10 reasons we fail our driving tests
The biggest mistakes we make under pressure
TAKING your driving test is one of the most nerve-racking things you’ll do in your life.
You’re sat in a car with an examiner barking orders, telling you where to go and what to do. But after hours of preparation you’re ready for whatever they throw at you, right?
L plates...Frequent driving test fails
Research from MiDrive, an app designed for helping learner drivers, found the ten most common mistakes those with L plates make.
1. Observation at junctions
Learners are frequently marked down when approaching junctions. Remember to make good use of your mirrors, be aware of the flow of traffic and take the appropriate speed in good time.
Signalling... A common major given by instructors
2. Reverse parking
Novice drivers often slip up when reversing on their test. The key is good observation and preparation; it’s not good enough to just use your mirrors. When in reverse you should look the way you are driving.
3. Use of mirrors
You need to be constantly aware of your surroundings, and your examiner needs to see that, so be sure to always check your mirrors. If you’re changing speed, direction, pulling away or turning, check your mirrors first. If you’re unsure if you should be checking them, do it anyway.
4. Moving away safely
Failing to use your mirrors before pulling away is a common and unnecessary reason to fail. You might be nervous in the test but take things slow, to make sure you do your checks every time you pull away. Don’t forget your blind spot.
5. Use of signals
Forgetting to, and not giving enough time are common signal failures. A good way to avoid such a silly mistake is to keep repeating ‘Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre’ in your head, and don’t wait until the last second to indicate.
Poor positioning... Learners often struggle on roundabouts
6. Incorrect positioning
Being in the wrong lane or taking up the wrong position at a roundabout is a common failure for learners. Taking a refresher lesson before your test is a good way to make sure you don’t fail, even if you’re already confident.
7. Reverse around a corner
You must demonstrate you’re in control to pass this manoeuvre. Take it slow and remember to keep an eye out for other road users as you’re turning.
8. Steering control
Don’t cross your hands while steering, don’t allow the wheel to spin freely. Don’t drive with your hands off the wheel for any longer than is necessary to change gear and you should avoid failing a driving test on this particular fault.
Turn in the road... A basic manoeuvre but a common major on tests
9. Turn in the road
Learners struggle with the three-point turn, when it’s not as hard as most think. You’re allowed to do it in more than three turns, and remember you only need to indicate if it’s beneficial to other road users.
10. Inappropriate speed
The majority of learner drivers will be nervous and want to get the test over with as quickly as possible, which is why it’s easy to fail for going a little too fast. Keep checking your speedometer and make sure you’re not going too slow as well, as that can also result in a fail.
MiDrive’s YouTube channel have videos to help you pass your test first time. Watch them .