You passed your UK theory test, but you failed your practical driving exam. You will have been told that you failed due to a series of minor faults, a major fault or a serious fault. But, what are these faults and how do you learn from them in order to avoid making the same mistakes during your next practical exam?
From minor, to major, to serious…
Over the duration of the practical driving exam a candidate is allowed up to 15 minor faults. Should you exceed this number you will fail the test. When taking your practical exam try to remember your theory test preparation and the theory test exam itself. The knowledge you acquired from practicing and taking the theory test will help you to avoid making minor errors.
Minor errors can develop into major driving faults should other road users be affected by your actions. However, this does depend on the conditions at the time of driving. Serious driving faults are those considered to be events where road users have to take evasive action to avoid collision or in instances where your driving threatens the life of other road users or pedestrians.
Irrespective of how well you drive for the remainder of the practical exam should you commit a major or serious driving fault you will automatically fail the exam.”
To help you avoid making minor errors that can escalate into something more serious, here’s a list of the most common minor driving faults and what you can do avoid making them and ultimately, prevent you from failing the practical driving exam…
#1 – Starting the engine
Ensure that the car is in neutral before starting the engine. It’s not uncommon for the examiner to leave the car in gear to mark whether you observe this. Starting the car whilst it’s in gear causes it to jump forward. Another common error is failing to apply the handbrake correctly meaning the vehicle can roll forward or backwards.”
#2 – Moving away
It’s vital that you carry out all necessary observations before pulling off in order to ensure your way is clear. Failure to observe your surroundings is only considered a minor fault. However, should your failure to look result in an accident or require another road user to take evasive action it will result in exam failure.
#3 – Emergency stop
Stopping the car quickly, but safely, is the key to a successful emergency stop. However, using both the clutch and the foot brake is a common fault committed by most learners. You need to squeeze the brake gently to achieve a prompt stopping time, whilst remaining in control of the vehicle.
