The top reasons why learner drivers failed their tests in the first year after changes were brought in have been revealed.
In December 2017 The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) made changes to driving tests in England, Scotland and Wales.
The four test changes included the independent driving part of the test being increased to 20 minutes, following directions from a sat nav, a change to the reversing manoeuvres and answering vehicle safety questions while driving.
Following the changes, brought in over a year ago, the DVSA has made a list of the 10 most common faults drivers made which resulted in them failing.
Top 10 reasons for failing the driving test
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.
The DVSA said driving test faults reflect the factors that cause accidents on our roads.
In 2017, two in five faults - which equates to 35,993 accidents - were the result of a driver failing to look properly.
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.
"Failing to look properly at junctions is the most common serious or dangerous test fault and the largest cause of accidents in Britain.
"Good observation, including proper use of mirrors, is a crucial skill that drivers must learn."
How to avoid common driving faults
The Highway Code provides rules, guidance and advice on avoiding these common faults, including:
- looking all around before emerging from a junction, and not crossing or joining a road until there is a gap large enough for you to do so safely
- using your mirrors frequently so that you always know what is behind and to each side of you, and using them in good time before you signal or change direction or speed
- maintaining a steady course and positioning the vehicle correctly in the road
The Official DVSA Guide to Driving - the essential skills is full of advice that will help you prepare and stay safe on the roads.
