Learning to drive is a rite of passage for many people in the UK. It’s a skill that can open up a world of possibilities, from being able to explore the countryside to being able to take on more job opportunities. However, learning to drive can be a daunting task, and unfortunately, not everyone passes their driving test first time. In this blog post, we’ll be looking at the top 10 reasons why people fail their driving test in the UK.
1. Poor observation and not using your mirrors when changing direction.
One of the most common reasons why people fail their driving test is poor observation. This includes failing to check mirrors and blind spots before manoeuvres or not checking for other vehicles / road users when pulling away from a stationary position or emerging out of junctions. It’s important to make sure you are constantly checking your surroundings when driving and that you are aware of any potential hazards at all times.
2. Lack of vehicle control.
Another common reason why people fail their driving test is lack of control over the vehicle. This could include stalling the car too often or not being able to keep it in a straight line when reversing or turning corners. It’s important to practice as much as possible before taking your test so that you are comfortable with how the car handles and can control it effectively during your test.
3. Use of signals.
Indicating correctly is an essential part of safe driving and something that examiners will be looking out for during your test. Failing to indicate correctly or at all can lead to an automatic fail, so it’s important to make sure you are using your signals correctly at all times while on the road.
4. Not following The Highway Code - Response to road signs and traffic markings.
Following the rules of the road is essential for safe driving and something that examiners will be looking out for during your test. Failing to follow rules such as speed limits or giving way at junctions can lead to an automatic fail, so it’s important that you know and understand the Highway Code before taking your test.
5. Use of speed - PROGRESS and HESITATING.
Driving examiners will assess your use of speed in two simple ways: Are you driving too fast (use of speed) or are you going to slow (not making progress). Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding especially if you are driving on fast road networks at a speed that is much slower than prevailing traffic. Driving too quickly can also lead to an automatic fail on your driving test, so it’s important that you maintain a steady speed throughout your journey and adjust it accordingly depending on the environment you drive in, the road conditions and traffic levels.
6. Unsafe manoeuvers - Reversing.
The UK driving test has reversing manoeuvres included within. These are all linked to parking either on the road or in a car park. You are required to demonstrate three essential aspects of control, observation and accuracy. Unsafe manoeuvers can include not checking around the car before and during the reverse exercise, touching or mounting the pavements when parking at the roadside or losing control of the car during the exercise to the point where you finish either too far from the kerbside, not within a designated bay or fail to complete the exercise within a set required distance / time. There are no three point turns, reverse around corners in the current UK driving test.
7. Not being prepared for the test.
Being unprepared for your driving test is another common reason why people fail their tests in the UK . This could include not having enough practice beforehand or not knowing what documents you need for the practical part of the exam . It’s important that you do plenty of research beforehand and make sure you have everything ready before taking your actual exam. Here is useful link issued by the DVSA to help you assess if you are ready to pass.
8. Not listening to the examiner's instructions.
You will be required to drive for some distance independently during your test by either following a pre set route on a sat nav / GPS unit or a series of physical roadsigns / verbal instructions. The examiners know that you will be nervous and they fully understand that this is a big event in your life. They are human too and they will help you if you ask for directional guidance or clarification of the route instructions - so don't be afraid to ask if you are unsure. However it’s important that you listen carefully to any instructions given by the examiner and follow them accordingly. Failing to do so could result in an automatic fail if you contravene road signs, markings etc as a result of not listening to the specific instruction so make sure you pay attention throughout your entire journey.
9. Poor positioning on the road.
Positioning yourself correctly on the road is essential for safe driving, but unfortunately, many people struggle with this during their tests. This could include straddling lanes or positioning yourself too close or too far away from other vehicles , both of which could result in an automatic fail if done incorrectly. Make sure you practice positioning yourself correctly before taking your actual exam.
10. Nerves and lack of confidence.
Finally, nerves and a lack of confidence are two common reasons why people fail their tests in the UK. Getting as much driving practice in as you can before taking your test is probably the real 'practical' way to boost your confidence in driving. Talking your self around the route (commentating) is also effective as it makes you concentrate on the road and not the butterflies in your tummy ! Singing along with the radio / tunes or a playlist can also help people focus. Exercising before your test to clear your head of the everyday life stuff is also effective. Taking deep breaths before starting off on each section of the route journey can help calm nerves. Here is a useful link to a service that Greer's Gears use to help our learners.
Learning how to drive can be a daunting task but with enough practice and preparation , anyone can pass their driving test first time round ! By understanding some of these common mistakes made by drivers during their tests , hopefully this blog post has helped give some insight into what needs improving upon when preparing for a practical exam !