is suitable for the road and if you’re unable to, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence plus a possible danger to other road users.
4. Steering SlipsYou would hope that after hours and hours of training that most of us would have our steering sorted – but according to the DVSA, that’s sadly not the case.
The list of crimes against steering is surprisingly long; from steering wheel use – letting the wheel self-centre by itself – to being unable to maintain road positioning and clipping kerbs. If you’re still struggling with steering, book more lessons until you’ve nailed it.
**5. Jinxed at Junctions?**It’s the number one reason for learners failing their test – a lack of observation at junctions.
Learners often neglect to make the right checks when arriving at a junction. Instead of taking time to properly check for cars, motorcyclists (and distracted pedestrians), they rush the procedure, pulling out when they shouldn’t. Be sure to approach the junction at a slow speed, don’t force another vehicle to change direction or speed as you pull out and at stop signs, well, stop – after all, they’re there for a very good reason.
“Usually, mistakes are made with observational things: [the learner’s] mind is taken up with control of the car, and so they don’t see things, they don’t check around the car before moving.”
– Nick Smith, Gold Driving Academy in Dorset, speaking to comparethemarket
The 5 Most Bizarre Reasons for Failing the Driving Test
According to a RED Driving School survey, the top weirdest reasons given by learners for failing their test were:
- Queuing behind parked cars for seven minutes (before being told to drive round them by an exasperated examiner)
- Driving on the wrong side of the road (and blaming it on a recent French holiday)
- Being distracted by a good looking motorcyclist (and having to perform an emergency stop to avoid hitting them)
- Bumping into a pedestrian on a zebra crossing (thankfully, the pedestrian was fine!)
- Overdosing on energy drinks before the test (resulting in ‘twitching’ during the test).
Image © Srgpicker