Top Ten reasons for failing your driving test.

Top 10 reasons for failing your driving test – updated 15th September 2024 – Click here

These were the top 10 reasons between April 2023 – March 2024

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1 - Not making effective observations at junctions .

Failing to judge the speed of approaching vehicles.
Entering a roundabout, causing a vehicle to slow down or stop.
No effective observations at a junction.
Making no observations when joining a dual carriageway from a slip road.
No effective observations when proceeding ahead at a crossroads.
Observations at Junctions are too late, for your observations to be effective.
Repeatedly not looking left when turning left.

2 - Not using your mirrors correctly when changing direction.

Not using your mirrors when exiting a roundabout.
Causing a vehicle to slow down when changing lanes.
trying to change lanes on a roundabout with a vehicle beside you.

3 - Not Moving Off Safely

Moving from behind a parked vehicle into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Repeatedly moving off from the side of the road with no blind spot checks
Pulling off from the right-hand side of the road causes oncoming vehicles to change speed or stop.
Not making compelling rear observations when moving off following an emergency stop.

4 - Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions.

Positioning in the left-hand lane when turning right (unless road signs allow)
Obstructing traffic when you wait to turn right.
positioned to far to the left, when turning right at T junctions.

5 - Not responding appropriately to traffic lights.

Failing to act appropriately to a red or amber traffic light.
Stopping at the wrong white line at traffic lights with a cyclist safety area allows them to position themselves ahead of traffic.
Not progressing when turning right at a junction, and it’s safe to do so.
not recognising a green traffic light at a filter lane when clear to proceed.
proceed on a green traffic light when the junction is not clear.

6 - Not having proper control of your steering.

Repeatedly steering too little or too late when turning left.
Not steering enough when going around a bend.
Steering late when turning right into a side road.
Repeatedly mounting the pavement when pulling up on the left.
Steering late when overtaking parked vehicles.

7 - Not responding correctly to traffic signs.

Proceeding on the wrong side of a keep left sign
Ignoring a ‘stop’ or ‘no entry’ sign.
Driving in a bus lane when you’re not allowed due to the time of day.
Choosing the wrong lane at a roundabout with clear signage.
Acting late or not at all to speed limit changes.

8 - Not responding correctly to road markings

Not following direction arrows on the road.
Straddling lanes on a roundabout.
Crossing double white lines where the line nearer to you is solid. (unless allowed – check rule 129 of the Highway Code.)
Ignoring a yellow box junction.
Not following road markings at a mini-roundabout.

9 - Poor road positioning during normal driving.

Repeatedly driving too close to the kerb or centre of the road.
Driving in the right-hand lane of a dual carriageway unnecessarily.
straight lining a roundabout rather than staying in your chosen lane.

10 - Not driving at a safe and reasonable speed.

Driving over the speed limit.
Not adjusting your speed to the road conditions.

You need to be a confident driver to pass your driving test. If you regularly make any of the mistakes found below, during your driving lessons or private practice, you’re not ready to take your driving test.

Use the examples below with your supervising driver to help identify areas where you still need to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding.

There are 27 skills in total that you need to learn to become a safe driver and pass your driving test.

Driving safety facts

More than 1 in 3 collisions reported in Great Britain in 2021 were caused by drivers not looking properly. Source: Factors contributing to collisions and casualties (table RAS0701).

Driving safety facts

More than 1 in 10 reported collisions in Great Britain in 2021 were caused by drivers making a poor turn or manoeuvre—Source: Factors contributing to collisions and casualties (table RAS0701).

” How Long Does It Take To Pass My Driving Test? “

There is No Easy Answer to that question, simply because everyone is an individual and proceeds at their own pace!

Driving today is a complex skill, necessitating the ability to Plan, Evaluate, Developing Situations, and make effective decisions on the move.

To establish when you’re ready to pass your Driving Test you first need to understand the TOP reasons why individuals currently fail a Driving Test (above) and then ask yourself honestly the following questions, based on the information above.

Questions to ask yourself are –

Do you currently feel confident and safe enough to drive independently to pass your driving test? Remember you will be fully responsible for your actions and any decisions you make have potential consequences? If you are regularly making these mistakes, then your not currently at test standard. example questions to consider are –

1 - Car Control

Can I drive the Car smoothly, using the Gas and brake, Brake safely without any help at all ?
Can I perform each of the manoeuvres, without any help at all under full control, observing as necessary, acting upon this information and being accurate with my road position ? (Parallel Park, Forward and Reverse Bay Park and Park on the right including reversing)
Can I keep the car under full control at slow speed, using brake control as appropriate.
Am I fully aware of my surrounding at all times and that of other drivers / Pedestrians ?

2 - General Driving

Can I follow road signs, road markings and directions given to me ? Do I approach them at the correct speed, road position taking into account other drivers and within good time ?
Can I drive and maintain the correct road position at all times on roundabouts, lanes, bends, turning right and one way streets.
Can I drive at high Speed on faster Roads and maintain the correct road position, keep up with the other vehicles and plan ahead to deal with any situation that may arise by anticipating what will happen next.
Can I stop the car quickly, if required to do so ? under full control and having the required reaction time.
Am I fully aware of my surrounding at all times and that of other drivers ?
Can I make allowances for other drivers errors ?
Am I checking my mirrors effectively, every time I move off, slow down, speed up, change direction or stop ? and act upon the information given.

