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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Kate Lally

Mirror problem causing learner drivers to fail their tests

Learner drivers are being urged to make an important check as figures show more than 50% of people who take driving tests fail.

A number of common errors are usually to blame for incurring a major fail on the test, and while these may be considered obvious, many drivers fall foul of them. Fortunately, many of these skills are extremely easy to master.

One of the most common mistakes that can cause a failure involves the car's mirrors.

READ MORE: Angry learners spark major driving test change

Road safety experts at Road Angel have analysed government research to uncover the main reasons UK motorists fail their driving test. One of the most frequent errors is failing to check mirrors.

Learners won’t pass their test if they don’t check their mirrors often enough, particularly before signalling changing speed or direction. Mirrors must be checked along roundabouts and when changing lanes, especially on the dual carriageway to avoid other cars from having to slow down.

Other common mistakes include poor road positioning, failing to move off safely and incorrectly responding to road signs.

Gary Digva, founder of Road Angel said: “It can be easy to make a mistake on the day of your driving test which can cause you to fail. Some of these common errors may be considered obvious but under the pressure of a driving test, it’s easy for even the best learners to make one of these mistakes.

"Getting in as much practice as possible beforehand will improve your driving skills and confidence behind the wheel, which will help control test day nerves and avoid making these common errors. And if you’re regularly making these mistakes during your driving lessons your instructor will most likely recommend you not to take your test yet as you’re not quite ready.

"Although it can be upsetting to hear that you’ve failed your driving test, it just means you need a bit more practice to be fully safe on the roads."

Here are the top 10 mistakes learners make on their driving tests:

  • Not checking mirrors enough
  • Bad observations at junctions
  • Poor road positioning
  • Failing to move off safely
  • Incorrectly responding to traffic lights
  • Incorrectly responding to road signs
  • Wrong positioning when turning right
  • Not having control of the car when moving off
  • Lack of control when steering
  • Failing to have control when reverse parking

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