Understanding how your driving test is marked and what counts toward a pass or fail is key to preparing effectively. Below is a clear explanation of the marking system, what examiners look for, and tips to improve your chances of success.
🏁 Practical Test: Faults & Pass Criteria
In the practical (road) driving test, examiners’ marks fall into three categories:
| Fault Type | Definition | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous Fault (Major) | A fault that caused or could cause danger to you, the examiner, other road users, or property | Instant fail — you cannot continue the test |
| Serious Fault (Major) | A fault with the potential for danger | Fail — even a single serious fault ends the test |
| Driving Fault (Minor) | Errors that do not pose immediate danger but reflect imperfect driving | Accumulate these — 16 or more means failing |
To pass your driving test, you must:
- Have no serious or dangerous faults
- Make no more than 15 driving (minor) faults
At the end of your test, the examiner will:
- Tell you whether you passed
- Explain any serious or dangerous faults you made
- Provide your number of driving faults (if you passed)
🧪 Theory Test: Pass Mark & Results
The theory test (for cars/motorcycles) has two parts: Multiple Choice and Hazard Perception. You must pass both to pass the overall theory test.
| Part | Total Marks | Required to Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice | 50 | ≥ 43 correct answers |
| Hazard Perception | 75 (via video clips) | ≥ 44 points |
If you pass:
- You receive a pass certificate number at the test centre.
- This certificate is valid for 2 years. You must pass your practical test within that period or you’ll need to re-take the theory.
If you fail:
- You’ll be told which part(s) you didn’t pass.
- You must retake the full theory test (both parts).
- You’ll need to wait at least 3 working days before retaking.
🧠 Instructor Tips to Improve Your Result
- Practice mock tests that mimic real conditions (time limit, question mix).
- Review every mistake thoroughly—understand why you got it wrong.
- In the practical test, aim for precision: good observation, control, and accurate manoeuvres.
- Before the test, visualise correct driving and responses under test conditions.
- Don’t accumulate small faults — consistent, clean driving is your path to passing.
⚠️ Common Pitfalls Learners Make
- Letting one minor fault slide after another — they add up quickly.
- Misreading the question or skipping options in the multiple-choice.
- Clicking too early or too late in hazard perception (timing is crucial).
- Nervous driving on test day, causing overcorrections or loss of control.
