The eight surprising reasons why learners are failing their driving tests
CAR EXPERTS have revealed the eight surprising reasons learners fail their driving test.
And the latest data shows that less than 50% of are passing their test.
Handily, motoring experts at have researched some of the most unexpected reasons why Brits struggle to get their licence.
However, experienced drivers may find these reasons for failure bizarre, as most of us make these so-called mistakes every time we get behind the wheel.
But on the driving test, there is no excuse for errors.
And young drivers need to ensure they are fully prepared for the driving test and understand all road rules.
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Car experts have identified several reasons for failing the driving test.
Changing lanes on a roundabout
It can be easy to accidentally get into the wrong lane whilst approaching a big roundabout and only notice when it’s too late.
If this happens, it’s crucial to stay in the wrong lane and go around the roundabout again, as changing lanes whilst on the roundabout is dangerous and is against the rules of the road.
Driving over a mini roundabout
It might be tempting to drive over the small white circle marking a mini roundabout.
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But the Highway Code clearly states that all vehicles must drive around the central markings.
Not using the bus lane
As the natural driving position is in the left-hand lane, a driving test can quickly fail if the learner does not use the correct lane.
And failing to look at the road signs correctly will mean not passing the test, despite experienced drivers often not knowing if they should use the bus lane.
Driving too slow
It’s an obvious mistake that speeding whilst sitting the driving test will result in a fail - but learners can also fail for driving too slowly.
Not operating switches quickly enough
Learners must remember not to get so caught up in the driving test that they forget to operate the necessary switches when the weather changes.
And it's not the examiner’s responsibility to inform the pupil that they should turn on their headlights or windscreen wipers - any examiner interruption will result in a fail.
Forcing vehicles to slow down or speed up
Although this seems to be a common occurrence on the roads amongst experienced drivers, if a learner on their test causes another road user to make an evasive action, they’ll fail.
Flashing motorists
Common road etiquette is often to flash any oncoming drivers to warn them about a potential hazard up ahead, or speed camera.
Flashing drivers on a test will most likely result in a failure for not following the Highway Code, despite most experienced drivers doing this regularly.
Thanking other drivers
It’s seen every day on UK roads, but if a learner puts their hand up to say thank you, they’ll most likely be hit with a fail.
Highway Code states that two hands must be on the wheel at all times, wherever possible, excluding putting on the headlights.
But lifting a hand up to say thanks is considered unnecessary and could be viewed as not having proper control of the car.
Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, Greg Wilson, said: "Most reasons for failing a driving test are pretty well known amongst learner drivers - like not checking your mirrors enough or ineffective observations at junctions and roundabouts.
"But we’ve found those driving test fails which are much less reported and will probably surprise novice and experienced drivers alike.
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"It can be disheartening for learners to hear they’ve failed their driving test, but they must keep the practice consistent, and the desired result will come.
";Getting to know and understand all these mistakes will only help improve how learners drive and help keep them and other road users safe."