How Many Faults Lead to a Fail? Your Guide to Passing the Driving Test
Taking your driving test can feel nerve-wracking, and one of the biggest worries for learners is understanding exactly how many mistakes will cost them a pass. You can make up to 15 minor faults and still pass your driving test, but just one major fault will result in an immediate failure. It’s that simple, yet there’s so much more to understand about how faults work and what really matters on test day.
We’ve all heard stories about learners who thought they’d failed after making a small mistake, only to discover they’d actually passed with flying colours. The fault system isn’t designed to trip you up, it’s there to ensure you’re ready to drive safely and independently on Britain’s roads. Understanding the difference between minor faults and major ones can transform your confidence behind the wheel.
What makes this topic even more important is that many common faults are completely avoidable once you know what examiners are looking for. From observation mistakes at junctions to forgetting mirror checks, we’ll explore the most frequent slip-ups that catch learners out, plus share practical strategies to help you stay calm and focused when it matters most.
What Counts as a Driving Test Fault?
During your practical driving test, examiners assess your driving skills using a structured fault system that categorises every mistake into three distinct types. Understanding these categories helps learner drivers recognise what examiners look for and why certain actions result in test failure.
Fault Categories Explained
We need to understand that driving test faults fall into three clear categories, each carrying different consequences for your test result.
Driving faults (often called “minors”) represent mistakes that aren’t immediately dangerous. These might include slightly harsh braking or forgetting to check your mirrors once. You can make up to 15 of these during your practical driving test and still pass.
However, if you repeat the same driving fault multiple times, your examiner may upgrade it to a serious fault.
Serious faults involve potentially dangerous situations. Examples include approaching a roundabout too quickly or failing to check your blind spot when changing lanes. These demonstrate gaps in your driving skills that could lead to accidents.
Dangerous faults create actual danger to you, your examiner, other road users, or property. Pulling out in front of oncoming traffic or mounting a kerb with pedestrians nearby falls into this category.
Just one serious or dangerous fault means an instant fail, though you’ll continue the test for learning purposes.
Why Examiners Record Faults
Examiners don’t record faults to catch you out, but rather to ensure new drivers meet the safety standards required for independent driving.
The fault system helps maintain consistency across all driving tests. Every examiner follows the same criteria, whether you’re taking your test in London or Liverpool. This standardised approach ensures fairness for all learner drivers.
Recording faults also provides valuable feedback about your driving skills. When you receive your test result, you’ll know exactly which areas need improvement before your next attempt.
The system protects other road users too. By identifying drivers who aren’t yet ready for solo driving, examiners help prevent accidents. Your driving lessons should prepare you to handle real-world situations safely, and the fault system verifies this readiness.
Remember, examiners want you to succeed. They’re assessing whether you can drive independently without putting yourself or others at risk.
Different Types of Faults and Their Impact
Driving test faults fall into three clear categories, each with different consequences for your test result. Minor faults won’t fail you immediately, but serious and dangerous faults will end your test instantly.
Minor Faults (Driving Faults)
Minor faults are mistakes that don’t put anyone in danger on their own. We can accumulate up to 15 of these during our test and still pass.
These driving faults include things like forgetting a mirror check, positioning slightly off at a junction, or stalling the engine. They’re the kind of errors that happen when we’re learning and feeling nervous.
The key rule: More than 15 minor faults means an automatic fail. But there’s another catch we need to watch for.
If we keep making the same mistake repeatedly, our examiner might upgrade it to a serious fault. This happens because repeating the same error shows we haven’t properly learnt that skill yet.
For example, missing our blind spot check once is a minor fault. Keep doing it throughout the test, and it becomes a pattern that could endanger others.
The good news? Most learners who pass have fewer than 10 minor faults. This gives us a comfortable buffer and shows we’re driving safely and confidently.
Serious Faults
A serious fault happens when our driving has the potential to cause danger, even if nothing actually goes wrong. Just one serious fault means we fail instantly.
These major faults typically involve poor judgement or missing important safety checks. Common examples include pulling out at a junction without proper observation when other cars are around, or changing lanes without checking our mirrors.
What makes it serious rather than dangerous? Usually it’s about potential rather than actual harm.
Imagine we emerge from a side road after inadequate observation. If there’s no traffic around, it’s likely a serious fault because we could have caused problems. The same action that forces another driver to brake hard becomes a dangerous fault.
Our examiner considers the specific circumstances of each situation. They’re looking at whether our actions could have led to an accident or put other road users at risk.
Dangerous Faults
Dangerous faults are the most severe category because they cause actual danger to ourselves, other people, or property. Like serious faults, just one means instant failure.
These major faults happen when our driving directly threatens safety. Examples include causing another driver to swerve or brake suddenly, or creating a situation where a collision nearly occurs.
The difference is immediate risk. While serious faults show potential for danger, dangerous faults mean danger actually happened.
