The pass rate for practical driving tests in Great Britain was 48.9% in July to September 2024, according to GOV.UK. This means that more driving tests in Britain are unsuccessful than successful.  So what are the most common reasons for failing the driving test?

1. Not making effective observations at junctions

• make effective observations before moving into a new road

• make sure it is safe before proceeding

2. Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction

The candidate must:

• make full and effective use of all the mirrors

• check the mirrors carefully before signalling, changing direction or changing speed

•use the ‘mirror - signal - manoeuvre’ routine effectively

3. Not moving off safely

The candidate must be able to move off safely while making the correct observations:

• from the side of the road

• on a slope or hill (gradient)

• from behind a parked vehicle, so you have to move off at an angle

4. Incorrect positioning when turning right

The candidate must be able to position the car as close to the centre of the road as is safe.

5. Not responding appropriately to traffic lights

The candidate must act correctly at traffic lights, checking that the road is clear before you proceed when the green light shows.

6. Not having proper control of the steering

The candidate must be able to steer the car as smoothly as possible. You must steer at the appropriate time  because;

• Steering too early or late can cause the car to hit the kerb or swing out towards another road user.

7. Not responding correctly to traffic signs

The candidate must be able to understand and be able to react to all traffic signs.

8. Not responding correctly to road markings

The candidate must be able to understand and react correctly to all road markings.

9. Poor positioning on the road during normal driving

The candidate must be able to:

• position the car correctly for your intended route

• position the car in the middle of marked lanes

• only change lanes when necessary

10. Not driving at a safe and reasonable speed

The candidate must be able to show they can drive at a safe and reasonable speed when appropriate.

• take into consideration the conditions of the road, amount of traffic, road signs & signals, and speed limit

• drive at a speed where you could stop safely, well within the distance you can see to be clear

Ask your driving instructor for details of these faults and they will go through them with you. Before you are due to take your driving test, your driving instructor will be sure to carry out a mock driving test and this will highlight any faults that you still have with your driving.