Top Reasons for Failing the UK Driving Test

 In the UK, the pass rate on the driving test is less than 50%. Many of these fails could be avoided with better, more effective training. Here, we illustrate the top reasons that people fail their test, in the hope that more people will understand what they have to do to pass.

1. Observations at junctions. Too many learners think a quick glance at a junction or roundabout is sufficient. In reality, it is better to look up earlier, give yourself more time to assess the situation and decide what you are going to do.
2. Reverse parking. This can be done either on the road or in the car park. The usual problems are either a lack of accuracy or insufficient/ineffective observations.
3. Use of mirrors. The Mirrors-Signal-Manoeuvre routine is very important whilst driving. On test, pupils often fail to implement the correct routine or, alternatively, they look at their mirrors but do not act on what they see.
4. Reversing around a corner. Similar to the reverse park, problems include mounting the kerb, ending up on the incorrect side of the road or failing to see other road users.
5. Incorrect use of signals. Common mistakes are failing to signal at the correct time, or leaving the signal on after it is necessary and therefore causing confusion.
6. Moving away safely. The emphasis being on safely! Mirrors and blindspots need to be checked before moving off to avoid any problems.
7. Incorrect positioning on the road. This could be at junctions, roundabouts, even just normal road position. An incorrect position can be very misleading which is why it is so important.
8. Lack of steering control - either steering too much too early, or too little too late!
9. Incorrect positioning to turn right either at roundabouts, junctions or especially on one-way streets.
10. Inappropriate speed. Many learners are too hesitant or slow when the opportunity is there to make progress. This in turn holds up other traffic which can be frustrating or dangerous.

See here if you are looking to learn to drive safely, or if you are looking to become a driving instructor.