With more than half of learners failing to pass their driving test on their first attempt, EzLicence has revealed the most common faults during driving tests. A new study, using DVLA data obtained through Freedom of Information requests, shows that a staggering 6,512,275 faults occurred during practical driving tests in the UK over the past five years.
The most common mistake made by learners is observation at junctions, with 766,881 faults recorded. This accounts for 11.81% of all errors. In second place is failing to use mirrors when changing direction, with 598,417 recorded instances. Learner drivers should get into the habit of checking their mirrors early and often to demonstrate awareness of their surroundings, which is something examiners look for closely during tests.
In third place, failing to move off safely ranked as another common test fault, leading to 328,483 errors, making up 5.05% of total mistakes. Rule 156 of the Highway Code stresses checking mirrors, blind spots, and signalling when needed. Learner drivers should always check mirrors and blind spots, signal if necessary, and move off only when it’s safe.
Most common UK Driving test faults over the past 5 Years, and the number of faults:
Observation at Junctions: 768,881
Using Mirrors to Change Direction: 598,417
Moving Off Safely: 328,483
Turning Right at Junctions: 320,417
Lack of Control While Steering: 313,967
Responding to Traffic Lights: 303,444
Responding to Traffic Signs: 278,379
Positioning While Driving: 266,470
Responding to Road Markings: 264,457
Maintaining Control While Moving Off: 240,916
The study revealed that while younger drivers struggle with the observation element at junctions, older drivers taking their test are much more likely to forget to use mirrors when changing direction.
Joe Parry, spokesperson at EzLicence, has issued three top tips for passing driving examinations. Firstly, understanding the test format is key. “When speaking to our driving instructors, one of the most common issues they find learner drivers face on test day is not properly understanding the test’s format,” he revealed.
Mr Parry also says to target challenging manoeuvres before the test, as learned should practice as much as possible. “Our instructors advise learners to target challenging manoeuvres such as parallel parking and pulling over on the right, helping them avoid faults and potential fails on test day,” he adds.
Drivers can still pass their test with up to 15 minor mistakes. Mr Parry advises that, if you make an error, try not to let it distract you from the rest of the test.