3 - Junctions

Can I deal with junctions, do I approach them at the correct speed, road position taking into account other drivers and the type of junction ?
Can I deal with roundabouts effectively ? do I approach them at the correct speed, road position taking into account other drivers and where I am going ?

4 - Own gut Feeling

Do I feel confident and safe enough to drive on my own after passing my driving test ? Remember you will be fully responsible for your actions.

So When i’m asked, am I ready for my Driving Test, we tend to go through the list above and answer these questions, taking into account the top ten reasons individuals currently fail a driving test. This gives us the answer we need. It may sound a daunting task, But with the correct training there is no reason why you can’t pass your Driving Test first time with City Way School of Motoring and join the growing list of pupils who have done just that and become Safe, Competent drivers that can think for themselves.

Generally your Ready for your driving test, when –

You do not require any prompts or assistance from your driving instructor
You don’t make any serious or dangerous mistakes when you’re driving
You can you pass a mock driving test?
Your driving instructor agree that you’re ready for your driving test ?
You can manage your nerves whilst driving ?

When learning to drive with City Way School of Motoring, we will keep you fully aware of your performance so you will be aware of any areas that need to be improved. Therefore, you will also be able to self evaluate your own performance yourself.

Testimonials

Here’s what our happy drivers had to say about our services:

Paul Fordham

Gary is a really warm and friendly instructor, very patient at all times.

He is very prompt and timely. His breadth of experience and knowledge is amazing of Medway towns. Thanks Gary for everything 5 Stars!!!

Angel Wale-Ajasa

I would definitely recommend City Way School of Motoring to anyone learning to drive, whether that’s a complete beginner like myself or those looking to perfect their skills ready for their test.

I had an amazing instructor, Gary, who was incredibly professional and supportive throughout my training.

As a learner, of course, I made many mistakes, but my errors were fully explained to me, so I was able to make the necessary corrections and passed my test first time!

Nikki Royle

I would definitely recommend Gary as an instructor!

He was very patient with me and positive which helped me get through my lessons and my test! Even on my test day, I had a couple of hours before hand and was messing everything up and had a mini melt down. Gary took me for a cup of tea and spoke to me calmly and helped me get back in my mental state the way I normally drive.

I passed first time and couldn’t thank Gary enough for helping me. Very friendly, very professional polite person. Couldn’t recommend him enough!

Stephanie Chamberlain

Gary is an amazing driving instructor. He was kind enough to fit me into his already busy schedule…. all the other driving schools were fully booked.

As a first time driver I was extremely nervous.. but Gary calmed me down. He is patient and passionate about his students getting the best of teaching.

Never fails to make you laugh when one is panicking. I cannot fault Gary. A friendly, polite and patient individual.

Sam Rose

I used City Way School of Motoring, because it had good rating and I wanted a fast way to pass my driving test.

The teaching methods are really good and the methods change to suit you and your way of thinking to make it easier for you.

I think that the video footage is useful as when I thought i done something that was right the footage proved that it was wrong so that you can learn from my mistakes.

I would recommend City Way School of Motoring to my friends, as they are very reliable and very good at teaching you to drive. They will make sure that you pass first time.

Thank you Sam for your comments.

If you would like to start your driving lessons, Please do not hesitate to contact City Way School of Motoring on 01634 420103.

Ben Evenden

A very good driving school that gave a very high level of service and expertise that enabled me to pass my driving test.

Found about this school from family and would highly recommend it to anybody who wants to learn to drive safely and pass their test.

The service was very friendly, and Gary did everything possible to make the learning process as easy and unstressful as possible.

very good service, and will definitely recommend it in future.

Colin Williams

” I decided to use City Way School of Motoring for my driving lessons, due to the reviews they have on their website “

” I have had some driving lessons in the past with another driving school, but I felt like the instructor wasn’t really helping me apart from emptying my bank account “

” I wasn’t really expecting much due to the bad experience I had with the other driving school but Gary really knew what he was talking about, plus his style of teaching was second to none.”

” I will be recommending Gary to friends and family and in fact my wife is due to start with you shortly ”

” It feels great to have passed my driving test ”

Sophie O’gorman

My experience learning to drive with City Way has been amazing. I started off as a VERY nervous driver and had gone through 2 instructors because of this. Gary was extremely patient and explained things in a way that made sense, taking the time to make sure I fully understood. When I made mistakes, he never made me feel stupid for making them, which drastically improved my confidence.

Feedback was never negative, always helpful and constructive with a positive outlook. I’ve found that Gary doesn’t just teach you how to pass your test, but also how to drive safely and confidently once you pass. Lessons covered a wide range of scenarios, and feedback was always detailed, which gave me the best chance of passing my test. He’s very professional both in the way he teaches and communicates, for example when booking lessons over the phone, and I would have to strongly disagree with some of the reviews written that state otherwise.

