Top 8 Reasons Learner Drivers Fail Their Driving Test
1. Junctions – Observation
What this means:
- Failing to properly check before emerging from a T-junction, roundabout, or side road.
- Causing another driver to slow down or stop because of poor judgment.
Common Mistakes:
- Rushing out when the view is blocked by parked cars.
- Not looking both ways properly.
- Hesitating too much and blocking traffic.
How to avoid it:
✅ Look Right-Left-Right before moving.
✅ Edge out slowly if visibility is poor.
✅ Only emerge when it is completely safe.
- Use of Mirrors – Changing Direction
What this means:
- Not checking mirrors properly before changing lanes, turning, or overtaking.
- Failing to act on what is seen in the mirrors.
Common Mistakes:
- Changing lanes on a dual carriageway without checking blind spots.
- Moving across a roundabout without knowing if a vehicle is next to you.
How to avoid it:
✅ Always check mirrors before any manoeuvre.
✅ Look in the interior mirror, then the side mirror in the direction you are moving.
✅ If there’s a vehicle close by, wait before moving.
2. Moving Off – Safety
What this means:
- Moving off without checking properly, especially the right blind spot.
- Pulling out in front of another vehicle, causing them to slow down.
Common Mistakes:
- Not doing a 6-point check (mirrors + blind spots) before moving.
- Assuming that the side mirror covers everything—it doesn’t!
How to avoid it:
✅ Always check mirrors + blind spots before moving off.
✅ If unsure, pause and look again.
✅ Make sure no one has to slow down for you.
3. Junctions – Turning Right
What this means:
- Incorrect positioning or hesitation when turning right at a junction or roundabout.
Common Mistakes:
- Positioning too far left before turning right.
- Cutting across another lane at a roundabout.
- Not waiting for a safe gap in oncoming traffic.
How to avoid it:
✅ Always position next to the centre line before turning.
✅ If turning right at a roundabout, stay in the correct lane.
✅ Be patient and only turn when safe.
- Response to Signs – Traffic Lights
What this means:
- Failing to react correctly to traffic lights (e.g., stopping late, running a red light).
Common Mistakes:
- Speeding up when lights turn amber instead of slowing down.
- Hesitating too much when the light turns green.
How to avoid it:
✅ When approaching green lights, be ready to stop if needed.
✅ If lights turn amber and you can stop safely, do so.
✅ Don’t hesitate too much when lights turn green.
4. Control – Steering
What this means:
- Poor control of the steering wheel (oversteering, understeering, or letting go).
Common Mistakes:
- Letting the wheel slide back on its own instead of controlling it.
- Oversteering and hitting the curb or going too wide on turns.
How to avoid it:
✅ Use the push-pull technique for better control.
✅ Keep both hands on the wheel where possible.
✅ Look where you want to go—your hands will follow.
5. Response to Signs – Traffic Signs
What this means:
- Ignoring or misreading road signs (e.g., speed limits, lane directions).
Common Mistakes:
- Driving straight from a lane that says “Left Turn Only”.
- Ignoring a Stop sign or No Entry sign.
How to avoid it:
✅ Scan ahead for road signs at all times.
✅ Pay attention to lane markings and road signs.
✅ If unsure, slow down and check before proceeding.
6. Response to Road Markings
What this means:
- Ignoring road markings or driving in the wrong lane.
Common Mistakes:
- Driving over solid white lines when not allowed.
- Entering a yellow box junction and getting stuck.
How to avoid it:
✅ Look at road markings early and position yourself correctly.
✅ Never block a yellow box junction.
✅ Stick to the correct lane for your intended direction.
7. Positioning – Normal Driving
What this means:
- Incorrect lane positioning while driving.
Common Mistakes:
- Staying in the middle or right lane when not overtaking.
- Driving too close to the curb or too close to oncoming traffic.
How to avoid it:
✅ Stay in the left lane unless overtaking.
✅ Always maintain a safe distance from the curb and other vehicles.
✅ If in doubt, slow down and adjust your position.
8. Use of Speed
What this means:
- Driving too fast or too slow for the road and traffic conditions.
Common Mistakes:
- Going over the speed limit.
- Driving too fast in narrow roads with parked cars.
- Driving too slow and causing a hazard.
How to avoid it:
✅ Check speed limit signs and stick to them.
✅ Adjust speed based on road conditions (e.g., slow down near parked cars).
✅ Avoid unnecessary slowing down unless needed.
Final Tips to Pass Your Driving Test
✅ Practice MSPSL (Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed, Look) for every manoeuvre.
✅ Stay calm and plan ahead—think about what’s coming next.
✅ If you make a mistake, don’t panic—keep driving safely.
✅ Ask your instructor for mock tests to simulate real test conditions.
Want help with this on a real lesson? Book driving lessons in Swindon with JM Drive.