1) Junctions: ineffective observation
Look, assess speed, commit. Don’t emerge late or misjudge speed at T-junctions/roundabouts/dual-carriageway slips.
Stats: Ineffective observation featured in many collisions. See DfT RAS tables.
driving test mistakes 2025
driving test mistakes 2025 | HSA Driving School North London
HSA Automotive News — Top 10 Reasons Learners Fail the UK Driving Test (DVSA)
Updated 14 Aug 2025Straight from the DVSA guidance, here are the most common reasons candidates fail — with quick tips and official resources to fix them. Use this as a checklist with your instructor before you book a test.
2) Mirrors when changing direction
Use MSM (Mirror–Signal–Manoeuvre). Check before lane changes and when exiting roundabouts; avoid cutting across vehicles.
3) Moving off safely
Blind-spot + mirrors every time (from kerb, hill, or from behind a parked car). After emergency stop, re-check rear before moving.
4) Right turns: incorrect positioning
Position close to the centre line when safe. Use correct roundabout lane for right turns; don’t block following traffic.
5) Traffic lights: wrong response
Stop for red; proceed on green only if the junction is clear. Respect advanced stop lines for cycles.
Learn: Highway Code — traffic lights.
6) Steering control
Smooth, timely inputs. Avoid “swan-neck” right turns, late steering around parked cars, and mounting the kerb when pulling up.
7) Road markings: wrong response
Follow arrows and lane lines; don’t straddle lanes on roundabouts or block box junctions.
Rule 129 (double white lines): Highway Code.
8) Traffic signs: wrong response
Obey “keep left”, STOP, NO ENTRY, bus-lane times, and roundabout lane signs. React promptly to speed-limit changes.
9) Normal driving: poor positioning
Hold centre of your lane, keep safe distance from kerb/centre line, and use right lane only when necessary.
10) Speed: unsafe or unreasonable
Drive at a speed appropriate to limits and conditions (rain, fog, bends, high street). Always be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
Sources: DVSA guidance and UK Highway Code. GOV.UK article: Top 10 reasons. Highway Code (traffic lights; rule 129 double white lines). DVSA “Ready to Pass?” — 27 Skills.
driving test mistakes 2025
Key takeaways and DVSA test-ready checklist
Key Takeaway 1
See before you move: Junction observation + MSM on every lane change and roundabout exit.
Key Takeaway 2
Position with intent: Correct lane for turns/roundabouts; hold lane centre; keep clear of box junctions.
Key Takeaway 3
Speed for safety: Drive to the limit and conditions — always able to stop within what you can see.
- Seat, mirrors, head restraint set; seatbelt on.
- Know where your blind spots are (check before moving).
- Dashboard clear — no warnings; clean windscreen.
- Mirrors before signal, before speed change, before direction change.
- Check left mirror on left turns and when exiting roundabouts.
- Always blind-spot check when moving off or changing lanes.
- Correct lane early; follow arrows; never straddle lanes.
- Respect double white lines & box junction rules.
- Right turns: near centre line when safe; don’t block traffic.
- Proceed on green only if exit is clear; respect cycle ASLs.
- Adjust speed for rain, fog, bends, and busy high streets.
- Always be able to stop within the clear distance ahead.
