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The top 10 reasons for failing the practical test

More people fail the practical test each year than pass it and the DSA regularly publishes the top 10 reasons why learner drivers fail their Practical Driving Test. Below we've published the most recent list.

However, it's probably safe to say that most of these failures could be avoided if you make sure you take enough lessons and get enough practice. Taking the test when your instructor says your ready and not just taking the test “to get practice” can be a sure way to make sure you can go and pass.

From the top and in no particular order the most rent top 10 reasons for failure are:

1. Not making effective observations and poor judgment when emerging out of side roads

2. Incorrect use of the controls and/or poor observations when reverse parking

3. Not making effective use of the mirrors well before changing direction or slowing down

4. Poor use of the controls and/or weak observation when reversing round a corner

5. Incorrect use of signals either by not cancelling signals or by giving misleading ones

6. Failure to move away correctly from stationary positions, usually due to poor observation

7. Incorrect road position, usually on bends, and poor lane discipline on roundabouts

8. Poor steering control, such as when making left or right turns

9. Incorrect position when turning right such as in one-way streets

10. Hesitation causing delay, usually by not pulling out promptly at junctions