Top Driving Test Fails 2019

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed the top 10 reasons people failed the new driving test in its first year.

DVSA is encouraging learner drivers to spend more time practising their driving skills and techniques in these areas, using a variety of different roads, such as country roads and dual carriageways.

DVSA also wants learners to spend more time practising driving in different road conditions, such as driving in rain and driving in the dark.

This will better prepare them for a lifetime of safe driving.

Top 10 reasons for failing the driving test

The most common faults made during driving tests between 4 December 2017 and 3 December 2018 were:

Junctions – observation.
Mirrors – change direction.
Control – steering.
Junctions – turning right.
Move off – safely.
Response to signs – traffic lights.
Move off – control.
Positioning – normal driving.
Response to signs – road markings.
Reverse park – control.

Insufficient observation at junctions and not using mirrors effectively when changing direction accounted for 368,047 test failures.

You automatically fail your driving test if you make a serious or dangerous fault – sometimes called ‘majors’.

Driving test faults reflect the factors that cause accidents
39% all accidents in Great Britain in 2017 were a result of a driver failing to look properly

Source: Contributory factors for reported road accidents

The faults being made in driving tests reflect the factors that cause accidents on Great Britain’s roads. In 2017, drivers failing to look properly contributed to 35,993 accidents. It was the most common contributory factor in accidents.

Driving safely on all types of roads
Mark Winn, Chief Driving Examiner, said:

It’s vital that learners can drive safely and have the skills to drive on all types of roads before taking their test. The driving test helps get drivers ready for a lifetime of safe driving and makes our roads safer for all.

Failing to look properly at junctions is the most common serious or dangerous test fault and the largest cause of accidents in Britain. Good observation, including proper use of mirrors, is a crucial skill that drivers must learn.

Avoiding common driving faults
The Highway Code provides rules, guidance and advice on avoiding these common faults, including:

looking all around before emerging from a junction, and not crossing or joining a road until there is a gap large enough for you to do so safely
using your mirrors frequently so that you always know what is behind and to each side of you, and using them in good time before you signal or change direction or speed
maintaining a steady course and positioning the vehicle correctly in the road
Dealing with nerves
It’s normal to be nervous before your test. If you’re properly prepared and your driving instructor thinks you’re ready, you do not need to worry. The driving examiner is not trying to catch you out – they just want to make sure that you can drive safely.

The Official DVSA Guide to Driving – the essential skills is full of advice that will help you prepare and stay safe on our roads.

How To Pass Your Driving Test

1. Pick The Right Driving Instructor & Driving School

Picking the right driving instructor and driving school is very important. You need to know that your driving lessons are in good hands with a reputable Driving School and that you are being taught by a high grade Driving Instructor with a good pass rate. Check out the online reviews and see what the previous pupils thought about their Driving Lessons.

2. Take Enough Driving Lessons With Your Instructor

It can always be tempting to try and save money by reducing the number of lessons you take but this is usually unwise. The more Driving experience you can get behind the wheel prior to taking your test then the more likely you are to pass. Passing first time can not only be very satisfying but it can also save you money as you won’t need to book. The average pupil takes at least 40 hours of Driving Lessons.

3. Keep Track Of Your Progress

Your Driving Instructor will be able to help you keep track of your progress and importantly this will allow you to see which areas you need to practise on.

4. Do A Mock Test

Ask your Driving Instructor to help you by arranging a mock driving test. All of our Driving Instructors are able to provide you with a mock test which will give you very useful feedback in preparation for your test.

5. Listen To Your Driving Instructor

You are paying a professional Driving Instructor to teach you how to drive and become a safe driver for life. Listen to the feedback that your Driving Instructor provides you with and enter into a two way dialogue with your Driving Instructor throughout your Driving Lessons.

6. Practise Around The Test Area

You need to get familiar with your Driving Test area and used to the busy elements on the routes. It is important that you do not focus on learning test routes as you should be able to effectively drive anywhere as you will be doing this once you have passed your test but it does make sense to know some of the trouble spots.

7. Review Your Theory Knowledge Again

Yes, by this point you have already passed your theory test but make sure you go over your theory test one more time. It may be several months since you passed your Theory test and you need to make sure your knowledge stays up to date.

8. Don’t Rush To Get Your Driving Licence

Of course you want your Driving Licence as quickly as you possibly can but the objective is actually to make you a Safe Driver For Life and not just getting you to pass your Driving Test. Take your time to learn your skills and to gain experience. You need to feel confident when you are out driving in your own car.

9. Check Your Mirrors

You should really make every effort to check your mirrors on your Driving Test. Always check your mirrors in pairs starting with the interior and then the appropriate door mirror. You should aim to check your mirrors every 10 to 15 seconds at a minimum and make sure that you turn your head so the examiner can see that you are checking them regularly.

10. Get Plenty Of Sleep

Get plenty of sleep before your Driving Test and before each Driving Lesson. Tiredness is a significant factor in many car accidents and you really need to pay attention to the road when you are taking your Driving Test. Never drive when tired and drive no more than 2 hours without a rest.