Many learners make common mistakes during the UK practical driving test, which can lead to minor or major faults and potentially a fail. Understanding these mistakes will help you avoid them and be better prepared. Here are some of the most common driving test mistakes:
1. Observation at Junctions
Common mistake: Failing to properly check mirrors, blind spots, and road conditions when approaching or pulling out of junctions. How to avoid: Always look in all directions before entering or leaving a junction. Make sure to check for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. Don’t rush into a junction without being certain it’s safe.
2. Mirrors – Changing Direction
Common mistake: Not checking mirrors before changing direction (e.g., turning, merging lanes, or overtaking).
How to avoid: Before any change of direction, use your mirror-signal-manoeuvre routine. Always check your mirrors and blind spots when moving into another lane, turning, or pulling away.
3. Incorrect Use of Signals
Common mistake: Failing to signal, giving late signals, or signalling incorrectly (e.g., signalling but not turning).
How to avoid: Signal early and correctly for every change in direction, and cancel your signal after completing the maneuver if it doesn’t turn off automatically.
4. Incorrect Positioning on the Road
Common mistake: Poor lane positioning, especially on roundabouts or approaching junctions.
How to avoid: Stay in your lane and be aware of lane markings. Position your car correctly when turning at junctions or navigating roundabouts (e.g., stay left if turning left, and be in the correct lane for your exit).
5. Response to Traffic Signs and Road Markings
Common mistake: Missing or misinterpreting traffic signs (e.g., speed limits, no-entry signs) or road markings (e.g., give way, stop lines). How to avoid: Be aware of and respond to all signs and markings. Make sure you’re always within the speed limit and give priority where required (e.g., at pedestrian crossings or “give way” junctions).
6. Steering Control
Common mistake: Oversteering or understeering, or not keeping both hands on the wheel during turns or maneuvers.
How to avoid: Keep both hands on the wheel and steer smoothly. Avoid “dry steering” (turning the wheel while the car is stationary) and ensure you have full control when turning.
7. Moving Off Safely
Common mistake: Not checking blind spots before moving off or failing to move off smoothly.
How to avoid: Before moving off, check all mirrors and blind spots, and signal if necessary. Pull away smoothly, without stalling, and ensure there’s enough space between you and other vehicles.
8. Not Making Progress
Common mistake: Driving too slowly without reason, or hesitating too long when it’s safe to proceed (e.g., at junctions or roundabouts).
How to avoid: Drive at an appropriate speed for the road and traffic conditions. Don’t hold back when it’s safe to move. At junctions or roundabouts, be confident and move when there’s a safe gap in traffic.
9. Poor Clutch Control (Stalling)
Common mistake: Stalling the car, particularly at junctions or during hill starts.
How to avoid: Practice clutch control, especially at the biting point. On hill starts, use the handbrake to keep the car still before pulling away. Always apply enough throttle when moving off.
10. Incorrect Speed
Common mistake: Driving over the speed limit or too slowly for road conditions.
How to avoid: Regularly check speed signs and your speedometer. Maintain the speed limit, but adjust for road conditions (e.g., slowing down in wet or busy traffic).
11. Failure to Respond to Hazards
Common mistake: Not identifying or reacting appropriately to potential hazards (e.g., pedestrians, cyclists, or parked cars).
How to avoid: Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards. Slow down when passing parked cars, watch out for pedestrians crossing, and give cyclists plenty of space.
12. Parallel Parking and Bay Parking
Common mistake: Poor control during parking maneuvers, hitting the curb, or not parking within the lines of a bay.
How to avoid: Take your time and ensure you’re in control. If parking in a bay, make sure you’re centered between the lines. Don’t be afraid to adjust the car if your positioning isn’t perfect.
13. Following Distance
Common mistake: Tailgating or driving too closely to the vehicle in front.
How to avoid: Maintain a safe following distance, especially in wet or icy conditions. Use the two-second rule (or four-second rule in poor conditions) to gauge a safe gap.
14. Incorrect Use of Gears
Common mistake: Being in the wrong gear for the speed or road conditions, or coasting (keeping the clutch down for too long). How to avoid: Match your speed to the appropriate gear. Avoid coasting, and change gears smoothly as needed.
15. Lack of Confidence or Nervousness
Common mistake: Hesitating too much, appearing overly nervous, or making poor decisions due to lack of confidence.
How to avoid: Stay calm, breathe deeply, and trust your practice. The examiner wants to see that you can drive confidently and safely.
Final Tips:
Stay focused: Concentrate on what’s happening on the road, anticipate changes, and react accordingly.
Practice: The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you’ll become. Focus on areas you find difficult.
Listen to the examiner: If the examiner gives instructions, follow them carefully.
By avoiding these common mistakes and staying calm, you’ll increase your chances of passing the test.
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