Top 20 Serious Faults
List of Serious Faults in the UK Driving Test
A serious fault is one that could cause danger to you, other road users, or pedestrians. Accumulating one serious fault results in an automatic fail.
1. Observation Errors
- Failing to check mirrors before changing speed or direction.
- Not checking blind spots when moving off.
- Poor observation at junctions (e.g., emerging without looking properly).
2. Poor Judgment at Junctions and Roundabouts
- Pulling out when unsafe, forcing other drivers to slow down.
- Hesitating too long and blocking traffic.
3. Not Responding to Road Signs and Markings
- Ignoring a STOP sign or Give Way markings.
- Entering a bus lane at a restricted time.
- Failing to obey a no-entry sign.
4. Failing to Respond to Traffic Lights
- Running a red light.
- Stopping unnecessarily at a green light.
5. Incorrect Lane Positioning
- Straddling lanes or cutting across roundabouts.
- Driving too close to the curb or into oncoming traffic.
- Incorrect positioning at dual carriageways or one-way systems.
6. Speed Control Issues
- Driving too fast for road conditions or exceeding speed limits.
- Driving too slowly, causing obstruction.
7. Unsafe Overtaking or Filtering
- Overtaking when it’s not safe (e.g., approaching a bend).
- Passing cyclists or motorcyclists too closely.
8. Failing to Give Way to Pedestrians
- Not stopping at a zebra crossing when pedestrians are waiting.
- Failing to stop for pedestrians at light-controlled crossings.
9. Poor Control During Manoeuvres
- Mounting the pavement while parking or reversing.
- Reversing into the wrong lane or causing an obstruction.
- Losing control of the car (e.g., excessive steering while parking).
10. Moving Off Unsafely
- Failing to check mirrors and blind spots.
- Rolling back on a hill start.
11. Failing to Respond to Emergency Vehicles
- Not pulling over safely when an ambulance, fire engine, or police car approaches with sirens.
12. Dangerous Steering Control
- Letting go of the wheel while driving.
- Steering too late or oversteering around bends.
13. Incorrect Use of Gears
- Staying in the wrong gear for too long (e.g., 3rd gear at low speeds).
- Selecting neutral instead of a gear while driving.
14. Stalling in a Dangerous Position
- Stalling at traffic lights or roundabouts and failing to recover quickly.
15. Failing to Signal or Using Signals Incorrectly
- Not signalling when changing lanes or turning.
- Giving misleading signals (e.g., indicating left but going straight).
16. Tailgating (Following Too Closely)
- Not leaving a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
17. Incorrect Response to Hazard Perception
- Failing to react to a hazard (e.g., not slowing for a sharp bend).
18. Poor Use of Brakes
- Braking too late, forcing sudden stops.
- Harsh braking for no reason, causing danger to drivers behind.
19. Not Using the Handbrake When Necessary
- Rolling backwards when stationary on an incline.
20. Losing Focus or Being Distracted
- Not paying attention to the road (e.g., looking at sat nav instead of driving).
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