DVSA top ten reasons drivers fail their driving test

Hopeful motorists are being encouraged to take a look at the list to make sure they don’t fall foul of the common pitfalls.

The DVSA says: “You need to be a good driver to pass the driving test.

“If you regularly make any of the mistakes explained in this guide during your driving lessons or private practice, you’re not ready to take your driving test.

“Use the examples with your driving instructor and supervising driver to help identify any areas where you still need to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding.”

These are the top ten reasons drivers fail their driving test in the UK.

1. Not making effective observations at junctions

Drivers must make sure they are always making effective observations before moving into a new road to make sure that it is safe to proceed.

Any mistakes made by not making effective observations will be counted as faults during their driving test.

2. Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction

You must always make full and effective use of all the mirrors, check the mirrors carefully before signalling, changing direction or changing speed, and use the ‘mirror - signal - manoeuvre’ routine effectively.

Any mistakes you make in this area when changing direction will be counted under the ‘Mirrors - Change direction’ fault on your driving test result.

3. Not moving off safely

Drivers must be able to move off safely while making the correct observations from the side of the road, on a slope or hill (gradient) and from behind a parked vehicle, so they have to move off at an angle.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Moving off - Safety’ fault on your driving test result.

4. Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions

You must be able to position the car as close to the centre of the road as is safe.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Junctions - Turning right’ fault on your driving test result.

5. Not having proper control of the steering

Motorists must be able to steer their car as smoothly as possible. They must also steer at the appropriate time, as steering too early or late can cause the car to hit the kerb or swing out towards another road user.

Any mistakes in this area will be counted under the ‘Control - Steering’ fault on the driving test result.

6. Not responding appropriately to traffic lights

Drivers must act correctly at traffic lights, checking that the road is clear before they proceed when the green light shows.

Any mistakes in this area will be counted under the ‘Response to signs - Traffic lights’ fault on the driving test result.

7. Not responding correctly to traffic signs

You must be able to understand and react correctly to all traffic signs.

Any mistakes in this area will show as ‘Response to signals - Traffic signs’ in your result.

8. Poor positioning on the road during normal driving

When passing, you must be able to position the car correctly for your intended route, position the car in the middle of marked lanes and only change lanes when necessary.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Positioning - Normal driving’ fault on your driving test result.

9. Not responding correctly to road markings

You must be able to understand and react to all road markings correctly.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Response to signals - Road markings’ fault on your driving test result.

10. Not keeping control of the vehicle during reverse parking

You must be able to control the car accurately when you parallel park at the side of the road or reverse to park in a parking bay.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Reverse park - Control’ fault on your driving test result.