If we pull out at a junction and make an oncoming car slam on their brakes, that’s a dangerous fault. We’ve forced another driver to take emergency action because of our mistake.
During manoeuvres, dangerous faults might include reversing into traffic or stopping in a position that blocks other vehicles dangerously. Our examiner will always prioritise actual safety over perfect technique.
The reality is that dangerous faults are less common than serious ones, but they represent moments where our driving genuinely put someone at risk.
How Many Faults Cause You to Fail the Driving Test?
The number of faults that lead to failure depends on their type and severity. You can make up to 15 minor faults and still pass, but even one serious or dangerous fault means an instant fail.
The Limit for Minor Faults
We’re pleased to share some reassuring news: you can make up to 15 minor faults (also called driving faults) and still walk away with your full driving licence. These small mistakes don’t pose immediate danger to you, your examiner, or other road users.
Think of minor faults as gentle reminders rather than deal-breakers. Perhaps you checked your mirrors a bit late or took a corner slightly wide. These happen to nearly everyone during their practical driving test.
It’s actually quite rare for someone to complete their test without any faults at all. Most successful candidates make between 3 to 8 minor faults, so don’t panic if you notice a few marks going down on the examiner’s sheet.
The key is staying calm and focused. One or two minor mistakes early in your test don’t mean you’ve failed. Keep driving confidently and concentrate on the road ahead.
Immediate Failures from Major Faults
Here’s where things become more serious: any single serious or dangerous fault results in immediate failure of your driving test. There’s no wiggle room with major faults.
Serious faults involve potentially dangerous situations. These might include failing to check blind spots properly, not giving way when you should, or stalling in a dangerous position.
Dangerous faults are even more severe. They involve actual danger to yourself, the examiner, pedestrians, or property. Examples include pulling out into oncoming traffic or mounting the kerb near pedestrians.
We know this sounds daunting, but remember that proper preparation helps you avoid these situations. Your driving instructor has been working with you to build the skills needed to handle challenging scenarios safely.
Repeated Minor Faults in the Same Category
There’s an important rule that catches some learners off guard: making the same minor fault repeatedly can lead to failure. If you accumulate more than three identical minor faults, the examiner may classify this as a serious fault.
For instance, consistently forgetting to check your mirrors or repeatedly positioning poorly at roundabouts shows you haven’t mastered that particular skill. This pattern suggests you might struggle with independent driving.
We recommend paying attention if you notice yourself making similar mistakes during lessons. Work with your instructor to address these recurring issues before your test day.
The good news is that different types of minor faults don’t add together in this way. You could make two mirror faults, two positioning faults, and two observation faults without triggering this rule.
Most Common Faults That Lead to Failure
Four specific areas cause the majority of driving test failures across the UK. Problems with mirror use, poor junction observations, dangerous move-offs, and ignoring traffic signals account for most major faults that result in test failure.
Mirror Checks and Use of Mirrors
We see countless learner drivers fail their tests because they simply don’t check their mirrors enough. Not checking mirrors is one of the most frequent driving test faults, particularly when changing direction or lanes.
Your examiner watches for mirror checks before every significant action. This means glancing at your mirrors before turning left or right, changing lanes, or pulling away from the kerb. Missing these checks creates dangerous situations.
The key is making your mirror checks obvious. Turn your head slightly so the examiner can see you’re actively checking. We recommend the MSM routine: Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre.
Common mirror-related failures include:
- Not checking before turning at junctions
- Missing mirror checks when changing lanes
- Failing to check mirrors before moving off
- Not using mirrors when reversing or parking
Remember, if you repeatedly make the same mirror error throughout your test, those minor faults can quickly add up to a serious fault. Three identical minor faults in mirror use will result in test failure.
Make mirror checks a habit during your practice sessions. Your instructor should help you develop this natural rhythm of constant observation.
Junction Observations
Junction observations represent the number one reason for driving test failure across Great Britain. Poor observation at junctions creates genuinely dangerous situations that examiners cannot overlook.
We often see learners who look but don’t actually see what’s happening around them. Effective observation means checking for pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles, and potential hazards before committing to any movement.
Critical observation points include:
- Looking left and right before emerging from junctions
- Checking for pedestrians crossing your path
- Observing cyclists who might be in blind spots
- Watching for vehicles approaching from both directions
T-junctions and roundabouts demand extra attention. Don’t just glance once and assume it’s safe. Take time to properly assess the situation, especially when visibility is limited.
Your examiner expects you to demonstrate safe, methodical observation techniques. If you pull out when it’s not safe, or if your observations appear rushed and inadequate, you’ll likely receive a major fault.
Practice makes perfect here. Spend time with your instructor working on different junction types until your observation technique becomes second nature.
Unsafe Move-Offs
Moving off unsafely from parked positions or after stopping causes many test failures. We see this fault particularly often when learners feel nervous and rush their departure routine.
