Top 10 reasons people fail the UK driving test

The most common reason people fail the UK car driving test is not making effective observations at junctions. Next comes not using mirrors correctly when changing direction. DVSA's current guide lists the top 10 reasons for tests taken between April 2024 and March 2025.^[1] It was last updated in August 2025, so it is not a "2026" list.^[2] DVSA's statistics table for April 2025 to March 2026 has the same two faults at the top.^[3]

For each reason, this guide explains what the examiner is looking for and gives DVSA's own examples, followed by a practical tip. DVSA says that if you regularly make any of these mistakes in lessons or private practice, you're not ready to take your test.^[1]

The guide and the statistics table

DVSA publishes the top 10 in two places. The guide explains each fault and gives examples.^[1] The statistics table DRT121F ("Car driving tests, top 10 faults made") lists only a rank and a fault name for each year. It was updated in June 2026 with data to March 2026.^[3] It does not say how many tests each fault appeared in, so you can't tell how much more common number 1 is than number 10.^[3]

Sources: guide column^[1], DRT121F column^[3].

Number 10 has a different name in the newer table. "Use of speed" is about driving at a safe speed for the road and the conditions.^[1] DVSA hasn't yet published a guide with examples for 2025 to 2026, so the sections below follow the 2024 to 2025 guide. You may also see older versions of the list. For example, the one on DVSA's Ready to Pass? site still includes reverse parking.^[5]

1. Not making effective observations at junctions

Before you move into a new road, you must look properly and make sure it is safe to go.^[1] DVSA's examples include pulling out and making an approaching vehicle slow down, looking too late when you're already partly into the next road, and repeatedly not looking left when you turn left into a busier road.^[1] The guide also says that ineffective observation was a factor in 47% of all collisions in 2023.^[1]

2. Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction

You must check your mirrors carefully before signalling, changing direction or changing speed, and use the mirror–signal–manoeuvre routine.^[1] DVSA's examples include changing lanes on a roundabout when a vehicle is alongside you, and leaving a roundabout without checking your mirrors, cutting across a vehicle following closely on your left.^[1]

3. Not moving off safely

You must be able to move off safely from the side of the road, on a hill, and at an angle from behind a parked vehicle.^[1] Mistakes include moving off into the path of an approaching vehicle, repeatedly skipping blind-spot checks, and moving off after the emergency stop without looking behind.^[1]

4. Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions

When turning right, you need to position the car as close to the centre of the road as is safe.^[1] DVSA's examples include waiting too far left so traffic can't pass you, and using the left-hand lane to turn right at a roundabout when that's not appropriate.^[1]

5. Not responding appropriately to traffic lights

You must act correctly at traffic lights, and check the road is clear before you go on green.^[1] Mistakes include going on red, stopping in the cyclists' area beyond the first white line at an advanced stop line, and waiting when the light is green and the junction ahead is clear.^[1]

6. Not having proper control of the steering

You must steer smoothly and at the right time, because steering too early or too late can put you onto the kerb or out towards other road users.^[1] Examples include repeatedly not steering enough on left turns, so you don't follow the shape of the kerb, steering late into a right turn (a "swan neck"), and mounting the pavement when you pull up.^[1]

7. Not responding correctly to road markings

You must understand and react correctly to all road markings.^[1] DVSA's examples include ignoring direction arrows, straddling two lanes on a roundabout, unnecessarily crossing a solid white line on your side, and entering a box junction when your exit isn't clear.^[1] One example is about following directions: you're asked to follow directions to the city, but you drive into the lane marked for a different road and still try to turn left.^[1]

8. Not responding correctly to traffic signs

You must understand and react correctly to all traffic signs.^[1] Examples include going the wrong side of a "keep left" sign, ignoring a stop or no-entry sign, driving in a bus lane during its hours, and reacting late (or not at all) to a change in the speed limit.^[1]

9. Poor positioning on the road during normal driving

You must position the car correctly for your route, keep to the middle of marked lanes, and only change lanes when you need to.^[1] Examples include driving too close to the kerb or the centre line, staying in the right-hand lane of a dual carriageway for no reason, and "straight-lining" a roundabout.^[1]

10. Not driving at a safe and reasonable speed

You must take account of the road, the traffic, signs and the speed limit, and drive at a speed where you can stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear.^[1] Examples include staying above a lower speed limit for too long, ignoring temporary roadworks limits, and not slowing down for a busy high street or bad weather.^[1]

Using this list

A single serious or dangerous fault in any of these areas means you fail. So does building up more than 15 driving faults.^[4] To see how faults are graded and how repeated minor faults can become serious, read driving test faults explained. DVSA suggests you go through these examples with your instructor and your supervising driver to find the areas you still need to work on.^[1]

Last checked against the cited sources on 14 October 2026. PassNav is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA, DVLA or TomTom. Our guides are prepared with AI assistance and checked against the official sources cited on each page. Rules and fees change — for current legal requirements and booking rules, always check GOV.UK. This is general guidance and does not replace professional driving instruction. Spotted something out of date? Email passnav@smartaisolution.co.uk — see our editorial policy.