Driving Test Cancellations - Most Common Reasons Why Learners Fail Their Driving Test

With the New Year underway, many people are now contemplating purchasing a car so that they can finally drive independently on the road network. However, before this is possible, all learner drivers need to complete and pass a practical driving test, which although sounds easy, can be challenging for many. It’s often the case that the same reasons regularly cause learners to fail, which is what we are going to address today so that you can avoid these mistakes and pass your test first time.

Junctions

Observation

One of the main reasons that learner drivers don’t pass is because they fail to perform the correct observations at junctions. Depending on the junction, you must always stop or slow down to the appropriate speed and check every direction to guarantee that no other road users or pedestrians are approaching either the car or the direction of which you are looking to move to.

Approach speed

Failing to approach the junction at the correct speed may also result in a failure. You should never maintain the same road speed when approaching the junction, as you are not only putting yourself at risk, but you are also risking the lives of other drivers. The safest approach is always slowing down with the intention of stopping, giving you ample time to observe as mentioned above.

Cutting corners

Cutting corners is also a very popular reason why learners fail. Turning right at junctions is often the most common example of this, as drivers tend to cut in as early as they can, but it’s vital that you turn at the appropriate time to avoid cutting across other lanes and potentially risking an accident.

Use of mirrors

Wrong order to check

Your mirrors should be used in almost every manoeuvre, essentially because the driver can view almost the whole surroundings of the vehicle. As a result, the driving examiner will be checking that you are accurately using the mirrors in the correct order for every manoeuvre that you are carrying out.

Checking infrequently

That being, regularly checking the mirrors regardless of if you are performing a manoeuvre is important. As mentioned, they enable the driver to have a full image of the area surrounding the vehicle, which will show the examiner that you are fully aware of the road around your vehicle, as well as any other road users.

Driving the incorrect speed

Going too fast

It should go without saying, but driving too quickly is more than likely always going to result in an unsuccessful driving test result. Speed limits have been set for a specific purpose, and by succeeding them, not only are you putting lives at risk, but you are also breaking the law.

Going to slow

Going to slow is also a common reason why learners fail their driving test. For similar reasons as speeding, driving too slow can also increase the opportunity of a road accident occurring, which is something that your driving examiner will not be impressed with.

Moving off safely

Not looking for blind spots

Moving off carefully is one of the most important aspects of road safety, as it is often one of the primary causes of road accidents. This is because many drivers fail to check their blind spots when moving off. During your test, it’s important to remember all of the techniques that you have been shown, most notably the use of your mirrors. Checking over your shoulder before moving off is also recommended as this will allow you to perform one last check on any blind spots that you haven’t seen already.

Signalling appropriately

‘Mirror, signal, manoeuvre’ is a popular procedure that has been adopted by many driving instructors as it means learner drivers can safely perform a manoeuvre such as moving out without causing any danger. Signalling either too late or too early on your driving test can also potentially lead to failure, as you are once again potentially risking causing a road accident.

Traffic lights

Know and anticipate the lights

If you are at the stage of taking your practical driving test, you should be fully aware of how to drive in relation to traffic lights, but not everyone takes this into consideration on their test. Abiding by the correct traffic light signal is a must, but it’s also important to show your examiner that you recognise and approach the traffic lights with anticipation for the chances of the lights changing.

Positioning

Staying in lane

Swaying out of your lane, driving too close to the car in front and driving near parked cars are all reasons why learner drivers often fail their driving test. When driving on standard roads, it’s important that you not only stay in your lane, but you also need to ensure you aren’t swerving, driving too close to others and are fully aware of your surroundings.

At junctions

Incorrect positioning at junctions can also potentially result in a failure to your practical driving test. One of the primary examples includes when drivers are looking to turn right at a junction, where it’s recommended learner drivers position close to the right of the road, though not as much so your vehicle is in the other lane.

Reverse parking

Although many learner drivers say that parallel parking is the harder parking manoeuvre to perfect, reverse parking is more likely to occur on your practical driving test, therefore, a common reason why learners fail. To ensure you successfully complete the manoeuvre, it’s important that all observations are carried out, as well as remembering the tips regarding the manoeuvre itself.

Yet to book your test?

For those that are yet to book a driving test, we suggest heading over to the Earlier Driving Test website when you have the chance. We find thousands of driving test cancellations every day, all of which we present and give back to learner drivers that sign up throughout the network. In three simple steps, you will be registered and will begin to receive notifications when suitable times and dates for a driving test occur based on your set parameters.

Of course, there are several other similar services throughout the UK, but there are three main reasons why you need to pick us. This includes the fact that we save time, save money but also offer a money-back guarantee if we fail to find a test date within the criteria that you gave to us.

Got a few questions for our team? Don’t hesitate to get in touch, simply give us a call today on 0207 112 4870. By doing so, you will have the opportunity to speak to our friendly customer service who will be more than happy to address any questions, as well as providing additional information.