The revised driving test is proving tough for learners – here are the top driving faults made in the new test’s first year that could result in an instant fail.
Introduced in 2017, the new driving test saw a host of changes and introductions. From the use of sat nav and an extended independent driving section to the new and controversial pulling-up-on-the-right manoeuvre, the changes have transformed the driving test forever.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has now revealed where the new test is tripping up learners by unveiling the top 10 driving faults made during the first year of the test being used. These are:
- Junctions (observations)
- 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).
Fault Lines The DVSA has revealed that not using mirrors effectively and not observing correctly at junctions accounted for a whopping 368,047 test failures in the first year of the test. Remember, such faults can be classed as serious/dangerous (major) and triggers an instant fail – for more details, check out our A to Z of passing the test here.
More worryingly, the top 10 faults echo the real world reasons for accidents with the DVSA stating that ‘39% of all accidents in Great Britain in 2017 were a result of a driver failing to look properly’.
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.” – Mark Winn, Chief Driving Examiner, DVSA.
Image © Aaron Van Dike