Most Common Driving Test Fails – Avoid These Mistakes!

Your driving test fails is a major milestone, but it can also be extremely nerve-racking. The date of a driving test is a time that can make many of us feel nervous, and even the best drivers can make an error which will ultimately fail the test. The reasons for failure vary from driver to driver, but the most common causes of failure are not having enough practice, not knowing the road rules and failing to get the basics right.

Common Driving Test Fails

In this post, we’re going to be covering the most common driving test fails and how to avoid them. Whether it’s your first driving test or you’re retaking it, these nuggets will help you to know what examiners are looking for and ensure you’re driving at the right level. When equipped with the proper knowledge, passing your test is not only possible but inevitable.

At Learn and Drive UK, our goal is to ensure that all of our learners are safe and confident drivers. The most common driving test fails and how to avoid them!

1. Poor Observation at Junctions

One of the most common reasons for failing is a lack of adequate observations and awareness at and around junctions. This means no check mirrors, no check blind spot, or not yielding when necessary.

• Why it’s Important:

Intersections are among the most dangerous aspects of driving. For your own safety and the safety of others, it’s imperative to be aware of the road ahead, to glance in the mirrors and over the shoulder to check the blind spots and to ensure no oncoming traffic.

• How to Avoid This Mistake:
• Be sure to look in your mirrors to see what’s behind you before turning.
• When you turn, be sure to look over your shoulder to view all your ‘blind spots’ before you start.
• Employ the MSM routine (Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre) whenever you’re coming up to any junction.
• Endeavour to yield to pedestrians and other road users when necessary.
• Practice these frequently during your lessons so you get a really good feel for where junctions are, which should help you to avoid this common error on your test.

2. Non-Use or Misuse of Turn Signals

Not signalling at all or signalling too late is also a top reason for driving test failures. Failure to indicate can confuse other road users and be hazardous.

• Why it’s Important:

Flashing is one of the most significant forms of communication among drivers that allows you to inform others about the gestures you are going to make, so they can act accordingly. Omitting it can create confusion, while using it too late might cause misinterpretation, sometimes provoking accidents.

• How to Avoid This Mistake:

1. Signal in advance and in a way that makes your intentions clear. Signal well in advance of a lane change or turn.
2. Don’t forget to turn off your signal after you’ve finished the move, because you’ll end up confusing other drivers.
3. Practice Check: Practice signalling while you drive and make a mental note to consciously remember to do it behind the wheel.
4. Remember that signalling is important for safety, and it’s part of your driving test!

3. Inadequate Control of the Vehicle

A lack of car control, such as continual stalling, bad gear changes, or an overall lack of a smooth drive, could result in a fail.

• Why it’s Important:

The examiner wants to see that you can drive the car safely and smoothly without slamming the brakes or stalling. It is critical to maintain control of the car at all times for the safety of the road.

• How to Avoid This Mistake:

Get used to operating the clutch and changing gear in various situations so that you know what to do for smooth operation, even in heavy traffic.

Concentrate on smooth, jerk-free acceleration and braking, and anything that mimics a sudden stop.

If you’re getting nervous, just breathe deep and concentrate on moving slowly with purpose.

Get to know the controls so that you can operate them without looking, not only when you’re stopping and starting, but also when merging into traffic.

4. Not Giving Way to Pedestrians

Not yielding to pedestrians crossing streets is another big one. Pedestrian crossings are also failing points for driving tests, and should be approached not too fast and giving way to pedestrians when necessary.

• Why it’s Important:

Crosswalks are a safety feature intended to safeguard pedestrians, and failing to yield to them may place their lives at stake and lead to catastrophic results.

• How to Avoid This Mistake:

1. At crosswalks, always look for pedestrians, even if they are standing still.
2. If people are walking across the road, etc., then reduce your speed in order for them to cross in a safe manner, and then go on your way.
3. And always remember, you must come to a complete stop for any pedestrian on a regular crosswalk, even if they haven’t yet entered.
4. It’s a key component of making it through your test and, of course, being a good driver in the real world once you’re on the UK’s roads.

5. Incorrect Positioning on the Road

Misplacement too close to the curb, on the wrong track or without keeping in good distance from other traffic is a common cause of failing the test.

• Why it’s Important:

25 people, including 12 students, confirmed dead in Siberia plane crash, said, it’s good to try to put yourself in a good position while driving safely and being safe for other drivers on the road, so there are as few accidents as possible. It also aids manoeuvring, things like turning and overtaking.

• How to Avoid This Mistake:

1. Just remain centred in your lane and keep a following distance, and you will be good.
2. When you’re turning, ensure you are in the right lane, and it’s always good to prep in advance so that you do not make a last-minute lane change.
3. Keep checking on the position of other road users using your mirrors at all times.
4. By getting good at positioning yourself in all kinds of driving situations, you’ll always be in the right position with the car and on course.

6. Ignorance of Signposts and Signages

The other cause for the unsuccessful test is not knowing or understanding the road signs and road markings. Failure to observe or a misunderstanding of these can get you into a mishap and an unsatisfactory test.

• Why it’s Important:

Road signs and marks are the most significant elements to manage traffic circulation and keep the roads safe. Failing to heed or misinterpreting those and errors can arise where you miss turns, travel in bus lanes or attempt illegal manoeuvres.

• How to Avoid This Mistake:

1. Know your way around diverse road signs and markings before your exam.
2. Between professional lessons, do some driving while concentrating on reading signs and markings on the road.
3. Watch speed limit and warning signs, as well as direction arrows, especially at junctions and roundabouts.
4. Accurate knowledge of road signs and markings is a must not only to pass your test, but to be a safe driver throughout your lifetime.

7. Failing to Check Blind Spots

Not checking your blind spot before a lane change or merge. Are you kidding me? This is probably one of the top reasons people fail!

• Why it’s Important:

It is critical that you check for vehicles and cyclists behind you so there are no surprises when you slow or swerve down the road.

• How to Avoid This Mistake:

1. Before you do any manoeuvre, check your mirrors, but always turn your head to check those blind spots.
2. Take extra care when overtaking on dual carriageways or motorways as other vehicles can suddenly loom up in your blind spot.
3. Regular and thorough blind spot checks will keep you from making silly mistakes, and you’ll pass the driving test fails with flying colours.

Conclusion

By knowing what these common mistakes driving test fails are and how to avoid them, you’re going to be a lot more likely to pass your driving test with ease. The secret is practice, staying aware and making sure you’re always following the rules of the road.

Learn and Drive UK, driving lessons by Learn and Drive UK. We provide great driving lessons in and around Learn and Drive UK. You are provided with unique and unrivalled methods, meaning after your driving course, you will be ready to take on your drive. Our dedicated teachers offer personalised lessons especially designed for you to fit in with your situation and prepare you for the exam, teaching you the necessary skills so you pass the test on the first go.

See our website  WWW.Learnanddrive.UK, for more tips, resources, and to book a driving lesson with us.