Driving tests since the CoronaVirus pandemic have been hard to grab hold of. With a huge backlog, stemming from the lockdowns and social distancing, it meant that driving lessons were pretty much not allowed full stop. Students half-way through their learning journey had to halt and those who were brand new and ready to start, couldn’t. 

We had a look at the Government’s database and found that the pass rate for driving tests between April 2019 and March 2020, was 45.9%.

A pretty low percentage, we must say, but why is the number so low?

We’re not talking about naff driving instructors or having a wobbly on the day… What are the actual manoeuvres that are causing some trouble? We had a look through some databases to find the real reasons…

The Most Common Driving Tests Failings – UK

1. Poor observations at junctions

• Failing to judge the speed of approaching vehicles
• Entering a roundabout with vehicle approaching from the right
• Making no observations at all
• Going straight on at crossroads
• Looking too late

2. Not using mirrors properly when changing direction

• Not using mirrors when exiting a roundabout
• Causing a vehicle to slow when changing lanes on dual carriageway
• Trying to change lanes with a vehicle next to you on a roundabout

 

3. Not controlling the steering 

• Not steering enough when turning left
• Not steering enough around a bend
• Steering late turning right to a minor road
• Mounting the pavement when pulling on the left
• Late steering moving past parked vehicles

4. Incorrect positioning at ‘turn right’ junctions

• In the left-hand lane when turning right at a roundabout
• Obstructing traffic whilst turning right

 

5. Not setting off safely

• Moving off from behind a parked vehicle into the path of approaching vehicle
• Moving from side of road with no blind spot checks
• Not making any rear observations when moving on from an emergency stop

 

6. Not responding appropriately to traffic lights

• Failing to react to a red light
• Stopping after the first white line for cyclists
• Not setting off when appropriate to do so turning right
• Not setting off when all is safe with a green light
• Setting off when there is a green light but it is not safe

7. Poor normal road positioning

• Driving too close to the kerb or road centre
• Cutting across the road position to a roundabout with no lane markings

 

8. Traffic signs response incorrect

• Going the wrong side of ‘keep left’ sign
• Ignoring a ‘stop’ or ‘no entry’ sign
• Driving in a bus lane
• Choosing wrong lane at roundabout with clear signage
• Acting late or not at all to speed limit changes

 

9. No control of the vehicle when setting off

• Stalling and rolling back when trying to move off
• Repeatedly stalling when moving off
• Stalling repeatedly when moving off on one occasion
• Trying to move off without selecting a gear and then rolling back