Failing your driving test can be frustrating – especially if you’ve been practising for ages.
We discuss some of the most common reasons people fail their driving test, so you can hopefully avoid them.
Driving test fails
There are lots of different reasons people fail their driving tests.
There are officially three types of faults:
- Dangerous faults – this is when there’s actual danger to you, the examiner or the public
- Serious faults – these are potentially dangerous faults
- Driving faults – these aren’t necessarily dangerous faults but if you keep making them, they could become serious
Dangerous and serious faults are often known as ‘majors’, while driving faults are often known as ‘minors’.
How many minors does it take to fail a driving test?
You’ll fail your driving test if you have more than 15 driving faults (minors).
How many majors does it take to fail a driving test?
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to pass your driving test if you make even one serious or dangerous fault (a ‘major’).
Most common driving test fails
These are the top 10 most common reasons people fail their driving test.
Poor observation at junctions
Before you pull out at a junction, you must observe properly and make sure it’s safe. Swinging out without looking is very dangerous.
Failing to check mirrors when changing direction
Make sure you’re checking the mirrors carefully before you signal or change direction.
Incorrect positioning on the road during normal driving
The road markings are there for a reason!
It’s important that you keep the car in the marked lanes and only change lanes when you need to.
Incorrect positioning to turn right at junctions
Often, people are too far back when preparing to turn right or are too far forward.
Both are dangerous because you don’t have proper visibility.
You need to make sure you’re as close to the turning and it’s safe to turn.
Not having proper control of the steering wheel
Don’t be too rash with how you steer the car. Make sure you’re in complete control and drive as smoothly as possible.
Not reading road markings
For instance, you don’t follow the direction arrows, straddle two different lanes or ignore a box junction.
All these things usually mean a fail, so keep an eye on the road markings and respond to them correctly.
Moving off unsafely
If you’re moving off from the side of the road, a hill, or behind a parked car, you need to make sure you observe properly first.
Don’t swing out without looking!
Driving at an unsafe speed
You must stay within the speed limit and react quickly if there’s a change.
Speeding and driving too slowly can result in a fail.
Not responding appropriately to traffic signs
For instance, ignoring a stop sign or driving in a bus lane.
You need to make sure you can read and respond to all traffic signs.
Not responding appropriately to traffic lights
For instance, trying to drive through a red light or on the other hand, not going when the light is green.
You need to pay close attention to traffic lights and make sure you react quickly.
I failed my driving test – now what?
If you fail your driving test, you need to dust yourself off and get back to it as soon as possible.
- Get back behind the wheel – we know it’s a blow to your confidence but try to get back to driving ASAP so you don’t lose your skills. Check out our comprehensive guide on learning to drive.
- Book another test – booking another test straight away can give you something to work towards and depending on waiting lists, it could be a little while anyway.
- Practise, practise, practise – speak to your driving instructor and they can help you focus on the areas you need to improve.
Can you appeal a driving test fail?
Yes, there are some instances where you can dispute your driving test result.
This might be because you think the examiner hasn't followed the regulations or has discriminated against you.
Even if you’re successful, you won't automatically be given a pass certificate. You'll still have to retake your test, but you could get back any out-of-pocket expenses if they rule in your favour.
For instance, the cost of rebooking your test, or the use of your instructor’s car.
Read the DVSA guide on the complaints procedure.
When can I rebook my driving test after a fail?
You’ll need to wait 10 days before you can sit your test again.
But with waiting lists, it’ll usually be longer than that before you can sit it again anyway, so book it in as soon as possible.
Why do I keep failing my driving test?
There are lots of common reasons people fail their tests.
If you keep making the same mistakes in every test, it might be a sign that you’re not practising enough in between tests or not focusing on the area you’re struggling with.
Speak to your instructor and let them know the areas you need to improve on. Make sure you’re concentrating on that issue.
Also, you might be an anxious driver, as some people are. This can make taking your driving test more intense and intimidating, and you might make mistakes because of nerves.
Be open with your instructor and your driving test examiner, as they’ll likely have experience with anxious drivers and can support you.
