During your practical driving test, examiners assess your ability to drive safely and competently. Faults are categorised to help you understand areas for improvement. Here’s a breakdown:
✅ Pass Criteria
To pass your driving test, you must:
- Make no more than 15 minor faults (also known as driving faults).
- Have no serious or dangerous faults.
Even a single serious or dangerous fault will result in a fail.
🛑 Fault Categories
Faults are classified into three categories:
- Dangerous Fault: An immediate safety risk, leading to an automatic fail.
- Serious Fault: Potentially dangerous actions that could lead to a failure if repeated.
- Minor Fault: Less serious errors that don’t pose an immediate danger but indicate areas for improvement.
🔍 Common Faults and How to Avoid Them
1. Observation at Junctions
Failing to make effective observations before moving onto a new road is a common fault. Always check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure it’s safe to proceed.
2. Use of Mirrors
Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction or speed can lead to faults. Remember the ‘Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre’ routine and check mirrors before signalling, changing direction, or changing speed.
3. Moving Off Safely
Not moving off safely, especially from behind a parked vehicle or on a slope, is a common fault. Ensure you make proper observations and control the vehicle effectively before moving off.
4. Steering Control
Not having proper control of the steering, such as crossing your hands or steering too sharply, can lead to faults. Maintain a comfortable grip and control the steering wheel smoothly.
5. Positioning at Junctions
Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions, such as cutting corners or not positioning correctly, is a common fault. Position your vehicle correctly and follow the road markings.
6. Response to Traffic Signs and Signals
Not responding appropriately to traffic signs and signals, such as failing to stop at a red light or ignoring road markings, can lead to faults. Always obey traffic signs and signals.
7. Reverse Parking
Losing control during reverse parking or requiring multiple attempts can result in faults. Practice parking in various situations to build confidence and control.
🧠 Instructor Tip
“As an instructor, I emphasise the importance of consistent practice and awareness. Regularly reviewing common faults and focusing on areas for improvement can significantly enhance your driving skills and increase your chances of passing the test.”
For more detailed information and resources, visit the official DVSA websites:
