A practical driving test is designed to test your knowledge, skills, and driving ability. Learner drivers will practice scenarios that may come up in their driving test with their driving instructor during driving lessons. This will include being aware of common driving test faults and understanding what a minor fault is compared to a major fault.
In this article, we’re going to look at serious or dangerous faults, how minor faults can be potentially dangerous, and how to conquer test anxiety.
Unveiling the Major Offenders: What Constitutes a Serious Fail?
It is important to understand what a major in a driving test. Major faults are dangerous or serious faults that will cause you to fail your driving test.
A serious fault is something that compromises or endangers others. Examples of serious faults include not observing traffic signals or road signs, losing control of the car, or putting other road users in immediate danger.
A dangerous fault will result in an immediate failed driving test. Examples of dangerous faults include driving through a red light and failing to drive safely in hazardous weather conditions.
Understanding Minor Faults and Their Impact:
A minor fault will not mean an immediate fail as they are not a serious driving fault. However, if you commit the same type of minor driving fault throughout your driving test, this may result in a serious fault.
So, how many minors can you commit in driving tests? If you commit more than 15 minor driving faults this will result in a driving test fail. Examples of minor mistakes include not checking mirrors frequently enough, stalling the car, touching the kerb, significant delays or hesitation when reacting to driving scenarios, failing a sight test, and using the handbrake incorrectly.
The driving examiner will note down any faults and discuss them with you after your test. Too many faults will result in a failed test and mean that you will not get your full driving licence.
Mental Preparation: Conquering Test Anxiety:
There are common driving faults that a competent driver can commit on their test date. There is no such thing as a perfect driver. However, the practical test is designed to test your driving performance and ensure you can follow the correct procedure to stay safe on the road.
Failure to drive the car correctly and any faults that endanger other road users will mean an instant failure. When we feel nervous or anxious we’re more likely to make mistakes. To give yourself the best chance and manage your test anxiety, try some deep breathing exercises and positive self-talk.
It is also important to feel properly prepared before your test, with lots of practice where you discuss the most common driving faults with your driving instructor to build your confidence.
SOS Driver Training has helped many existing drivers improve their driving skills and confidence. Don’t hesitate to book a lesson. Contact us on 0800 48 808 17 or text/whatsapp on 07926 943 702
Preparing for your practical driving test can feel nerve-wracking, but with practice and preparation, you can give yourself the best chance of avoiding major faults and minimising minor faults.
Comments