The 10 Most Common Serious Faults on Driving Tests (And How to Avoid Them)
- mark elliot
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Failing your driving test can be frustrating, especially if you've spent weeks or months preparing. The good news is that many driving test failures happen for the same reasons, meaning you can focus your practice on the areas most likely to cause problems.
A serious fault (sometimes called a "major fault") is a mistake that could potentially be dangerous or shows that you are not yet driving to the required standard. Just one serious or dangerous fault will result in a driving test failure.
Here are the 10 most common serious faults made by learner drivers and practical tips to help you avoid them on test day.
1. Not Making Effective Observations at Junctions
One of the most common reasons learners fail is failing to properly observe before emerging at a junction.
Examples include:
Pulling out when another vehicle is approaching
Looking but not accurately judging the speed of traffic
Failing to check both directions
Emerging too quickly
How to avoid it
Always remember the, LADA - "Look, Assess, Decide, Act" approach. Don't feel pressured by waiting traffic behind you. Examiners would much rather see you wait than pull out unsafely.
*Tip: If in doubt chicken out.
2. Poor Use of Mirrors
Your mirrors are one of the most important safety tools in your vehicle.
Many learners fail because they:
Change direction without checking mirrors
Fail to check mirrors before slowing down
Miss mirror checks before signalling
How to avoid it
Use the Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre routine consistently throughout every lesson. Make
mirror checks obvious but natural so the examiner can clearly see you are observing.
*Tip: Move your eyes before your hands.
3. Incorrect Positioning When Turning
Positioning errors occur when learners approach junctions in the wrong lane or position their vehicle incorrectly.
Common mistakes include:
Turning right from the centre of the road
Drifting too wide during turns
Cutting corners
How to avoid it
Plan ahead and read road markings early. If you're unsure which lane to use, slow down safely and assess the situation rather than making a last-second decision.
*Tip: Ask your instructor to help you with reference points.
4. Losing Control During Steering
Although modern vehicles make steering easier than ever, some learners still lose marks due to poor steering control.
Examples include:
Allowing the steering wheel to slip through hands
Mounting kerbs
Allowing the car to drift
Poor lane discipline
How to avoid it
Focus on smooth steering inputs and maintain proper lane positioning. Regular practice on different types of roads can significantly improve steering confidence.
*Tip: Always look where you want the car to go.
5. Failing to Respond Correctly to Traffic Lights
Traffic light errors frequently result in serious faults.
Examples include:
Driving through a red light
Failing to stop at an amber light when safe to do so
Hesitating unnecessarily when lights turn green
How to avoid it
Scan well ahead constantly and anticipate changes. Remember that amber means stop if it is safe to do so.
*Tip: When you see traffic lights ahead use it as a prompt to check your mirrors.
6. Poor Judgement at Roundabouts
Roundabouts test a driver's ability to observe, judge speed and make safe decisions.
Common failures include:
Entering when it's not safe
Hesitating excessively
Incorrect lane choice
Failing to signal appropriately
How to avoid it
Practice a variety of roundabouts during your lessons. Learn to identify safe gaps rather than waiting for a completely empty roundabout.
*Tip: Keep left unless turning right. (Unless signs direct you otherwise)
7. Inadequate Response to Road Signs
Examiners expect learners to identify and react appropriately to road signs.
Mistakes include:
Missing speed limit changes
Ignoring "No Entry" signs
Failing to follow directional signs
How to avoid it
Develop the habit of scanning well ahead while driving. Don't focus solely on the vehicle in front of you.
*Tip: Keep your eyes on full beam.
8. Poor Moving-Off Procedure
Many serious faults occur when learners move away from the side of the road.
Examples include:
Not checking blind spots
Pulling away into the path of another vehicle
Moving off without adequate observation
How to avoid it
Remember the full observation routine every time:
Mirrors
Signal (if needed)
Blind spot checks
Move off when safe
Even if you've completed this manoeuvre hundreds of times during lessons, don't rush it on your test.
*Tip: POM - Prepare, Observe then Move if safe, if not, repeat.
9. Lack of Control When Reversing
Reversing manoeuvres still catch many learners out.
Common issues include:
Insufficient observation
Rolling too quickly
Poor vehicle control
Missing hazards while manoeuvring
How to avoid it
Move slowly and prioritise observation over steering. If another road user appears, stop and assess before continuing.
*Tip: Do not rely on mirrors for effective all round observations.
10. Inappropriate Speed
Driving too fast or too slowly can both lead to serious faults.
Examples include:
Exceeding speed limits
Driving significantly slower than the flow of traffic without reason
Approaching hazards too quickly
How to avoid it
Match your speed to:
The speed limit
Road conditions
Traffic conditions
Weather conditions
Examiners are looking for safe, confident progress—not speed.
*Tip: Involve your environment.
How to Improve Your Chances of Passing
The key to passing your driving test isn't perfection. Examiners understand that learners may make small mistakes. What they want to see is that you can drive safely, independently and responsibly.
To improve your chances:
Take regular lessons with a qualified instructor
Practise on a variety of roads
Complete mock driving tests
Learn from mistakes rather than worrying about them
Stay calm and focused on test day
For learners, an intensive driving course is an excellent way to quickly build skill, confidence and address common weaknesses before taking your practical test.
Final Thoughts
Most serious faults are preventable with good preparation and practice. By understanding the mistakes that commonly cause learners to fail, you can focus your training where it matters most and approach your test with greater confidence.
Remember: the driving test is not designed to catch you out. It's simply there to confirm that you can drive safely on your own. Master the fundamentals, stay alert, and you'll give yourself the best possible chance of earning that full driving licence.
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