If you’re going to drive solo on British roads, then you’ll need to earn your full license, and that means passing a driving test. Passing means performing some specific manoeuvres and avoiding making mistakes.
Fewer than half of candidates fail their driving test. If you don’t want to be part of this unhappy statistic, then you’ll want to bear in mind the most common reasons for failure and give yourself the best possible chance of emerging with a pass.
Most common mistakes made during the test
Junctions
Junctions are danger zones when it comes to potential causes of failure. Driving on a single road is straightforward – often literally so. But when roads merge, problems can occur. If you fail to observe appropriately when you’re approaching a junction, then you might miss an oncoming vehicle or another potential hazard. That’s a fail!
Checking mirrors
Similarly, you’ll want to have developed the habit of checking your mirrors every time you approach a junction or pull away – and regularly throughout the drive. This is a habit that you’ll need to instill over hours of lessons and practice.
Steering
If you can’t adequately control the vehicle, then you won’t be passing. This means keeping both hands on the wheel at all times and keeping your hands at two-and-ten.
Safely moving away
You can easily fail the test within the first few seconds if you aren’t paying attention. Check your entire surroundings before you put your foot down!
What do Examiners mark you on?
Speed
You’ll need to make progress throughout the drive. As such, you can fail if you aren’t going fast enough – though, by the same token, you won’t want to speed during your test. Make sure that you account for the conditions on the road ahead of you, especially during heavy rain.
Tailgating
Similarly, you’ll want to maintain a constant distance from the car in front. Give yourself enough room to stop, if they do. Tailgating causes around one in eight crashes, according to National Highways.
Emergency Stops
You’ll need to be able to bring the car to a halt. Again, if the weather is dismal, this might be a bit more complicated. This is one of the easier manoeuvres to perform, so make sure that you get it right.
Reversing and Parking
Reversing is something that takes time and practice to master. You’ll need to be able to reverse into a bay or parallel park. The more accurate and observant you are, the better. This is something that even qualified drivers struggle with, and as such it’s worth finding a spot and practising it, regularly. It is a good idea to get some temporary learner driver insurance and practice for as long as it takes until you can perfect these manoeuvres
