Top 10 reasons for failing the test
1. Acting improperly at road junctions.
A common test fail with junctions is limit lines. Coming to a stop over the line is of course dangerous. Approaching junctions too fast and lack of observation results in the number 1 test fail.
On approaching a junction, use your mirrors, slow down to an appropriate speed so that it gives you plenty of time to observe the road, other vehicles and pedestrians.
2. Manoeuvre – Reversing around a corner incorrectly.
Control, accuracy and observation is the key to this manoeuvre. Hitting the curb and lack of observation is a common test fail for this. During the manoeuvre, use an appropriate speed. Keep it slow, giving yourself enough time to judge your distances correctly, use your mirrors and correct observation.
3. Failure to make proper use of steering.
Remember to feed the steering wheel through your hands. Don’t cross your hands on the wheel, let the wheel spin back after a turn or drive with any hands off the wheel for any longer than they have to be.
4. Manoeuvre – problems with parking.
Reverse parking is arguably one of the hardest manoeuvres. It’s purpose is to show the Examiner that you have good control of the car using clutch control, accuracy and observation. Keep slow, giving yourself plenty of time to manoeuvre the vehicle accurately and to observe other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and stop if they approach.
5. Failure to make proper use of gears.
Make sure you are in the correct gear before pulling away. When slowing down or coming to a stop, use the brakes to slow down and not the gears. As a general rule, move into 2nd gear as soon as you move from stationary, 3rd gear at 20mph, 4th gear at 30mph, and 5th gear at 40mph.
6. Failure to make effective use of mirrors.
Under – use of mirrors is a common mistake, especially when changing lane. Remember, any speed change – check your mirrors. Any direction change – check your mirrors. Also when moving off.
7. Driving too slowly.
Driving too slowly is seen as a sign of being lacking confidence. Use of appropriate speed is important. If the road you are on is clear and safe, then drive at the speed limit and not unnecessarily slow. Driving too slow can be frustrating for other road users causing them to to make unsafe actions such as overtaking.
8. Acting incorrectly when turning right.
When turning right, use the correct mirrors and indicate. Judging the correct time to turn can be difficult. Try to imagine yourself as a pedestrian crossing both lanes across the road. When you think it would be safe to cross as a pedestrian would be a good estimate when it would be a good time for you to pull away.
9. Hesitating unnecessarily at junctions.
Try not to take too much caution pulling out from a junction. Again, imagine yourself as a pedestrian as in the above.
10. Failure to move away correctly from stationary positions.
When you move off, make sure you take the correct precautions. Mirrors, blind spot and signal if necessary. Also after a manoeuvre, take the same procedure as moving off for the first time.