DRIVING tests are nerve-wracking and almost half of us fail our practical driving test the first time.
Examiners understand that learners are unlikely to be perfect so you can still pass your driving test even with minor errors.
How many minors and majors are you allowed in a driving test?
Rules around driving tests might change over time, such as longer waits between resits, but the main aim remains the same.
Overall you're trying to prove to the examiner over an hour-long test that you know how to drive by getting as few errors as possible.
There are three types of faults a person can make in a driving test.
These are:
- Dangerous - This involves danger to the examiner, the driver, the public or property
- Serious (major) - This is when the driver does something potentially dangerous
- Driving fault (minor) - This isn't potentially dangerous but could be a serious fault if it keeps happening
As you take your test you are likely to accrue a number of minors - the test allows for a maximum of 15 minors before resulting in a fail.
If you make three of the same error, this then becomes a serious fault.
Major or dangerous faults result in an immediate failure of the test.
This means someone with zero minors can still fail if they make one dangerous fault, which is when other road users must actively avoid the learner driver's error.
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How many lessons do you need to pass?
Most people take around 40 hours of lessons, although you can do an intensive course to get you ready in a matter of days or weeks.
These intensive courses can be great, especially as a refresher course, but make sure you have time to get to know the test routes as this will help you pass.
Some test centres have higher pass rates than others so look to see if your local centre has high rates.
It is not recommended to just book wherever has a high pass rate as these rates are usually still only around 50% and knowing the route can really help you out.
Be sure to take enough lessons before booking a test and ask your instructor for advice on when you're ready.
Although rushing a test can seem like it'll save money on lessons, paying for multiple exams will cost you more in the long run.
Top 5 most common reasons for failing your driving test
Can I cancel and rebook my test?
It is possible to cancel or rebook a test once you have already signed up to take one.
This can be done online on the gov.uk website and you must give three working days notice to change your test or you'll have to pay again.
To change a test, you will need your:
- UK driving licence number
- Driving test reference number or theory test pass certificate number (from the letter you got when you passed your theory test)
Since the pandemic, driving tests have been harder to book due to a backlog so many people are booking in advance.
If you have managed to book a test try not to cancel as there is no guarantee that you will be able to rebook soon.
What is the top reason for failing a driving test?
A study, conducted by Warranty Direct, found that the most common reason new drivers would fail their practical test was because they did not properly observe the risks at a junction.
Junctions posed a number of issues during driving tests, with many motorists failing when trying to turn right at a crossroads.
Drivers were also highly likely to fail their test for not using their mirrors properly when making a turn.
While parking manoeuvres weren't as common, reverse parking did come in third on the list, just above poor steering ability.
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But it's not all bad - according to the study, 2017 had the highest driving test pass rate in the last 11 years.
Since the pandemic pass rates have actually risen slightly to over half for first-time test takers.
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