Top 10 Driving Test Faults (Updated) – Unique Insights from PASSFAN
When it comes to passing your driving test, being aware of the common faults can make all the difference. At PASSFAN, we’ve seen it all, and we want to help you avoid these errors! Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 driving test faults, complete with real-life examples and expert tips on how to avoid them.
1. Not Making Effective Observations at Junctions
What You Need to Do:Always make effective observations before entering a new road. Failing to judge the speed of approaching traffic or checking properly can result in serious faults.
Examples of Common Mistakes:
Misjudging the speed of an approaching vehicle:
You check for traffic but fail to accurately judge the speed of an oncoming car, forcing the vehicle to brake sharply.
Entering a roundabout with traffic approaching from the right:
You fail to give way at a roundabout when there’s a vehicle on your right, causing the other driver to slow down suddenly.
No observation when joining a dual carriageway:
You merge onto a dual carriageway without checking for oncoming traffic, causing another vehicle to change lanes or slow down.
Top Tip from PASSFAN:Always approach junctions and roundabouts slowly, giving yourself enough time to assess the situation fully. Ensure you check both directions before pulling out—better to wait a few extra seconds than to risk causing a fault.
2. Not Using Mirrors Correctly When Changing Direction
What You Need to Do:You must always use your mirrors before signalling, changing lanes, or adjusting your speed. Failing to check your mirrors properly can lead to dangerous situations.
Examples of Common Mistakes:
Not using mirrors when exiting a roundabout:
You exit a roundabout from the right-hand lane but fail to check your left mirror, cutting off another car behind you.
Changing lanes on a dual carriageway without mirror checks:
You try to change lanes without checking your mirrors, causing a vehicle in the next lane to brake suddenly.
Top Tip from PASSFAN:Make checking your mirrors a habit! Regularly check all mirrors when driving and always before changing speed or direction to avoid surprises.
3. Not Moving Off Safely
What You Need to Do:Before moving off, whether from the side of the road or behind a parked vehicle, you must check your mirrors and blind spots. This ensures it’s safe to proceed.
Examples of Common Mistakes:
Moving off into the path of an approaching vehicle:
You check your mirrors but fail to spot an oncoming car, forcing it to slow down to avoid you.
Repeatedly moving off with no blind spot checks:
Throughout your test, you move off without checking your blind spots, putting yourself and others at risk.
Top Tip from PASSFAN:Always check both mirrors and blind spots before moving off. Practise this habit until it becomes second nature, especially when driving in busy areas.
4. Incorrect Positioning When Turning Right at Junctions
What You Need to Do:Position your car correctly when turning right at junctions or roundabouts. Staying too far left or ignoring road markings can confuse other road users.
Examples of Common Mistakes:
Positioning in the left-hand lane when turning right at a roundabout:
You mistakenly position in the left lane when intending to turn right, confusing other drivers and forcing an unsafe lane change.
Blocking traffic when waiting to turn right:
You position too far left while waiting to turn right, blocking the flow of traffic that could have passed safely on your left.
Top Tip from PASSFAN:Position your vehicle close to the centre of the road when turning right. Follow road markings and signage to ensure you’re in the correct lane.
5. Not Responding Appropriately to Traffic Lights
What You Need to Do:React correctly to traffic lights, whether stopping for red or moving off on green. Hesitating or reacting too late can lead to serious faults.
Examples of Common Mistakes:
Stopping beyond the advanced stop line for cyclists:
You stop too far forward at a junction, encroaching into the area reserved for cyclists.
Not progressing when it’s safe to turn right at a junction:
You hesitate unnecessarily when it’s safe to turn right, blocking traffic behind you.
Top Tip from PASSFAN:Anticipate traffic light changes and be ready to act. Be sure to stop behind the advanced stop lines and practise navigating different types of junctions to build confidence.
What You Need to Do:Steer smoothly and at the right time. Steering too early or too late can result in hitting the kerb or swerving into another lane.
