TOP 10 Reasons For Fails 2022- 2023

New data from DVSA shows that the top 10 faults made in car driving tests between April 2022 and March 2023 were:

Not making effective observations at junctions.
Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction.
Not moving off safely.
Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions.
Not having proper control of the steering.
Not responding appropriately to traffic lights.
Not responding correctly to traffic signs.
Poor positioning on the road during normal driving.
Not responding correctly to road markings.
Not keeping control of the vehicle during reverse parking.

Cockpit drill

Doors

Make sure the boot, the bonnet, and all doors are closed properly. Many cars will show a dashboard warning light if a door or the boot is open, so check your instrument panel once the engine is on.

All doors can be checked they are shut by several methods;

Checking in the side mirrors the doors will be flush with the rest of the car bodywork.

The interior light will go off after a short time.

Seat

Your seat will be set so you can fully depress the clutch pedal and have a slight bend in your knee.

The back rest is to be set so you may easily access the steering wheel without stretching or feeling to close, so you have full control.

The head head restraint is to be set correctly in order to help reduce whiplash injuries in the event of a rear end shunt collision.

Steering Wheel

If the steering wheel is adjustable, adjust it so your hands are resting comfortably, a little lower than your shoulders. Make sure the wheel doesn't block any part of the instrument panel

Seatbelt

Most learner drivers will have used one before.

Remember to check it has clicked into the lock position, there are no twists in it to prevent further injury during a collision and if the shoulder fixing point adjusts so it is not cutting into you.

Remember the law states that whilst driving a car, you must wear your seatbelt at all times, except when performing a reversing manoeuvre or if you have a medical exemption certificate.

It is also your responsibility to ensure that any passenger under the age of 14 is wearing a seatbelt.

Mirrors

You have 3 mirrors to set and use.

The interior mirror has flat glass and gives you a true vision of the distance, position and speed of following traffic. This will be set as a picture frame of the back window to gain maximum vision.

The 2 door mirrors give a distorted view as the glass is convex and make the image appear further away than it is. They should be set so the door handle of the car is at the bottom of the inner corner and the horizon appears central.

Don’t forget you have many blind spots around the vehicle (well over 30 on most cars). These are areas not covered by checking the mirrors or by normal eye movement; you will have to physically move your head to see in them.

Handbrake

Make sure the handbrake is engaged and that the gear stick is in neutral or park or neutral if driving an automatic. If the car is in gear when you start the engine, the car will lunge forward or backwards if in reverse.

Approaching junctions (major to minor roads)

The first thing to do with junctions is recognise they are coming up, simply looking well ahead and being mentally prepare is key. These Junctions can be identified by lines appearing in the road such give way or hazard, changes in the directions of the buildings or traffic passing the end of the road.

Skills you can transfer.

You have already learnt MSPSL it will be very similar.

The MSM routine you have already learnt will be broke in more sections for all junctions expanding on the manoeuvre;

MSPSL =Mirror Signal Position Speed Look

Mirror

Always check at least 2 mirrors as usual starting with the centre mirror assessing the distance position and speed of following traffic and then followed by the door mirror in the direction you intend to turn checking there is no one to the side such as a bicycle or motorbike as you would not want to turn into them.

Signal

A direction indicator should be applied to guide other road users and when you start to brake the brake lights will also show.

Position

Gaining the correct position on the approach to a junction does several things such as backing up you indicator to give following traffic a guide to where you are going.

The position will also help with the steering when you reach your Point Of Turn.

Left

If you are turning left you should hold your normal driving position until the kerb curves off to the left then angle your car in the same direction. Your Homer’s Driving Instructor will give you reference points to line up on the kerb to help you. This will maximise your view of the new road and allow traffic turning right to pass you with ease.

Right

Position just to the left of the centre hazard warning line on the road will allow following traffic who are turning left to pass to the left of you without being delayed and will optimise you view of the new road. Your Homer’s Driving Instructor will give you reference points to line up on the centre line to help you.

Speed

Your approach speed to Junctions is crucial looking well ahead as you first approach will give you a lot of decision making information. If you can see far enough into the new road to make a safe decision on crossing or driving into it well back from it.

Left turn

If you can assess it is safe to drive in you should brake enough to select 2nd Gear and keep moving providing the corner is not too sharp, remember to avoid coasting by bring the clutch fully up – you will have more vehicle control then.

If your view is restricted or it is a very sharp turning then and a slower approach should be taken selecting 1st Gear bring the clutch up again.

Right Turn

Assess the oncoming traffic level, think to yourself would I be able to walk across the road with the on coming traffic if you could select 2nd gear again no coasting here bring the clutch fully up.

Look

Always look early, you can never have enough information on what’s going on ahead at the junction, traffic levels, pedestrians, and parked cars around the junction. The minimum observations to be taken is either; Right turns ahead – right –ahead right Left turns ahead left- ahead – left.

Once you have entered the new road and taken up your normal driving position always check your centre and right door mirror to update yourself on the new road traffic.