Taking your driving test can be a nerve-wracking time. It can feel like there’s a lot to remember, and the pressure to get things right often sees learner drivers making silly mistakes.
So let’s take a look at the most common reasons why learner drivers fail their driving test.
Read them closely, take note and be sure to avoid them the next time you’re out in the car!
If the car pulls up quickly when you change down to a lower gear, it’s because the car was travelling too fast before you changed gears.
Slowing quickly with no brake lights to indicate that you’re changing speeds can be dangerous to the cars behind you, so it’s important to make sure that you use the brakes to slow the car rather than the gears.
The most common reasons include crossing your hands when turning the wheel, or letting the wheel spin back after a turn.
You should maintain the correct steering position (the ‘9 and 3’ position) throughout, with no hand leaving the wheel for any longer than is necessary after changing gear, signalling or adjusting other car controls.
You need to demonstrate that you can reverse safety and smoothly whilst keeping the car fully in control. So hitting the kerb or failing to make the correct observations can cost you dearly.
Remember to always check the traffic and look out for pedestrians. And once you’ve completed the manoeuvre, stop in a safe position.
Mirror use is another major reason for failure. But you should be checking your mirrors all the time; when you pull away, when you slow down, when you speed up and when you change lanes.
Statistically, more people are likely to fail their test at a junction than anywhere else on the road. It’s the most common reason for failing a driving test, and they’re always catching drivers out.
Advancing over the junction line is extremely dangerous, and you risk collision with other vehicles or pedestrians trying to cross. So remember to observe. Check your mirrors, reduce your speed in good time to stop and give priority where necessary.
And remember - practice makes perfect! So book an assessment driving lesson to determine your true test readiness with Jason Thorne
