Driving Test Faults Explained
Understand driving faults, serious faults and dangerous faults, including what causes a failed UK practical driving test.
A driving fault is judged by its effect and level of risk
A driving-test fault is recorded when your driving does not meet the standard expected by the examiner.
The same type of driving fault can be marked differently depending on the circumstances. A small error with no danger may be a driving fault, while a similar error that creates risk could be serious or dangerous.
Driving-test fault types
Serious and dangerous faults are often informally called “majors”. Driving faults are commonly called “minors”.
Not potentially dangerous
A less serious error that does not create potential danger in that situation.
You can pass with up to 15 driving faults, although repeated faults may show a more serious weakness.
Commonly called a minorPotentially dangerous
A fault that creates the potential for danger, even when no collision or evasive action occurs.
One serious fault means the test result will be unsuccessful.
Results in a failed testActual danger was created
A fault involving actual danger to you, the examiner, another road user or property.
The examiner may intervene or end the test early when continuing would be unsafe.
Results in a failed testDoes one major fault stop the test immediately?
A serious or dangerous fault means the final result will be a fail, but the examiner may allow the test to continue.
The test will usually be stopped early only when the examiner believes your driving presents an ongoing danger to other road users.
The same fault can receive a different mark
Examiners consider the circumstances, level of risk and effect on other road users rather than marking every fault from a fixed list.
Small positioning error
You stop slightly short of the give-way line but make effective observations and emerge safely.
Potential danger
You approach or emerge with inadequate observation, creating a situation that could have become dangerous.
Actual danger
You emerge and cause another road user to brake, swerve or take other evasive action.
Common reasons people fail the driving test
These areas frequently appear among the DVSA’s most common reasons for unsuccessful practical tests.
Observations at junctions
Approaching too quickly, failing to look effectively or emerging when it is not safe.
Mirrors when changing direction
Missing an appropriate mirror check before turning, changing lanes or altering road position.
Moving off safely
Failing to check mirrors and blind spots or moving away when another road user is approaching.
Right-turn positioning
Waiting in the wrong position, cutting the corner or judging oncoming traffic incorrectly.
Steering control
Mounting the kerb, steering too late or allowing the vehicle to drift from a safe position.
Signs, signals and markings
Responding incorrectly to traffic lights, road signs, lane arrows or other road markings.
Normal road position
Driving too close to parked cars, the centre line or another unsafe part of the road.
Reverse parking control
Losing control, making poor observations or creating unnecessary inconvenience during the manoeuvre.
Can repeated minor faults become serious?
There is no fixed rule stating that a particular number of repeated driving faults automatically becomes serious.
However, repeatedly making the same fault may demonstrate that you have not mastered an important skill. The examiner can assess the pattern as a serious fault when it becomes potentially dangerous.
Repeated missed mirror checks
One missed check with no effect might be recorded as a driving fault. Repeatedly changing direction without effective mirror checks could demonstrate a serious weakness.
Will these faults make you fail?
Stalling
Stalling is not automatically a fail. It may receive no fault or a driving fault when you recover safely.
It can become serious or dangerous if you roll back, lose control or create danger for another road user.
Manoeuvres
A manoeuvre does not need to look perfect. It must be completed under control with effective all-round observation.
Poor observation, loss of control or finishing in an unsafe position can result in a serious fault.
Show Me, Tell Me
Getting one or both vehicle-safety questions wrong normally results in one driving fault.
Losing control while carrying out the moving “show me” task can be marked as serious or dangerous.
Driving too slowly
Driving below the speed limit is not automatically a fault. Your speed must suit the road, traffic and weather conditions.
Unnecessarily holding up traffic or repeatedly missing safe opportunities to proceed may be marked under progress.
Your overall driving matters more than a perfect manoeuvre
Many learners worry that one untidy parking manoeuvre will automatically ruin their test. In reality, the examiner is assessing your safety, control, observation and judgement throughout the whole drive.
A manoeuvre does not need to be perfectly straight or completed in one movement. You can normally correct it, provided you remain in control, make effective observations and do not create danger or unreasonable inconvenience for other road users.
Strong, safe driving for the rest of the test is far more important than trying to make the manoeuvre look flawless. Take your time, keep checking around the vehicle and correct the position calmly when necessary.
How to improve your chances of passing
Aim for safe, consistent and independent driving rather than trying to produce a completely faultless performance.
- Use observations effectively Look early enough to understand what is happening, not merely to perform a quick head movement.
- Match your speed to the situation Approach junctions, bends and hazards at a speed that gives you time to assess and respond.
- Check mirrors before acting Use the appropriate mirrors before changing speed, direction or road position.
- Recover calmly from small faults One minor error does not necessarily mean you have failed. Stay focused on what happens next.
- Complete mock driving tests Practise driving independently without prompts and review any repeated weaknesses.
What happens if you do not pass?
Your examiner will tell you the result and explain any serious or dangerous faults. You will also receive an email showing the faults recorded during the test.
Review the result with your instructor and practise the affected areas before booking another attempt.
Your new practical test date must be at least 10 working days after the unsuccessful test.
Visit the DVSA Booking ServiceDriving-test faults FAQs
What is the difference between a major and a minor driving-test fault?
“Major” is an informal term used for serious and dangerous faults. One serious or dangerous fault results in a failed test.
A “minor” is commonly used to describe a driving fault, which is not potentially dangerous in that particular situation.
How many minor faults can you get on a UK driving test?
You can pass with 15 or fewer driving faults, provided you make no serious or dangerous faults.
Sixteen or more driving faults will result in an unsuccessful test.
Can repeated driving faults become a serious fault?
Yes. Repeatedly making the same fault may show that you have not mastered the skill and can be marked as serious when the pattern becomes potentially dangerous.
There is no fixed number that automatically upgrades every repeated fault.
What causes an instant fail on a driving test?
One serious fault, one dangerous fault or 16 or more driving faults results in a failed test.
The test may continue after a serious fault. It is usually stopped early only when continuing would present a danger.
Is stalling an automatic fail?
No. A simple stall is not automatically a fail. The examiner will consider how you recover and whether it creates risk or disruption.
Rolling back significantly, losing control or creating danger could result in a serious or dangerous fault.
Can you fail for poor observation?
Yes. Ineffective observation at junctions, missed blind-spot checks and failing to use mirrors correctly can result in a serious or dangerous fault.
Can you fail your driving test during a manoeuvre?
Yes, although the manoeuvre does not need to be perfect. It needs to be safe, controlled and completed with effective observation.
Significant loss of control, poor observation or creating danger can result in a failed test.
Can you fail on the Show Me, Tell Me questions?
Getting one or both questions wrong normally results in one driving fault.
You can fail if your driving becomes potentially or actually dangerous while carrying out the moving “show me” task.
Revise the Show Me, Tell Me questions →How long must you wait after failing a driving test?
You can access the booking service after your result, but the date you choose must be at least 10 working days after the failed practical test.
What should you do after failing a driving test?
Review the examiner’s result email with your instructor, identify the skills that require improvement and practise them before choosing another test date.
Rebook when you can drive independently without regular prompts and your instructor agrees you are test-ready.
Check whether you are ready to pass
The DVSA Ready to Pass campaign explains test marking, common faults and how to decide whether you are ready to drive independently.