Why people fail the driving test.
Every fault on the DVSA's list of top reasons for failing the car driving test — explained, with drills to fix each one and where it happens in Greater Manchester.
The DVSA publishes the most common reasons people fail the car driving test. Observation at junctions has topped the list for years. Here's every fault on the list, explained properly: what the examiner marks, what it looks like, why it happens, drills to fix it, and where it catches learners on Greater Manchester's test routes.
Observation at junctions
Not looking properly at junctions has been the single most common reason for failing the driving test for years. It's…
DVSA top-10 faultUsing mirrors when changing direction
Turning, changing lanes or moving out round a parked car without checking your mirrors — or checking them too late to…
DVSA top-10 faultSteering control
Steering faults sound basic, but they're one of the most common reasons for failing — usually because the car ends up…
DVSA top-10 faultTurning right at junctions
Right turns are where you cross the path of oncoming traffic, so the examiner watches position, timing and judgement…
DVSA top-10 faultMoving off safely
Moving off happens dozens of times on every test — after pulling up, at the start, after the manoeuvre. A single missed…
DVSA top-10 faultResponding to traffic lights
Traffic lights are simple — until there are three sets in 200 metres, a filter arrow, a box junction and a bus lane.…
DVSA top-10 faultPositioning during normal driving
Driving too close to the kerb, too near the middle of the road, or straddling lanes — positioning faults are less…
DVSA top-10 faultResponding to traffic signs
No entry, no right turn, speed limits, bus lanes, give way — missing or misreading a sign is a common reason for…
DVSA top-10 faultControl when moving off
Stalling, rolling back on a hill, or kangarooing away from the kerb. A single stall isn't usually serious — but rolling…
DVSA top-10 faultResponding to road markings
Lane arrows, box junctions, hatched areas, give-way lines and bus lanes are all painted on the road — and missing them…
DVSA top-10 faultDriving at a safe and reasonable speed
Not driving at a safe and reasonable speed for the road and conditions was added to the DVSA's list in 2024. It isn't…
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