Top driving test faults made in the first year of the new test revealed by DVSA

The practical driving test was modified towards the end of 2017, updating the test to be more relevant to driving in today’s world

The top 10 reasons why people failed the new driving test have been revealed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

The practical driving test was modified towards the end of 2017, updating the test to be more relevant to driving in today’s world, driving independently for 20 minutes following directions from a sat nav (compared to the previous 10 minutes with directions given by the examiner) and no longer being asked to reverse around a corner, or complete a turn in the road (formerly a three-point turn) as their manoeuvre.

The most common faults made during driving tests between 4 December 2017 and 3 December 2018 were:

• Junctions – observation
• Mirrors – change direction
• Control – steering
• Junctions – turning right
• Move off – safely
• Response to signs – traffic lights
• Move off – control
• Positioning – normal driving
• Response to signs – road markings
• Reverse park – control

Insufficient observation at junctions and not using mirrors effectively when changing direction accounted for 368,047 test failures.

You automatically fail your driving test if you make a serious or dangerous fault – commonly referred to as ‘majors’.

The faults being made in driving tests reflect the factors that cause accidents on Great Britain’s roads. Failing to look properly at junctions is the most common serious or dangerous test fault and the largest cause of accidents in Britain

In 2017, drivers failing to look properly contributed to 35,993 accidents – the most common contributory factor in accidents. Good observation, including proper use of mirrors, is a crucial skill that drivers must learn.

Mark Winn, Chief Driving Examiner, said: “It’s vital that learners can drive safely and have the skills to drive on all types of roads before taking their test.

“The driving test helps get drivers ready for a lifetime of safe driving and makes our roads safer for all.”