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Common Driving Test Faults

Blyth Driving Lessons

Common Faults committed by learner drivers...

The following are notes designed to aid in identifying any driving faults which you may be making. The faults are listed in the order in which they would be marked on the driving examiner's Driving Test Report (DL25). There seems like a lot here, but it's well worth putting the time in to read through all of them as the more potential faults you're aware of prior to your test, the more you can prepare and correct any of the faults you might find yourself committing.

The level of seriousness of each individual fault will be totally dependent on the conditions at the time of the test. When other road users are affected, a minor fault can immediately become a serious fault. Dangerous faults will only be recorded when either the driving examiner or when another road user has been forced to take evasive action to avoid danger.



Comply with the requirements of the Eyesight Test:
  • Unable to read a number plate from 67 feet or 20.5 metres, which is approximately 5 car lengths.
Take Precautions before starting the engine:
  • Jumping forward whilst attempting to start the engine with the car in gear.
  • Rolling backwards or forwards whilst attempting to restart the engine.
MAKE PROPER USE OF:
ACCELERATOR:
  • Excessive pressure causing wheel spin.
  • Erratic pressure causing surging.
  • Not removing pressure while changing gear.
  • Applying pressure too soon after changing gear.
CLUTCH:
  • Jerky control.
  • Lack of control.
  • Releases too quickly.
  • Riding the pedal.
  • Not pressing fully to the floor.
  • Not used when stopping.
HANDBRAKE:
  • Not applying when necessary.
  • Not releasing properly.
  • Moving away with it partially on.
  • Not applying properly.
  • Applying on the move.
  • Rolling backward or forward after stopping.
GEARS:
  • Incorrect gear selection.
  • Reluctant to select higher gears.
  • Labours the engine.
  • Does not match gear with road speed.
  • Excessive speed in gear.
  • Unnecessary gear changes.
  • Used to reduce speed instead of brakes.
  • Selected too soon for hazards.
  • Selected too late for hazards.
  • Coasting with clutch down.
  • Coasting in neutral.
FOOTBRAKE:
  • Not used when required.
  • Late use on approach to hazards.
  • Harsh use by pressing too fiercely.
STEERING:
  • Incorrect hand position on the wheel.
  • Losing control by crossing hands.
  • Allowing wheel to spin back after turning.
  • Retaining hand on the gear lever for too long.
  • Removes both hands from steering wheel.
  • Overshooting right turns.
  • Over steers on corners.
  • Under steers on corners.
  • Steering with the right arm on the window ledge.
  • Striking the kerb when stopping.
More Common Driving Test Faults | Back to top

Recent Successes

Eleanor from Morpeth with DSA Driving Examiner John Underwood
Eleanor from Morpeth
with DSA Driving Examiner John Underwood.

Megan from Morpeth
Megan from Morpeth...

Kristel from Ashington
Kristel from Ashington...

Annie from Morpeth
Annie from Morpeth...
Passed First Time.

Adam from Morpeth
Adam from Morpeth...
Passed First Time.