The Most Common Practical Driving Test Faults

The practical driving test presents several difficulties. Not only do you need to apply everything that you have learned during your lessons, but you also need to pull it all together in a pressure-filled window that makes it much easier to make mistakes.

Preparation is key if you are to find success. Even so, many people end up failing the test due to mistakes. Here we are going to look at some of the most common blunders that trip people up during their practical driving tests.

Inappropriate Speeds

The most common source of faults is speed. You should always be aware of how fast you should be travelling compared to how fast you actually are travelling. This also works both ways. Naturally, you should not exceed the speed limit in any area that you drive in. However, it is also considered dangerous driving to drive too slowly. Doing the latter affects other road users and could cause accidents if other drivers aren’t expecting your reduction in speed.

Junction Observation

No matter how clear a junction may appear, you should always conduct your observations before pulling out. Make clear head movements to show that you are looking both ways and checking your mirrors as you pull out. Observations are also not enough. You will be judged on the decisions you make based on your observations. Make a poor decision and you will be at fault.

Turn in the Road

What is often seen as the simplest driving test manoeuvre is also one that causes more fails than you would expect. The key here is to not get too cocky. Yes, the turn in the road may be simple. However, that doesn’t give you licence to execute it poorly. Conduct your observations and use your clutch to keep the car under control. Failure to do so shows that you aren’t doing the manoeuvre with safety in mind.

Not Checking Blind Spots

Whenever you pull away you need to check your blind spot before putting the car in motion. You should be taught this the very first time you drive, but many forget during the test. This is particularly important when reversing around a corner. Your examiner will specifically look for you to check the blind spot at the correct point during the manoeuvre and failure to do so could lead to a fail.

Poor Indicator Use

Failing to use your indicators in a way that keeps other road users informed of your intentions is often grounds for failure. Obviously, not using them at all will cause the most issues. However, you will also be marked down for using them inappropriately. For example, using an indicator too early as you approach a turn or junction forces other road users to try to figure out what you’re doing.

Poor Lane Control

Examiners will observe your control over the car at every point. If you fail to keep the car I the correct lane or allow it to veer you will fail your driving test. This is particularly difficult on test routes that contain a lot of roundabouts. You need to make sure the car stays in the correct lane at all times.