Common Driving Test Mistakes

Common mistakes made during the driving test can be easily avoided, so be sure to practice driving enough that you will not make them. Listed below are ten examples of the common driving test mistakes made during a driving test.

Observations at junctions

This is one of the main reasons a lot of people fail, and it is usually because you’re feeling panicked about getting out of the junction quickly before you make a mistake.  Check both directions, take the time to plan what you’re about to do and what you will do after that.

Moving off safely

Not checking behind you, let alone in front, poor balancing of clutch and accelerator, and not signalling your intentions; these are the things that constitute a fail here. Pulling away is one of the first things you’ll do in the test, so do it right by calmly thinking your way through it – and checking that blind spot with a turn of your head.

Use of mirrors

Another reason for failure is not checking mirrors when changing direction, changing speed, and before signaling. Check your mirrors and over your shoulder when you should, and don’t forget to check for any traffic you need to give way to. This includes checking both left and right before you drive over a railway crossing.

Reverse parking (Pass Your Driving Test - Reverse Parking)

Response to traffic lights

Example of faults: not going when you have a filter arrow or not reacting correctly to an amber traffic light.

Steering

You will need to steer at the correct time for the speed you are driving at with enough steering to maintain control and road position. The tighter the turn then the slower the speed, with the correct gear selected. Hitting the kerb can also be marked as a steering fault.

Road positioning (Practical Driving Test Tips - Road Positioning)

Turning right at junctions (Turning Right at a Junction - Driving Test Tips)

Control when moving off (Learners Guide - Moving Off and Stopping)

Response to road signs

Road markings are a traffic sign in the form and design of a marking on the surface of the road. You must see and react correctly to all road signs and markings.