New data from DVSA shows that the top 10 faults made in car driving tests between April 2023 and March 2024 were:

  1. Not making effective observations at junctions
  2. Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction
  3. Not moving off safely
  4. Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions
  5. Not responding appropriately at traffic lights
  6. Not having proper control of the steering
  7. Not reacting correctly to road signs
  8. Not reacting correctly to road markings
  9. Poor positioning during normal driving
  10. Not driving at a safe or reasonable speed

1) Not making effective observations at junctions

The DVSA reports that you should be able to make effective observations when moving into a new road, particularly from a minor road to a major road. You must also ensure that you have judged the speed of any vehicle making sure you do not make another vehicle slow or stop. 

2) Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction

When changing direction, you should always make full use of the mirrors (plural) as well as using the mirrors when signalling or when changing your speed (slower or faster). Make use of the MSPSL routine: 

  • Mirrors
  • Signal
  • Position
  • Slow
  • Look

Always remember to use the mirrors when exiting a roundabout to ensure it is safe to do so.

3) Not moving off safely

This is particularly important when moving off from the side of the road, pulling away around a parked vehicle and or a hill. 

Ensure whenever pulling away that effective observations are made and that you have judged your manoeuvre correctly to ensure you do not interfere with another vehicle’s journey and do not make them stop, slow or swerve. When performing an angled start your vehicle may need to swing out further so additional precautions will be needed to ensure it is safe. On a hill or slope, you must demonstrate to an examiner that you are in full control of the vehicle which means you must not let the car roll back as this can be dangerous especially when in traffic.  

4) Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions

When turning right from a major road into a minor road you should always position the vehicle against the white line but must not cross the white line into the lane for oncoming traffic. 

5) Not responding appropriately to traffic lights

The DVSA report that candidates do on occasion react to red traffic lights and more than hesitate when traffic lights change to green. Another common fault at traffic lights is for the candidate to stop at the wrong position in particular where there is a cycle lane, you must never pull into the stopping position for cyclists. 

6) Not having proper control of the steering

The most common fault, when steering is a problem, is caused when manoeuvring around a vehicle or hitting a kerb. Faults can also occur when turning into or out of a junction, this is normally under or over steering, and this can also happen on bends. This fault is particularly prevalent in people with dyspraxia.   

7) Not responding correctly to traffic signs

All test routes are built to have multiple speed changes and where speed changes happen, they will be clearly marked on road signs so if you do not adjust your speed accordingly the examiner may mark the fault as not seeing the traffic sign. When approaching a roundabout, you must plan well ahead as road signs may require you to move into another lane. On occasion, candidates will also gain faults by not recognising or reacting to “No Entry” or “Stop” signs.   

8) Not responding correctly to road markings

A lot of the same mistakes with “Signs” are the same ones as road markings but additional ones can be made by not seeing/recognising or reacting to lane changes where there are multiple lanes that only head in a single direction. A fault could also be gained if you straddle a white line or miss a box junction which you should not stop in. 

Faults for not responding to signs or markings can also be attributed to not planning ahead, so you should always look as far down the road as possible to plan your route which would also help avoid hazards. 

9) Poor positioning on the road during normal driving

The most common fault is cutting corners on junctions, particularly on roundabouts. Whilst it is endorseable many people drive in the right hand and on a dual carriageway or in an overtaking lane on a motorway, holding the right hand lane on a dual carriageway will gain the candidate a fault on a driving test.  

10) Not driving at a safe and reasonable speed

Whilst the most common reason for gaining this fault on a driving test is speeding a candidate can also get a fault for driving at an inappropriate speed such as in a very built-up and busy area. If an area is very busy, particularly with pedestrian crossings or outside schools it may be necessary to reduce your speed lower than the legal limit for safety reasons. You should also be on the lookout for temporary speed changes such as roadworks.

Driving is a skill that empowers individuals with freedom and independence. Whether you’re a teenager eager to obtain your first driver’s licence or an adult looking to enhance your driving abilities, contacting APass4U for intensive driving courses or hourly driving lessons is a crucial step towards becoming a safe and confident driver.

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