What It Takes To Get Zero Faults On A Driving Test

So we have had an amazing pass this week with a student called Harry that took a test in Peterborough. Harry scored no driver faults on his test pass. The examiner said, “What a lovely drive, could have had a sleep it felt so relaxed.”

What does it really take to get a zero fault pass on a driving test in the UK?

I have been a driving instructor for 18 years in total,  and I have had 6 clean sheets in my career. It has often intrigued me how some students can get a clean sheet – and others, really struggle. Here is what I have discovered over the years.

It took me 13 years to get a clean sheet – and then I got three in the same year. They came around like buses. Since then, I have accrued three more. Harry being my recent champion.

The Clean Sheet Champions

My first clean sheet (zero faults) was with a student from Banbury. He had booked an intensive driving course as he wanted to go ‘legal’ after 20 years of not having a driving licence. Upon meeting my student, it was clear to see he was an experienced driver. Albeit, riddled with habits mainly including use of gears, use of mirrors, road position and speed control – which are all classic traits of a seasoned driver.

My student had a ‘test rescue’ and habit fixer course to align his skills against the DVSA‘s standards. He was a model student and picked up the tips and advice like a champion. He was very conscious of his driving habits and worked really hard to change his driving ways. He would ask lots of questions, and would breakdown his driving into bite-sized chunks of training so that he could really understand what to do and how to change.

During his test – he was confident and calm and knew exactly what was expected of him. He comes back with a clean sheet and it was my first one! This student had 20 years of driving experience and was very acquainted with driving. He was smooth, elegant and observant. All the typical traits of an experienced driver (minus the habits).

Three of my clean sheet students were experienced drivers in one shape or other. Two pupils were students who both lost their driving licences for gaining too many driver points within the first two years. Another pupil had been driving with her husband on and off for 4 years and had accrued more than 200 hours on the road.

Harry’s Perfect Score Pass Journey

When it comes round to Harry – he ONLY turned 17 in May this year. Of course, due to lockdown – he couldn’t have his course, but instead went out with his mum and did private practice. By the time the lockdown restrictions eased – Harry had built up more than 50 hours of private practice and was already heads apart from typical learner drivers. I even complimented his mum on her efforts due to his performance.

We reduced his original 35-hour course to a 20-hour intensive driving course. It was clear and evident he didn’t need a larger course after all. Typically weak areas included: reversing, roundabout lanes and test preparation. So, the first ten hours were training on the syllabus as per the DVSA, and then the last ten hours were typically focused on test preparation training. Harry continued to drive with his parents daily throughout this process.

As an instructor, we can feel when someone is great – the drive is smooth, the faults are minimal if not invisible and the learner truly feels like an experienced driver. They have excellent control – can judge gaps effortlessly, and the whole drive is pretty seamless.

Average Hours For Learner Driver

The DVSA state that the average learner needs 47 hours plus 22 hours of private practice. This equates to 70 hours in total! A whopping 70 hours! This industry can be fickle – and driving lessons can be very expensive for a young driver. With the demise of the high street and the sparse array of jobs on offer – learner drivers do have to work even harder than ever before. Private practice does help reduce the cost – but more than that, it changes the psychology of the learner driver.

Well, it does in my experience. I conclude that due to no dual-controls – the learner is ‘forced’ to take on the responsibility that they may not otherwise have to do during driving lessons. As much as we encourage this, there is a safety aspect of tuition with a driving instructor which isn’t as evident with private practice.

What Does It Take To Be A Clean Sheet Champion?

Practice, practice and lots of practice. I mean lots and lots. My 6 clean sheets – every single one of them had amassed well over 100 hours of combined driving practice. 100+ hours in total, some in excess of 200+ hours. Now that may seem daunting, but – these candidates are the best of the best.

When it comes to your training – whether you learn to drive with an instructor, or with a parent or a bit of both, the more practice the better! Ask questions, watch videos, and get into the space of driving – and I’m sure you’ll pass your driving test on the first go! Weldone Harry – we are super proud of you!

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