Top 10 Reasons for failing the practical driving test

Many of our students ask the reasons people typically fail to pass their driving test. Whilst it is difficult to answers as every student is different and the driving conditions vary, the DSA do regularly publish the top 10 reasons why new learners fail their Practical Driving Test, reproduced below.

Of course your A Drive driving instructor will be looking out for these and any other common items they feel will effect your chances in the examination and work with you to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your driving test.

Not mentioned in this information is the impact of nerves during your test. Appearing in many forms, one of the most important things during your test is to remain calm, demonstrate you are in control and do not let any single mistake be a reason to fail; the examiners are used to a certain level of anxiety and will allow for a certain level of nervousness.

To maximise your chances of passing your driving test the first time, look out for the following specific causes;

1. Making effective observations and good judgement when emerging out of side roads
2. Correct use of the controls and/or good observations when reverse parking
3. Making effective use of the mirrors well before changing direction or slowing down
4. Correct use of the controls and/or good observation when reversing round a corner
5. Correct use of signals including cancelling signals and not giving misleading ones
6. Moving away correctly from stationary positions, including good observation
7. Correct road position, particularly on bends, and good lane discipline on roundabouts
8. Good steering control, such as when making left or right turns
9. Correct position when turning right such as in one-way streets
10. Not hesitating or causing delay, particularly by pulling out promptly at junctions.

Always remember to demonstrate you have observed the traffic and road conditions. Make a point of moving your head when looking in the rear view mirror to show you have looked. Use your wing mirrors effectively and again, make a point of showing you have used them.

See also - Driving test changes for 2009

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