The Top 3 Driving Test Mistakes and How to Overcome Them
Failing your driving test isn’t the end of the road. Lots of people don’t pass the first time.
In fact, almost half (44.6%) failed the 638,000 driving tests conducted between April and June 2023, according to DVLA statistics.
Mistakes can happen during the driving test for a variety of reasons. But fear not—these errors can be addressed with the right guidance and practice.
We’re going to look at the top three reasons people fail their test, as per the official GOV UK findings. By understanding these common pitfalls and learning how to avoid them, you’ll be better prepared to pass your driving test with confidence.
Mistake #1: Not Making Effective Observations at Junctions
What Is it?
Checking carefully before pulling away at junctions is essential for safe driving. It means looking left, right, and ahead for cars, people, and any potential hazards before moving off.
Common mistakes include:
- Misjudging traffic: Failing to accurately assess the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles, especially when turning from a side road onto a busier one.
- Missing cars on roundabouts: Ignoring vehicles approaching from the right on a roundabout.
- Forgetting to check blind spots: Not checking your mirrors and blind spots before pulling out, which can result in hitting another vehicle or cyclist.
- Not noticing junctions in time: Failing to spot a junction ahead, leading to a rushed decision and potentially dangerous manoeuvre.
Why Does It Happen?
New drivers often struggle with effective observations due to a combination of factors.
Usually, it is down to lack of experience. Inexperienced drivers haven’t had enough practice to develop the habit of thoroughly checking for hazards. Moreover, new drivers tend to feel more nerves on the road which can impair decision-making and lead to missed checks.
It is also worth considering distractions within the car. Technology such as sat navs and phones, or even particularly loud passengers, can divert your attention away from the road.
How Can I Improve?
- Always Slow Down Before a Junction: Reducing speed gives you more time to observe and make safe decisions.
- Practice Judging Vehicle Speeds: Spend time estimating the speed of approaching vehicles. This helps in making safer judgments about when to proceed.
- Start in Quieter Areas: Begin practicing in less busy areas to build your confidence and observational habits. Once comfortable, gradually move to busier roads and more complex junctions.
- Use your mirrors and blind spots: Check these regularly to make sure it’s safe to move off.
- Anticipate traffic movements: Look ahead for potential hazards and be ready to react.
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Mistake #2: Not Using Mirrors Correctly When Changing Direction
What Is it?
Checking your mirrors is crucial for safe driving. It helps you understand what’s happening around your car before you make any moves.
Common mistakes include:
- Not Using Mirrors At Roundabouts: Failing to check mirrors before changing lanes or exiting can lead to cutting off other vehicles.
- Missing vehicles when changing lanes: Not checking your mirrors before changing lanes can cause other drivers to brake suddenly or swerve to avoid you.
- Ignoring blind spots: Relying solely on your mirrors without checking your blind spots can result in accidents.
Why Does It Happen?
Proper use of mirrors is a vital skill in an experienced driver’s arsenal. New drivers often focus intently on the road ahead, often tunnel-visioning on hazards in front and in turn forgetting to check their mirrors regularly. It is only through constant time and practice that checking mirrors becomes an automatic habit.
Additionally, the pressure of a driving test can lead to forgetfulness. By focusing on avoiding major faults, learners may overlook crucial steps like mirror checks.
How Can I Improve?
- Set Reminders During Practice: Use sticky notes or verbal cues to remind yourself to check your mirrors before every maneuver.
- Practice MSM: Remember the mirror-signal-manoeuvre (MSM) sequence. This handy mnemonic emphasises the importance of checking mirrors, signalling intentions, and then manoeuvring.
- Develop a Pattern: Make it a habit to check mirrors before every manoeuvre, even during everyday driving, to build muscle memory.
- Different Manoeuvres: Practice various manoeuvres, such as lane changes, turning, and exiting roundabouts, with a focus on using mirrors.
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Mistake #3: Not Moving Off Safely
What Is it?
Pulling away safely is a crucial part of driving. It involves carefully checking your surroundings before moving off – including mirrors, blind spots, and signalling.
Common mistakes include:
- Pulling out into the path of oncoming traffic: This is a dangerous error that can cause accidents. It often happens when drivers don’t check their mirrors or blind spots properly before moving off.
- Failing to check after an emergency stop: After a sudden stop, it’s essential to check your mirrors and blind spots before pulling away again. This helps to avoid hitting vehicles that might have approached while you were stopped.
- Neglecting blind spot checks: Constantly forgetting to check your blind spots when pulling away from the side of the road or from behind parked cars can lead to collisions with cyclists or other vehicles.
Why Does It Happen?
Pressure and anxiety are major influencers as they can rush new drivers into split-second decisions. This can fail to leave enough time to complete crucial checks of your surroundings. In a test environment, this anxiety is heightened.
Moreover, insufficient practice or training can result in drivers not developing a consistent routine for pulling away safely. Without this routine, it’s easy to forget important steps. When it comes to road safety, checking just the mirrors or blind spot isn’t enough – every hazard must be reviewed before moving.
How Can I Improve?
- Always Double-Check: Before moving off, pause and ensure you’ve checked all mirrors and blind spots thoroughly. Taking a few extra seconds can prevent accidents.
- Develop a Routine: Establish a consistent routine of checking mirrors and blind spots every time you move off. Repetition will help turn this into a habit.
- Practice after an Emergency Stop: Simulate emergency stops during practice and focus on the complete procedure of moving off safely afterward.
- Practice on Slopes: Practice moving off on inclines to get comfortable with controlling the vehicle and making checks in challenging conditions.
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Conclusion
So, you’ve cracked the top three mistakes new drivers make: not checking properly at junctions, not using mirrors correctly, and not pulling away safely.
The secret to conquering these challenges is practice, practice, practice. Master those observations, get friendly with your mirrors, and always think before you pull away. It is essential that safety defines every journey on the road.
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