Most Common Mistakes made when Taking THE Driving Test
It might not suprise you that the most common reason why people fail their driving test is failure to look.
This can be broken down to various scenarios but it is basically due to lack of observation. Looking,
Especially at key points or potentially dangerous scenarios in your driving test such as at: junctions, roundabouts, pulling out, turning left or even right, or something as simple as breaking. And this includes failing to check mirrors when changing direction.
This can be broken down to various scenarios but it is basically due to lack of observation. Looking,
Especially at key points or potentially dangerous scenarios in your driving test such as at: junctions, roundabouts, pulling out, turning left or even right, or something as simple as breaking. And this includes failing to check mirrors when changing direction.
TOP TEN
At RDS, we pride ourselves on thoroughly preparing our driving students for the updated practical driving test introduced in 2017. By focusing on the most common pitfalls, our expert driving instructors help to ensure you develop the necessary driving skills to navigate the driving test assessment with confidence and ease.
The Top 10 Driving Test Faults
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed the top 10 reasons people failed the new driving test in its first year from December 2017 to December 2018:
1. Observation at Junctions
2. Improper Use of Mirrors when Changing Direction
3. Lack of Control (e.g. steering, braking, gear changes)
4. Incorrect Positioning on the Road
5. Moving Off Unsafely
6. Incorrect Response to Traffic Lights
7. Lack of Accuracy in Reverse Parking
8. Failure to Respond to Road Markings
9. Improper Following Distance
10. Lack of Awareness and Planning
Many of these driving test faults relate to core skills like observation, road positioning, and vehicle control - areas our instructors emphasize through focused practice and repetition.
1. Observation at Junctions
2. Improper Use of Mirrors when Changing Direction
3. Lack of Control (e.g. steering, braking, gear changes)
4. Incorrect Positioning on the Road
5. Moving Off Unsafely
6. Incorrect Response to Traffic Lights
7. Lack of Accuracy in Reverse Parking
8. Failure to Respond to Road Markings
9. Improper Following Distance
10. Lack of Awareness and Planning
Many of these driving test faults relate to core skills like observation, road positioning, and vehicle control - areas our instructors emphasize through focused practice and repetition.
THE FAILURES REFLECT COMMON CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS
The main factors contributing to road accidents in the UK in 2017 were driver observation errors and these simple errors were linked to a staggering 35,993 crashes nationwide.
By mastering simple skills like effective, repetetive and almost intuitive mirror checking and comprehensive junction observation, you'll be better prepared to identify and respond to hazards in a timely manner. Indeed many of the acronyms used by driving instructors contain the words, observe, look and mirror.
The 4 Most Important Driving Routines For Learners
- D.S.S.M (Door, seat, steering, seat belt and mirror)
- M.S.P.S.L (Mirror, signal, position, speed and look)
- P.O.M (Prepare, observe and move)
- L.A.D.A (Look, assess, decide and act)
You should make it your common goal to consistently check your mirrors about every 10 seconds but especially when you do anything or are about to do anything.
And don't just move your eyes make it clear by moving your head that you are checking your mirrors.
If in doubt check your mirrors, believe me these acronyms could probably do with a few more Mirror, Obeserve, Look and Check inserted into them for accuracy.
Best practice for checking mirrors
Here are some best practices for effectively using your mirrors while driving:
Adjust Mirrors Properly
Sit in the driver's seat and adjust side mirrors so you cannot see the sides of your own car without leaning. This eliminates blind spots and allows you to see cars next to you.
Develop A Scanning Routine For Your Mirrors
- Glance at rearview mirror, left side mirror, road ahead, right side mirror, then back to road ahead in a continuous loop.
- This scanning routine helps you maintain full awareness of your surroundings without losing focus on what's in front of you.
Practice Mirror Checking On Familiar Routes
- Start practicing mirror scanning on routes you know well, like your daily commute.
- As it becomes habit, incorporate it on unfamiliar roads and in heavier traffic conditions.
Improper Mirror Use Is A Top Driving Test Fault
- Not using your mirrors correctly when changing direction is one of the most common reasons people fail their driving test.
- Driving Test examiners look for frequent, effective mirror checks to ensure you have full awareness of your surroundings.
Make Checking Mirrors A Habit
Continue practicing until using mirrors and maintaining 360° awareness becomes second nature while driving.
It should be an automatic routine, not something you have to consciously remind yourself to do.
By developing the habit of frequent, strategic mirror scanning using your peripheral vision, you'll improve your hazard perception and ability to drive defensively. Proper mirror use is a crucial skill for safe driving that examiners emphasize on the road test
Comprehensive DRIVER Training for Any Scenario
To help you avoid these common pitfalls, our instructors incorporate a wide range of driving environments into your weekly driving lessons. From residential streets to major roads and dual carriageways, you'll gain experience operating a vehicle safely in diverse conditions that will test your driving skills and provide you with constant learning and experience.
We'll also have you practicing in various weather situations like rain and darkness. This well-rounded training ensures you feel confident and in control no matter the scenario on your driving test day and beyond.
Overcoming Test Day Nerves
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious before your driving test. However, with our patient guidance and belief in your abilities, you can approach the assessment calmly and focused.
Remember, the examiner simply wants to verify that you can drive safely and competently. If you make a minor mistake, don't let it rattle you. Stay composed, follow the examiner's instructions, and you'll get through it.
We hear it time and time again from our students, "I made a simple mistake and it plagued on my nerves and then I made other minor errors because I was annoyed with myself". Our driving Instructors sage words, "If you make a mistake move on, refocus and reset!"
At RDS, we leave no stone unturned in making you a skilled, responsible driver fully prepared for the realities of the road. With our expert driving tuition and your dedication to learning and practice, you'll sail through the driving test and any challenges that lie beyond.
20% of people who fail their driving test say the reason they failed is because they were marked too harshly.
This is simply untrue, ask your driving instructor to do a mock driving test exam and see how you fair, then get him to get a fellow driving instructor to sit in and see how your nerves fair?!
Take a Mock Driving Test
At RDS we can arrange mock driving tests with another driving instructor to simulate the kind of experience and atmosphere you will experience in your actual driving test. This has shown to almost double your chance of passing your driving test in London. Are you ready to pass?
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