Common Driving Test Faults: What You Need to Know to Pass First Time
28th May 2025
With over 75% of UK practical driving test centres reporting waiting times of more than six months, the pressure on learner drivers to pass their test on the first attempt has never been higher. Since rebooking can take months, it’s essential to be as prepared as possible before test day and learn the common driving test faults.
Understanding what can cause you to fail, and avoiding common myths, can significantly improve your chances of passing.
Types of Driving Test Faults Explained
During your practical driving test, you can receive three types of faults:
Dangerous Faults
These involve actual danger to yourself, your examiner, other road users, or property. Just one dangerous fault results in an automatic fail.Serious Faults
These faults have the potential to be dangerous. Like dangerous faults, receiving just one serious fault also leads to an automatic fail.Driving Faults (Minor Faults)
These are not immediately dangerous but could become serious if repeated. You’re allowed up to 14 minor faults, but if the same mistake is made repeatedly, it could lead to failure.
Common Driving Test Faults Myths Debunked by the DVSA
Myth 1: “Examiners Have a Daily or Weekly Pass Quota”
Truth: This is false. If you drive to the required standard, you’ll pass—regardless of how many people have passed before you that day.
Myth 2: “You’re More Likely to Pass at Certain Times of Day”
Truth: The time of day has no impact on your results. A well-prepared learner should be ready to drive in all conditions.
Myth 3: “Exaggerating Mirror Checks Helps You Pass”
Truth: There’s no need to overemphasise your mirror checks. Examiners are trained to observe whether you’re making the correct observations. Over exaggerating may distract you from more important aspects of driving.
Myth 4: “Stalling”
Truth: Stalling on its own isn’t an automatic fail. However, repeated stalling, stalling in dangerous situations (e.g., at traffic lights or junctions), or losing control of the vehicle while stalling (like rolling back on a hill) can lead to a fail. The key is to stay calm and maintain control.
Myth 5: “Crossing Your Hands While Steering”
Truth: Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t an automatic fail. As long as your steering is smooth, safe, and under control, hand position alone won’t cause you to fail.
Know the Rules, Stay Calm, and Be Prepared
With such long wait times for retests, being properly prepared is more important than ever. Focus on safe driving habits, understand the marking system, and don’t let myths or misinformation distract you. The more confident and informed you are, the better your chances of passing your practical driving test the first time.