Over the past five years, more than 6.5 million faults have been recorded in UK driving tests. A new analysis of DVLA data by EzLicence shows that learner drivers in the UK made over 6.5 million driving test faults between 2020 and 2025 – with observation at junctions topping the list.

Here are the most frequent fault types recorded in the past five years:

• Observation at Junctions – 768,881 (11.81%)
• Using Mirrors to Change Direction – 598,417 (9.19%)
• Moving Off Safely – 328,483 (5.05%)
• Turning Right at Junctions – 320,417 (4.92%)
• Lack of Control While Steering – 313,967 (4.82%)
• Responding to Traffic Lights – 303,444 (4.66%)
• Responding to Traffic Signs – 278,379 (4.28%)
• Positioning While Driving – 266,470 (4.09%)
• Responding to Road Markings – 264,457 (4.06%)
• Maintaining Control While Moving Off – 240,916 (3.70%)

Younger learners struggle with junctions – older ones with mirrors

The data also breaks faults down by age. Learners under 40 accounted for 91% of all junction observation faults, while those aged 40+ were more likely to forget mirror checks.

This insight can help instructors tailor lessons by highlighting age-related blind spots during tuition.

Tips from the front line

Joe Parry of EzLicence says understanding the test format, practising tricky manoeuvres, and building healthy habits are key. “Checking mirrors regularly, maintaining a healthy speed, and proper control of the vehicle are all habits that are easy to adopt, so do it.”

He reminds learners that a test can still be passed with up to 15 minors – so a slip-up doesn’t mean game over.