Not making effective observations at junctions

Making decisions and observations is a huge part of learning to drive, but failing to make effective ones is the most common reason why learners fail. Around 37% of incidents on the road are due to drivers not looking properly, so this is something examiners are always on the lookout for.

It’s imperative that you are aware of what’s around you, particularly before pulling out of a junction or roundabout.

Observation errors that would result in a ‘driving fault’ or a ‘minor’ would include looking too late before moving off, incorrectly judging the speed of an approaching vehicle and pulling out in front of them or making too little observations when using a slip road to join another road.

Not using mirrors correctly

Learners are failing from not using their mirrors enough, but also from making an observation error from them too, such as failing to notice a vehicle close to them.

Should you change lanes anyway and cause the other vehicle to slow down, you could receive a minor fault.

Failing to drive off safely

Incorrectly moving off is another big reason why people fail their driving test, and there are a number of ways in which you might have to ‘move off’ during the exam.

It’s expected that you should be able to move off, making the correct observations, from the side of a road, from a traffic jam, from behind a parked car and on a hill.

Incorrect or lazy steering

Lazy steering is also among the common reasons why learners fail. This is usually from steering too early or too late.

Another common mistake is letting the wheel slip through their hands to correct itself to a straight position when taking a corner, resulting in not being in control of the car.

Not responding to traffic lights in time

And finally not paying attention to traffic lights, surprisingly, rounds off the list. Not reacting in time is the common fault here.

Some learner drivers are either driving through a light about to turn red at a junction when the road seems clear has been an issue.

Not moving ahead on a green light when the junction is clear has also been a common fault, as it potentially shows you aren’t paying attention to what’s around you.