An unsafe move-off typically happens when you pull away without proper checks or when other road users are too close. The examiner considers the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles when marking this fault.
Essential move-off checks:
- All-round observation before moving
- Checking mirrors for following traffic
- Looking for pedestrians stepping into the road
- Ensuring adequate gaps in traffic
Weather conditions make move-offs trickier. Rain, ice, or strong winds require extra caution and gentler acceleration. Your tyres might slip or other drivers may take longer to stop.
Don’t let test nerves make you rush this crucial skill. Take your time with observations, even if traffic is waiting behind you. Better to demonstrate safe driving than risk a major fault.
We always tell our learner drivers: if you’re not completely confident it’s safe to move off, wait for a better opportunity. Patience prevents failures.
Response to Traffic Signals and Road Signs
Ignoring or misreading traffic signals and road signs creates immediate safety hazards that result in automatic test failure. Your examiner needs confidence that you understand and follow these essential road rules.
Red traffic lights are absolute. Going through a red light, even if it’s just changed, will end your test immediately. Similarly, failing to stop at stop signs or ignoring give way markings shows dangerous disregard for road safety.
Speed limit signs catch many learners off guard. Driving significantly under the limit can be just as problematic as speeding, especially if you’re holding up traffic flow or showing you haven’t noticed the signs.
Watch carefully for:
- Traffic light sequences and timing
- Stop signs requiring complete stops
- Give way markings at junctions
- Speed limit changes
- No entry or one-way signs
We recommend practising on your test routes to familiarise yourself with local signage. Some areas have complex one-way systems or unusual traffic light positions that can confuse learners.
Yellow box junctions often trip up nervous test candidates. Only enter if your exit is completely clear, even if the lights are green.
Typical Minor Mistakes Learners Make
Nearly every learner makes similar small mistakes during their driving test, and these minor faults are completely normal. The most common areas where we see these slip-ups include stalling and clutch problems, accidentally touching the kerb, and general driving errors like forgetting mirror checks.
Stalling the Car and Clutch Control
Stalling happens to almost everyone, especially when nerves kick in on test day. We’ve seen countless learners stall at traffic lights, roundabouts, or when moving off from a parked position.
The key thing to remember is that stalling isn’t an automatic fail. If you stall at a quiet junction and restart calmly, it’s usually just a minor fault. However, stalling in busy traffic where other drivers have to brake or swerve becomes a serious problem.
Common stalling situations include:
- Moving off from traffic lights
- Hill starts without using the handbrake properly
- Clutch control during slow manoeuvres
- Rushing the biting point when nervous
The secret to managing clutch control is finding that sweet spot where the car wants to move forward. Practice this feeling until it becomes second nature. If you do stall during your test, take a deep breath, put the handbrake on, and restart properly.
Touching the Kerb
Kerb contact during parking manoeuvres catches many learners off guard. We often see this happen during parallel parking, reverse bay parking, or when pulling up on the left.
Light contact with the kerb usually results in a minor fault. This means your wheel gently brushes against it without mounting or scraping. However, if you mount the kerb or end up too close to pedestrians, that becomes a major fault.
The most common kerb-touching scenarios are:
- Reverse parking when judging the final position
- Parallel parking while straightening up
- Pulling over on narrow roads
Top tip: Use your door mirrors to watch your wheels’ position. When you can see about two inches of road between your tyre and the kerb, you’re in the perfect spot.
General Driving Faults
These everyday mistakes add up quickly if you’re not careful. We see learners accumulate minor faults through small oversights that seem harmless individually.
Mirror checks top the list of forgotten basics. Missing one mirror check in a quiet area might be minor, but forgetting to check before changing lanes can escalate quickly.
Speed control issues are equally common. Driving slightly under the speed limit usually stays minor, unless you’re holding up traffic or driving so slowly that others become frustrated.
Other frequent minor faults include:
- Indicating errors: Signalling too early, too late, or forgetting to cancel
- Hesitation: Taking too long at clear junctions when it’s safe to go
- Position: Drifting slightly in lanes or sitting too close to parked cars
- Observations: Not checking blind spots thoroughly enough
Remember, these small mistakes don’t define your driving ability. They show you’re human and still learning the finer points of road craft.
How to Avoid Failing for Faults: Pro Tips
The best way to avoid failing your driving test is through proper preparation with qualified guidance and plenty of practice. Working with an experienced driving instructor and taking mock tests builds the skills and confidence you need to handle any situation on test day.
Learning from a Qualified Driving Instructor
Finding the right driving instructor makes all the difference to your test success. We recommend choosing someone who’s DVSA-approved and has recent experience with local test routes. A good instructor won’t just teach you to drive, they’ll prepare you specifically for test conditions.
