Secret to Passing the Driving Test

The average pass rate in both Milton Keynes and the UK is around 49% which tell's you that half of the people who take their driving test are probably not ready to take it for one or more of these reasons:

  • Not had professional driving lessons with a approved driving instructor to advise them when to take test; 
  • Not sure what to expect on the test;
  • Rushed in too soon from friends and family;
  • Have had unrealistic advise on when to take the test;
  • Thought the test would be easy.

Watch the video to drive perfectly and pass the driving test

10 Most Common Reasons to Fail the Driving Test

The 10 most common reasons for failing your driving test are:

 

1. Not following correct procedure at road junctions

It's essential that you use the Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed (and gears) routine when you approach any kind of junction. The questions to ask yourself are:

  • "Did I check that the new road was safe to drive into?" - This is essential when you're turning either left or right.
  • "Was my speed on the approach too high?" - If that was the case, then you might not have been able to stop if needed.

 

2. When reversing around a corner


Most learners fail on this with either their control of the car or lack of observation. When reversing around a corner, it’s important to keep the car moving as slow as possible. This allows you the time to determine when to steer.  It’s also important that you keep looking around for any other road users in the vicinity, and act appropriately, so again this gives you the time to do so.

 

3. Steering faults 


Losing control of the steering, either in normal driving or during a manoeuvre, will result in a steering fault. This could be because you have allowed the steering wheel to 'spin through your hands'.

 

4. Reverse parking faults 


Reverse parking can be one of the hardest manoeuvres to do successfully. Like all of the other manoeuvres, it needs very careful use of the controls to keep the car moving very slowly, allowing you the time to determine when to adjust steering. You should also be aware of other road users and take appropriate action while you're completing the task.

 

5. Not making proper use of the gears 


It's essential to use the correct gear for the speed and road conditions. For example, if your approaching or driving through a lot of hazards, then it's important to drive in a low gear, whereas if there are very few hazards, the examiner will be expecting you to be in the highest gear appropriate. A common error is to stay in a low gear (and this includes 3rd gear) needlessly.

Another area where people fail on gears is by forgetting to select 1st gear before moving off. It usually results in the car stalling. This could cause inconvenience to others, or have dangerous consequences.

 

6. Not using the mirrors correctly 


Why do you need to check your mirrors? Firstly, it's essential to know if there are other road users following behind you before you start any manoeuvre. Roughly speaking, you should also check your mirrors (especially centre mirror), via a quick glance, every few seconds during your driving to remain aware of the other road users around you. However don't spend any more time time on this as you would not be paying enough attention to the road ahead.

An 'old wives' tale' says that you have to move your head when you make the checks. The examiner is trained to check your mirrors without you having to over-emphasise that you're checking them.

 

7. Hesitation and driving too slowly

Don't expect to pass if you stop somewhere unnecessarily. For example, giving way to traffic when you have right of way and it’s safe to continue without stopping.

The examiner will be expecting you to keep up with the flow of other road users within the legal limit, providing the road conditions allow you to. Driving too slowly when it's safe to drive at the legal limit will cause inconvenience to others.

 

8. Not acting correctly when turning right (or left!)


When making a change during your driving, e.g. turning left, right, slowing down, and so on, remember to check your mirrors first. In the case of a right turn, after checking mirrors, indicate and move to the right of the lane you are in. Wait for an appropriate gap in the oncoming traffic – By now you know by now how long it takes for you to turn right; the aim is to not hold other people up (particularly behind you) unnecessarily. If someone flashes you out, decide if it’s safe, considering all road users at the scene, then move out.  It is also important to use your mirrors when turning left to ensure there are no e.g. cyclists passing on the inside when you turn.

 

9. Hesitation at junctions 


Your driving examiner will be expecting you to be able to judge gaps, and the speed and distance, correctly when either pulling out, or turning right. You should not pull out, or turn if you cause the approaching traffic to slow down or force them to swerve.

 

10. Moving away from stationary positions

The most common reasons for failing on this are:

  • Moving off in the wrong gear;
  • Forgetting to turn the indicator off when you've used it;
  • Rolling back if you're moving off on a hill; and
  • Not looking around to make sure its safe go.