The Top 3 Reasons for Failing a Driving Test..

Booking and taking your driving test is a super stressful thing to undertake. Initially, when booking your test there is an air of excitement and anticipation as you start to think about what it will be like when you're able to drive on your own or gaining that independence that you very much want! Then a month or so into taking lessons, the reality sinks in as to how much there is to remember and learn in order to be at a good standard and ready to take your test.

Here are the top 3 reasons that learner drivers fail their practical tests;

1. Junctions (observations) - It is very important to ensure that you understand how to take good and effective observations at junctions prior to your driving test. Firstly, you need to ensure that you understand the type of junction that you're using (open or closed) and then to ensure that you are paying attention to any road markings on that junction. Once you've then stopped, you should then observe to the right and to the left and once you deem it safe to go, move out of the junction.

2. Mirrors (change direction) - Mirrors are a huge and important part of driving, They are the eyes in the back and sides of your head. It is vital that you check the mirrors every time you want to change lanes on a dual carriageway, at traffic lights, on a roundabout, on a motorway, or turning left and right. Its also important that you check your mirrors before moving off from a static position or reversing. You need to know if you have a car over taking you or a cyclist to the rear.

3. Junctions (turning right) - Cutting corners, lack of observations into the road and positioning of your vehicle are but to name a few of the serious faults that can occur when turning right into or out of a junction. You should ensure that you position your car correctly before turning right (usually next to the centre line), make sure you have checked for cyclists and motorcyclists and any pedestrians wanting to cross the road into which you're turning. Also, are there any parked cars on the road you want to turn into? Are there any vehicles coming around those parked cars towards you? Think about these different hazards before you make your move as they could save you from failing your test.

Every one learns at a different pace and my advice would be for you to think about any areas in which you feel worried about and ensure you work on those before you go to test.

My next blog will be on choosing the right driving instructor, which will be available soon! Be sure to watch out for it!