Examples of Common Mistakes:
Understeering when turning left at a junction:
You don’t steer enough while turning left, forcing your car into the opposite lane.
Steering too late around parked vehicles:
You fail to steer out early enough when approaching parked cars, getting too close to them and risking a collision.
Top Tip from PASSFAN:Practise steering in different situations and at varying speeds. Smooth, controlled steering is key to staying safe and avoiding faults during your test.
7. Not Responding Correctly to Traffic Signs
What You Need to Do:You must understand and respond correctly to all traffic signs. Misinterpreting or ignoring signs can lead to dangerous situations and result in serious faults.
Examples of Common Mistakes:
Going to the wrong side of a ‘keep left’ sign:
You go to the right of a ‘keep left’ sign, putting yourself on the wrong side of the road.
Ignoring a ‘stop’ or ‘no entry’ sign:
You fail to stop completely at a ‘stop’ sign or ignore a ‘no entry’ sign, driving into a one-way street with oncoming traffic.
Driving in a bus lane during restricted hours:
You miss a sign indicating restricted bus lane hours and drive in it when it’s reserved for buses only.
Choosing the wrong lane at a roundabout with clear signage:
You approach a roundabout with signs clearly indicating which lane to use but enter the wrong lane, causing confusion and potentially dangerous lane changes.
Failing to act promptly when speed limits change:
You either:
Fail to reduce your speed in time after entering a lower speed zone.
Speed up too early before entering a higher speed zone.
Enter a lower speed zone too fast, leading to heavy braking.
Top Tip from PASSFAN:Always be alert to traffic signs and adjust your driving accordingly. Plan ahead for speed limit changes by gradually adjusting your speed, rather than rushing it. Practise navigating signage in a variety of road settings to ensure you’re fully prepared.
8. Not Responding Correctly to Road Markings
What You Need to Do:Follow all road markings, such as lane dividers, directional arrows, and box junctions. Failing to follow them can lead to serious faults.
Examples of Common Mistakes:
Entering a box junction without a clear exit:
You stop inside a box junction when the road ahead is blocked, obstructing traffic.
Crossing a solid white line unnecessarily:
You cross a solid white line on a bend, increasing the risk of a head-on collision with oncoming traffic.
Top Tip from PASSFAN:Keep a close eye on road markings and make sure to follow them. Practise handling different junctions and road layouts to ensure you’re confident about following markings correctly.
9. Poor Positioning on the Road During Normal Driving
What You Need to Do:Position your car correctly in your lane, staying centred and changing lanes only when necessary.
Examples of Common Mistakes:
Driving too close to the kerb:
You repeatedly drive too close to the kerb, risking mounting it and endangering pedestrians.
Staying in the right lane on a dual carriageway without overtaking:
You remain in the right lane for too long without overtaking, frustrating other drivers.
Top Tip from PASSFAN:Stay centred in your lane and only change lanes when necessary. On dual carriageways, avoid staying in the right lane unless overtaking and move back to the left when safe.
10. Not Driving at a Safe and Reasonable Speed
What You Need to Do:Drive at a speed that’s appropriate for the road conditions, traffic, and speed limits. Driving too fast or too slow can both lead to serious faults.
Examples of Common Mistakes:
Exceeding the speed limit in a reduced zone:
You fail to slow down when entering a lower speed zone, continuing at a higher speed for too long.
Driving too fast in poor weather conditions:
You drive at the speed limit in heavy rain or fog without adjusting for the poor visibility and road conditions.
Top Tip from PASSFAN:Always pay attention to speed limits and adjust your speed according to road and weather conditions. Practise driving in various environments to become more comfortable with changing speeds as needed.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared and Stay Focused
By understanding and avoiding these common driving test faults, you’ll give yourself the best chance of success. At PASSFAN, we make sure our learners are fully equipped to handle these challenges and pass their tests with confidence.
Book a lesson with PASSFAN today and take the first step towards passing your driving test!
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