Common Reasons for Failing the Driving Test (and How to Avoid Them)

DVSA regularly publishes the most common reasons for failing the car driving test. The list barely changes year to year, which means most fails are avoidable with the right habits.

Observation at junctions

Not looking effectively, or looking but pulling out into an unsafe gap. Fix: slow down early, look right, left and right again, and only go when you're sure it's safe. "Peep and creep" where vision is limited.

Using mirrors when changing direction

Not checking mirrors before signalling, turning or changing lanes. Fix: make mirror checks part of every routine (Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre) until it's automatic.

Control when moving off

Moving off without proper checks, including blind spots, or rolling back. Fix: all-round observation every time you set off, including from the side of the road.

Response to traffic signals

Not reacting correctly to lights, signs, or road markings. Fix: scan well ahead and plan, especially on approach to traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.

Positioning and lane discipline

Poor positioning on normal roads, at junctions and on roundabouts. Fix: read lane markings early. See our roundabouts guide.

How faults work

• Driving fault: not dangerous, but could become so if repeated. You can have up to 15.
• Serious fault: something potentially dangerous. One means a fail.
• Dangerous fault: actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property. One means a fail.

The best preparation is a realistic mock test. It shows which of these habits still need work before it costs you a test fee.