Key takeaways
- The DVSA's most common fault is not making effective observations at junctions.
- Mirror checks before changing direction, moving off safely and positioning for right turns are also top faults.
- You can have up to 15 driving faults, but one serious or dangerous fault is a fail.
- If you regularly make these mistakes in lessons, you're not test-ready yet.
How the test is marked
Examiners record three kinds of fault: driving faults (minors), serious faults (potentially dangerous) and dangerous faults (actual danger). You pass with up to 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.
The most common faults
The DVSA publishes the most common reasons for failing. These have topped the list consistently:
| Fault | What it looks like | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Observations at junctions | Pulling out without looking properly, or looking but not seeing an approaching vehicle | Slow down earlier on approach so you have time to look both ways — twice if the view is restricted |
| Mirrors when changing direction | Turning or changing lanes without checking mirrors, or checking too late | Use MSPSL every time: Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, Look |
| Moving off safely | Pulling away from the kerb without a blind-spot check | Check all mirrors and over your shoulder every single time |
| Positioning for right turns | Staying too far left when turning right | Position just left of the centre line, as far as is safe |
| Steering control | Steering too little or too late around corners and parked cars | Look where you want to go and start steering earlier |
| Responding to road markings | Ignoring lane arrows or stopping in a yellow box | Read the road ahead — markings tell you which lane you need |
| Control during reverse parking | Mounting the kerb or finishing outside the bay | Go slower than feels necessary and keep looking all around |
Manchester-specific traps
- Bus lanes and bus gates — driving in one during its hours can be marked as a fault. Our bus lane guide.
- Multi-lane roundabouts — lane markings override the general left/right rule. Roundabouts guide.
- Trams — never stop on tram tracks. Driving with Metrolink.
Use your portal
Your DriveSQ Student Portal tracks 23 skills. If junctions or mirrors aren't at "Independent" yet, that's what your next lessons should focus on.
Learning with SQ? 2-hour lessons £70 · 10 hours £350 (£320 NHS, students, M16/M18/M19) · free DriveSQ Student Portal. Book in 60 seconds →
Frequently asked questions
How many minors can you get on a driving test?
Up to 15 driving faults. Any serious or dangerous fault means a fail.
What is the number one reason for failing?
Not making effective observations at junctions, according to DVSA data.
Sources
This guide is general information, checked against the official sources above on 9 October 2026. Rules and figures can change — always check GOV.UK before booking or travelling.