Your driving instructor should focus on:
- Common fault areas that cause test failures
- Local road hazards and tricky junctions
- Proper observation techniques at roundabouts and crossings
- Safe following distances and appropriate speeds
Ask your instructor to be brutally honest about your readiness. We suggest saying something like: “Would you let me pass if I took my test today?” This direct question gets you the feedback you need.
Professional driving lessons should include test-specific practice. Your instructor knows which manoeuvres examiners focus on and can spot bad habits before they become costly faults. They’ll also teach you how to stay calm under pressure, which prevents those split-second mistakes that lead to serious faults.
The Power of Mock Tests
Mock tests are your secret weapon against test-day nerves. We can’t stress enough how valuable these practice sessions are for learner drivers. They simulate real test conditions and help you identify weak spots before the actual examination.
Book at least two mock tests with different instructors if possible. This gives you varied perspectives on your driving skills. Ask them to mark you exactly as an examiner would, including noting minor faults that could add up.
What mock tests reveal:
- Whether you check mirrors consistently
- If you observe properly at junctions
- How you handle unexpected situations
- Your speed control in different zones
During mock tests, practise the areas where most people fail. These include emerging at junctions, using mirrors effectively, and maintaining proper following distances. Your instructor can recreate these challenging scenarios safely.
We recommend scheduling mock tests on the same routes your actual test might use. This familiarity helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence in your driving abilities.
Building Confidence through Practice
Confidence comes from repetition and successful experiences behind the wheel. We find that learner drivers who practise regularly in varied conditions perform much better on their practical driving test.
Focus your practice sessions on high-risk situations. Spend extra time on busy roundabouts, complex junctions, and areas with lots of pedestrian crossings. The more comfortable you feel with these scenarios, the less likely you are to make serious faults.
Key practice areas include:
- Hill starts: Master clutch control to avoid rolling back
- Parking manoeuvres: Perfect your reference points and observations
- Dual carriageways: Practice safe joining and leaving techniques
- School zones: Learn to spot and react to children near roads
Build your practice time gradually. Start with quiet roads, then progress to busier areas as your skills improve. We suggest practising at different times of day too, as traffic patterns change significantly.
Remember that every mistake during practice is a learning opportunity. Don’t get discouraged by errors, instead, understand why they happened and how to prevent them. This mindset will serve you well when test day arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can make up to 15 minor faults and still pass your driving test, but even one serious or dangerous fault means instant failure. The key difference lies in whether your mistake puts anyone at risk.
What’s the scoop on the number of mistakes that can cost me my driving test?
We get this question all the time, and here’s the straight answer: you’re allowed up to 15 minor faults on your driving test. Cross that line, and you’ve failed.
But here’s where it gets tricky. If you make the same minor mistake repeatedly, your examiner might upgrade it to a serious fault. That’s an instant fail right there.
One serious fault or one dangerous fault also means game over. There’s no wiggle room with these bigger mistakes.
Can you clue me in on which slip-ups might mean a no-go on my driving exam?
Some mistakes will end your test immediately. We’re talking about things like running a red light, failing to give way when you should, or making an unsafe turn.
Dangerous faults involve actual danger to you, your examiner, or other people. Serious faults are potentially dangerous situations that could have gone wrong.
Minor faults include things like not checking your mirrors often enough or slight steering wobbles. These won’t fail you unless you rack up too many.
I’m curious, how strict is the assessment of driving tests when it comes to errors?
Your examiner follows clear guidelines about what counts as each type of fault. They’re not trying to trick you or be unfair.
The system is designed to keep everyone safe on the roads. That’s why there’s zero tolerance for serious and dangerous mistakes.
Minor faults get more leeway because they show you’re still learning. But accumulating loads of them suggests you’re not quite ready yet.
Is there a certain type of error that’s a definite no-go on the driving test?
Absolutely. Any dangerous fault means instant failure, no questions asked. These involve actual danger to people or property.
Serious faults are also immediate test-enders. These are potentially dangerous situations that could have caused harm.
Some common instant-fail mistakes include failing to stop at a red light, not giving way at a roundabout, or reversing unsafely. We can’t stress enough how important it is to avoid these.
Do all driving test blunders carry the same weight, or are some more serious?
Not all mistakes are created equal on your driving test. The system uses three different categories with very different consequences.
Dangerous faults are the most serious. These put lives at risk and mean immediate failure.
Serious faults come next. They’re potentially dangerous and also cause instant failure. Minor faults are the lightest category, but they still matter if you collect too many.
Could you shed some light on the error tally that might result in a failed driving test?
You’ll fail if you make 16 or more minor faults. That’s the magic number that tips you over the edge.
One serious fault equals failure. One dangerous fault also equals failure. There’s no accumulating these bigger mistakes.
Remember, if you keep making the same minor error, your examiner might decide it’s become a serious fault. That transforms multiple small mistakes into one big test-ending problem.