The most common mistakes learner drivers make that result in an automatic fail in their tests have been revealed. Would-be motorists are allowed to rack up 15 small errors, also known as minors, in their practical test, but just one major slip-up results in an instant fail.
And new statistics, obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency by leading online repairs and servicing marketplace ClickMechanic, shows the most common achilles heels last year were poor observation skills at junctions and forgetting to use mirrors when changing direction.
More than half of all 1,667,913 tests conducted in 2022 ended in failure due to a dangerous or serious fault, known as majors, with 865,533 recorded by examiners.
Andrew Jervis, CEO of ClickMechanic, said: “Driving tests can be a nerve-wracking experience for many learners and it’s understandable that mistakes are made along the way.
“While there is an allowance for a maximum 15 minor mistakes, such as bay parking or signal usage, there is zero tolerance for major mistakes - something that causes or could cause danger to you, the examiner, the public or property.
“Our research shows observation at junctions and use of mirrors while changing direction to be the most regular reasons for failing driving tests for each of the past four years.
“It highlights these are the two areas learner drivers really need to be aware of when taking their tests as the evidence shows they’re the most likely to trip you up.
“Last year, third place went to ‘failing to move off safely’, while ‘not navigating traffic lights correctly’ took the same spot the year before.
“It’s natural to be nervous before taking a driving test with so many things to try to remember all at once.
“But knowing the most common reasons for failing might be the key to making sure you don’t commit the same mistakes.”
In the UK, a test is mandatory in order to obtain a licence to allow motorists to drive on the country’s roads.
It’s designed to judge whether a learner has the ability to drive a motor vehicle safely and effectively.
Automatic failures are recorded when the learner makes a dangerous fault, which causes actual danger to themselves, the examiner, the public or property, or a serious fault, which has the potential to cause this danger.
In 2022, some 179,382 serious or dangerous faults were recorded for observation at junctions, an increase from 93,855 in 2021 and 81,154 in 2020.
In second place, 138,787 serious or dangerous faults were recorded for use of mirrors while changing direction in 2022, up from 74,125 the year before and 64,716 in 2020.
Last year’s most common reasons for failure also included moving off safely (80,551), turning right at junctions (77,081) and steering (72,410).
The Government is currently exploring proposals on changes to the current driving test process following consultation with stakeholders such as learner drivers and driving instructors.
Proposed changes include giving learners more information about their instructors, changing how the eyesight test is conducted and issuing digital certificates upon passing the theory test instead of the current paper system.
