Common Driving Test Faults

Common Driving Test Faults: Why Learners Fail and How to Improve

Understanding common driving test faults can help you focus practice on the decisions that repeatedly cause problems during the practical test.

The most useful approach is not to memorise a top-ten list. It is to understand why each fault develops, what risk it creates and what a safer driving process looks like.

This guide uses current DVSA fault themes and practical instructor-led explanations.

Reviewed August 2026.

Driving test faults
Junction observations
Mirrors
Road position
Test preparation

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The Current DVSA Top Fault Themes

Current DVSA guidance identifies recurring fault areas including ineffective observations at junctions, incorrect mirror use when changing direction, unsafe moving off, poor positioning when turning right, steering control, traffic lights, traffic signs, normal road position, road markings and reverse parking control.

These are not obscure examiner tricks. They are normal driving skills that also matter after the test.

See the current DVSA top reasons

1. Observations at Junctions

Problems develop when you approach too quickly, stop where the view is poor, look without properly assessing traffic, move after the situation has changed, or rely on another road user’s behaviour. Approach at a speed that gives you time to observe, decide and stop.

2. Mirrors Before Changing Direction

A mirror check should give you information before a change of speed, position or direction. The important part is not visible head movement: what you see should affect whether and how you act.

3. Moving Off Safely

Before moving, prepare the car, check the relevant mirrors and blind spot, assess traffic and move only when it is safe. Recheck if you have waited and the situation changes.

4. Position When Turning Right

Poor right-turn positioning can confuse other road users or create unnecessary conflict. Read the road early, position appropriately and avoid cutting across the corner.

5. Steering Control

Steering problems often appear when the driver looks too close to the car, turns late, rushes or loses control while doing another task. Keep a suitable speed and look where you want the car to go.

6. Traffic Lights

Common issues include reacting late, crossing the stop line incorrectly, failing to prepare for a change and moving without checking that the path is safe.

7. Traffic Signs and Road Markings

Signs and markings should affect your plan early. Missing a speed sign, lane arrow, stop line or directional marking can create larger problems later.

8. Normal Road Position

Keep a safe, sensible position for the road. Avoid drifting too close to parked vehicles, the kerb, centre line or other lanes.

9. Speed Choice

The legal limit is a maximum, not a target. Choose a speed that suits visibility, traffic, road width, weather and hazards.

10. Reversing and Parking

Control and observation matter together. Move slowly enough to observe all around and pause if pedestrians, vehicles or other hazards appear.

Driving Fault, Serious Fault or Dangerous Fault?

DVSA records three types of fault:

Driving fault: not potentially dangerous on its own, although repeated faults can become serious.
Serious fault: something potentially dangerous.
Dangerous fault: actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property.

The context matters. The same basic mistake can have different consequences depending on the risk created.

Read current GOV.UK fault guidance

How to Use Your Faults to Improve

After a lesson, mock test or unsuccessful practical test, ask:

What happened immediately before the fault?
What did I fail to see or plan for?
Was the issue knowledge, observation, control, judgement or pressure?
Does the same fault appear in different places?
What safer process should replace it?

Then practise the underlying skill across several roads rather than repeatedly rehearsing the exact place where the mistake happened.