Passing your driving test is a huge milestone. However, many learners fail not because they cannot drive, but because of avoidable mistakes.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) analysed 1.6 million UK practical driving tests between March 2022 and March 2023. As a result, they revealed the 10 most common mistakes learners make during the test.
👉 Remember: you are allowed up to 15 minor faults. Nevertheless, if a fault is considered serious or dangerous, you will fail instantly.
So, let’s go through the top 10 mistakes, why they happen, and more importantly — how you can avoid them.
Firstly, the most common fault happens at junctions. Learners often fail to make proper observations before entering or crossing. This is usually caused by nerves, rushing, or assuming the road is clear.
Examples include:
To avoid it:
Secondly, another common issue is forgetting to check mirrors when changing direction. This often happens because learners feel pressured and focus only on the road ahead.
Mistakes may include:
To avoid it:
Thirdly, many learners struggle with moving off safely. Although it seems basic, under exam pressure people forget blind spots or stall.
For example:
To avoid it:
Turning right causes problems because it requires correct positioning and judgment of speed.
For instance:
To avoid it:
Another frequent mistake is poor steering. This usually happens because learners look too close to the car instead of further ahead.
Examples include:
To avoid it:
Many learners panic when approaching traffic lights. Consequently, they make unsafe decisions.
Examples include:
To avoid it:
In addition, ignoring or misinterpreting traffic signs is very common. Stress often distracts learners from noticing signs.
Mistakes may include:
To avoid it:
Another problem area is positioning. Learners may drift or choose the wrong lane.
For example:
To avoid it:
Similarly, ignoring road markings creates serious faults.
Mistakes include:
To avoid it:
Finally, reversing is one of the most challenging tasks for learners. It requires precision, patience, and confidence.
Common mistakes include:
To avoid it:
To conclude, the DVSA allows up to 15 minor faults. However, even one serious or dangerous fault will fail your test.
👉 Key tips to remember:
By avoiding these 10 common mistakes, you will increase your confidence and greatly improve your chances of passing the UK driving test.
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