I cannot recommend City Way enough, I’ve gone from not being able to drive over 5mph to passing my test and (most importantly) had fun in doing so! :)

Julian Fitz

Being an older learner driver, I was quite nervous learning to drive and struggled with anxiety.

Gary was absolutely incredible, He went out of his way to educate himself on how to approach lessons with someone who suffers with anxiety and adjusted each lesson to accommodate my needs.

Not only is Gary a very good driving instructor who aims to make you a safe and responsible driver, he is also a very kind, caring and genuine person. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Sophie Wadhams

Very helpful and friendly… thanks to Gary I passed my practical driving test first time!!!

Oliver Mepstead

I came to Gary having failed two tests with a previous instructor, and I went with an intensive course.

I passed with no minors in a matter of weeks, a lovely service and very good teaching styles and taking time to explain and being very calm and patient

I would 100% recommend to anyone.

Jessica Coulson

“I decided to do my driving lessons with Gary at City Way School of Motoring, as he offered Automatic driving lessons and my sister also passed with him”.

“Having had a bad experience with a previous instructor, Gary was completely the opposite, always encouraging and helping me to improve.”

“Reviewing the dashcam footage was very helpful, as we could discuss the issues that had arrisen, and strategies to improve.”

“I would recommend Gary as he is very professional, provides constructive feedback and encouragement in equal measures. Ultimately sets you to be a confident safe driver.”

Caitlin Jefferies

As someone who was super nervous about my driving test and driving, after learning with Gary I felt more confident which allowed me to pass my driving test first time.

I made mistakes in almost every lesson but Gary always helped me to realise how to resolve the errors and drive both confidently and safely.

I am so excited to start driving independently which has been a goal of mine for a long time and I almost didn’t think it would happen when I first started my driving journey

edit –

I got out in my car for my first solo drive and loved it. It’s scary that I can go wherever I want and not rely on Ubers or buses. I can finally prioritise training for my running, by taking myself to my run routes.

Paul White

I Would give Ten stars if I could. As an older driver, Gary was patient with me and had faith, even when I didn’t myself. He had a great sense of humour, too! I passed first time with him. I would 100% recommend him!

Mascott Ayere

Awesome! Job, I am very impressed; I passed the first time. I highly recommend Gary. He is One of the best driving instructors. Mascot

Hannah Martin

Gary took the time to explain things properly and encouraged me to think for myself.

I find that the driving lessons at City Way School of Motoring, are more methodical and much better at encouraging independence than had previously been achieved with my previous Driving Instructor.

I will be recommending Gary and City Way School of Motoring to my friends, as I feel that I’m learning a lot in each and every driving lesson, that i’m being continually challenged and pushed, to develop my skills further.

Bryan Osborn

Strict instructor, but very good and precise to the point. Good teaching methods.

Ben Harridge

Great for learning to drive. The lessons are very well structured as they are made to help you whatever your level of competency.

I found that the demonstrations provided by the instructor were very useful as they showed me not only how to do something, but why I was doing it.

The instructor is very friendly and understanding if you have a problem with any aspect of driving. I would definitely recommend this instructor to others.

Sam Ellett

I have just finished my third lesson with Gary. From the first lesson, he made me feel at ease, and his manner and instructions were clear and direct.

I think that is what you need to learn and re correct your mistakes I highly reccomend Gary as a driving instructor.

Thanks, Gary (Top Man)

Christian Omango

I have just passed my driving test for the first time.

I got a lot of guidance and help from my instructor, Gary, which I will not forget.

I have an older sister looking to start their lessons soon, and Gary will be my first recommendation to her!

Daniel Morison

I had no prior experience with driving and was quite anxious about learning. After lessons with Gary, I passed with just one minor.

All lessons are recorded to help address problem areas, the car itself is quite pleasant to drive, and practical tests are booked through Gary himself, which made life a bit easier.

He was happy to provide extra lessons to focus on weak points (like driving for 2 hours around a roundabout!) as well as before the test itself, and tailored the lessons to best suit me, like allowing me a warm-up period, as I couldn’t get any driving practice in between lessons”

If you want to follow in Daniel’s footsteps, call Gary on 01634 420103 to take the next step to pass your driving test.

Henry Freeman

I was able to pass my test first time, thanks to the support I was being provided with whilst learning to drive.

Gary was always happy to help me with any problems or questions I had regarding driving outside of lessons, too.

I would definitely recommend City Way School of Motoring and Gary as an instructor.

Macauley Halmkan

I Passed my Driving Test under the guidance of Gary at City Way School of Motoring.

He was so helpful, kind and very patient with my driving Lesson Journey.

He was very thorough and understanding and I don’t believe I would have passed without his assistance..

I would 100% recommend Gary and City Way School of Motoring, to anyone looking to learn to drive.

Ben Aldridge

I passed my test for the first time with Gary at City Way School of Motoring, and I would recommend Gary to anyone looking to start their driving lessons. He’s very patient and professional. I recommend him to everyone.