Top 5 UK Driving Test Fails – and How to Avoid Them!

1. Observation at junctions

Failing to take effective observation at junctions or rushing to get out will not go down well with your examiner.

You must approach each junction with care and be fully prepared to stop. However, there is a fine balancing act to master as you must also avoid undue hesitancy. Be sure to plan well ahead by starting to look early.

Scrutinise the road – look in all directions. Check for cyclists, motorbikes and pedestrians crossing your path.

Your view may be obstructed by parked cars, trees or bushes so lean forward in your seat to look past obstructions. Only pull out when you are 100% sure it’s safe to go.

2. Reverse parking

Reversing too quickly without effective observation is a sure recipe for a driving test fail.

The examiner is looking for a high level of control and accuracy, so keep your car moving very slowly. Check your mirrors and turn your head to check your blind spots.

You need to be looking out for small children or animals that may be behind your car, whilst also keeping an eye on traffic movements all around you. Be prepared to pause to take a good look around your car.

If other road users are trying to get past you, be patient and wait to let them pass in safety.

You should aim to park with your car parallel to the kerb, not too close – and not too far away either! If you do touch the kerb, stop and take effective observation. Once you’re ready, move forward to adjust your position.

Remember – if you make a mistake, the driving test examiner will want you to keep calm and carry on.

4. Moving away safely

Creating a bad first impression can end your test early!

Here are some common errors that will lead to a driving test fail:

• Forgetting to check what’s in front or behind you
• Poor balancing of clutch and accelerator
• Not signalling your intentions

Pulling away is one of the first things you’ll do in the test, so make sure you do it right. Start by calmly thinking your way through it – and be sure to check that blind spot with a turn of your head.

You will be asked several times during your driving test to pull up in a safe place. Sometimes this will be on a busy street and sometimes on a hill.

During your driving lessons, make sure you practice moving off safely. You should only move off when you are confident you won’t force other vehicles to change their course or speed.

5. Use of signals

How many times do you see other drivers using their signals incorrectly?

It happens all too often, so let’s make sure you get it right:

• Always use your signals in good time
• Use them correctly to signal your intentions to others
• Avoid giving confusing signals

Here are some common examples of driving test fails related to signalling:

• Not signalling before pulling up on the left when there is traffic close behind you
• Leaving a left signal on whilst driving past a side road
• Flashing or waving pedestrians to cross the road when it is not safe
• Repeatedly forgetting to signal before exiting a roundabout
• Signalling to pass every parked car