Top 10 Reasons for Failing A Driving Test

Driving tests are necessarily difficult. After all, getting your driving license means you’re in charge of a heavy chunk of metal that you can accelerate to high speeds. But before you start freaking out about how hard your test is going to be, remember you are not the first person to take one.

There is a long line of other people in front of you who have either passed or failed, and you can learn and therefore avoid the mistakes they have made. In this article, we will look at the most common reasons people fail their driving test and how to avoid making those same errors.

Read More: Reasons For Failing Driving Tests & How To Avoid Them

Observation At Junctions

The number one reason that people fail their driving test is insufficient observation at junctions. The correct observation level is key if you are emerging or turning onto a new road and want to stay safe.

Remember, you need to prioritize other vehicles where necessary and not cause another vehicle to change speed or direction, and always pay attention to the stop signs.

Reverse Parking

Reverse parking is tricky, which is why it is the second most common reason for people failing their driving test. Proper use of your mirrors is key in this situation. Remember to use your mirrors well before changing speed and direction and act on what you see in them.

If you are changing lanes, it is vital that you check both the interior and the relevant door mirrors.

Moving Away Safely

Stalling your car when pulling away is not an automatic failure as long as you can demonstrate that you still control your vehicle. However, failing to move off under full control, not checking mirrors and any blind spots, or causing another vehicle to change speed or direction will mean you fail your test.

Incorrect Use Of Signals

Failing to signal correctly ranks high among the common reasons people fail their driving test. Remember, you need to apply your signal in good time; it should clearly indicate your intent, and you need to turn the signal off when you have completed the advertised maneuver.

Incorrect Road Positioning

You must maintain the correct road position during your test. Try to get into the correct lane early, where possible, and always be on the lookout for road signs and markings.

Reversing Around A Corner

In a similar manner to reverse parking, good observation is key to not failing on this maneuver. As with reverse parking, remember to use your interior and wing mirrors well before changing speed and/or direction and act on what you see in them. Accuracy is important, so you must stay reasonably close to the curb on this exercise without hitting it or going too wide.

Lack Of Steering Control

You must demonstrate that you always have full steering control or risk failing your test. Evidence that you did not steer at the correct time for the speed you are driving at or to maintain control and road position can result in you getting a major fault.

Select the correct gear before turning and remember, the tighter the turn, the slower the speed.

Turn In The Road

Turing in the road, most commonly a three-point-turn, requires good steering control and all-round observation. You should steer and accelerate smoothly and always check your mirrors, including the rearview check while reversing, which is the most often missed.

Inappropriate Speed

It might surprise you to learn that people still fail their driving tests for inappropriate speed, but it’s far more common to find people failing for driving too slow instead of too fast.

You should drive at a speed suitable for each road and not unnecessarily hold up traffic. Driving too slow is just as likely to marked as a driving fault and driving much slower than necessary is the 10th most common reason for failing the driving test.

Ace Your Driving Test with Northwest Driving School

Avoid common test failures by learning with Northwest Driving School in Las Vegas. Our experienced instructors offer comprehensive classes that cover all aspects of driving, ensuring you’re well-prepared to tackle junction observation, reverse parking, and more.

With DMV safety-approved vehicles and a focus on engaging in effective teaching, we aim for success in your driving journey. Proud of our 98% pass rate, we’re here to help you navigate the road to becoming a confident driver. Contact us at (702) 212-5667 for top-notch lessons and to pass your driving test with flying colors.