Passing your driving test means that you have a comprehensive practical and theoretical knowledge of using the road, and it is okay to find it difficult. Driving schools are there to help not only build knowledge and skills but also confidence.

There are 27 skills involved in passing your driving test, from basic checks and tests before you turn the ignition to advanced driving manoeuvres, and it is okay to take as long as you need to practise with your instructor until you feel ready and confident in your driving ability.

However, there are certain faults that are more common than others when it comes to people who fail their driving test on the first attempt. Here are some of the most common and what you can do to ensure you are ready.

Not Following Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre

Instructors will often repeat these three words so often that it almost becomes a chant, but it is one of the most important parts of driving with due care and attention, and something that can often lead to faults that add up.

Use your mirror before you change speed, change direction or use your indicators, including when leaving a roundabout or changing lanes.

Not Reacting Fast Enough To Traffic Lights

There are two main types of faults that people make when it comes to traffic lights, and both are quite dangerous in their own way and involve reacting slowly to traffic lights changing.

The first and most obviously dangerous is running a red light, attempting to drive through a junction with the red light showing or being what used to be known as an “amber gambler”. 

This is more obviously reckless, but being slow to react to a green light can be just as dangerous, as drivers behind you need to potentially make dangerous overtakes.

Driving Too Close To The Kerb

Driving too close to the white lines is obviously dangerous, but some more cautious drivers do the opposite, which can be just as dangerous, which is to hug the kerb and put pedestrians at risk.