Key points
- 'Control: steering' is on the DVSA's list of the most common reasons for failing.
- Most steering errors are vision errors: the eyes look at the bonnet or the kerb instead of where the car needs to go.
- Drill: Look where you want to go.
- Your DriveSQ Student Portal tracks this skill lesson by lesson.
Steering faults sound basic, but they're one of the most common reasons for failing — usually because the car ends up in the wrong place: cutting a corner, swinging wide, or clipping the kerb.
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner looks for steering that's smooth and accurate: the car follows a safe path, you don't mount or hit the kerb, and you don't swing out or cut across lanes.
What it looks like on test
- Turning too early and cutting a right-hand corner.
- Swinging wide before turning left.
- Mounting or hitting the kerb when pulling up or manoeuvring.
- Wandering in the lane on a straight road.
- Over-steering on roundabouts and drifting into the next lane.
Why it happens
Most steering errors are vision errors: the eyes look at the bonnet or the kerb instead of where the car needs to go. Speed is the other culprit — too fast into a turn leaves no time to steer smoothly.
How to fix it: drills we use
Look where you want to go
Pick the exit point of the turn and look at it as you steer.
Pull-push practice
Smooth pull-push steering on a quiet estate until it's automatic.
Slow into corners
Brake before the bend, steer through it, gently accelerate out.
Where it catches learners in Greater Manchester
Tight terraced streets in Rochdale and around Hag Fold near Atherton; mini-roundabouts on Tottington Road near Bury. Our test-route guides list the exact roads.
Self-check before your test
Can you tick all of these?
Be honest — if not, tell your instructor and practise it on your next lesson.
In the DriveSQ Student Portal your instructor marks "Control: steering" as its own skill after each lesson, so you can watch it move from "introduced" to "independent" before you book.
DriveSQ Student Portal
Every SQ Driving School learner gets the DriveSQ Student Portal free — so you always know where you stand, not just how many hours you've had.
- 23 driving skills tracked after every lesson
- Theory library and 50-question mock tests
- Test-readiness checklist and instructor messaging
Why SQ Driving School?
SQ Driving School is owned and managed by DriveSQ — the Greater Manchester driving school behind the Student and Instructor Portals.
- Manual & automatic, same price: £35/hr
- 10 hours £350 — £320 for NHS staff, students and M16/M18/M19
- Door-to-door pick-up across Greater Manchester
Frequently asked questions
Is steering control a common reason for failing the driving test?
Is a control: steering fault always a fail?
How do I stop making steering control mistakes?
How many minor faults can you have and still pass?
Sources
- GOV.UK — Top 10 reasons for failing the driving test
- GOV.UK — DVSA reveals top driving test faults
- GOV.UK — What happens during the driving test
- The Highway Code (GOV.UK)
Published by SQ Driving School, a brand owned and managed by DriveSQ. Checked on 16 October 2026. Rules, fees and test centres change — always confirm on GOV.UK before you book.