The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency has issued a crucial alert to learner drivers across England, Scotland, and Wales, highlighting the ten most common reasons for failing the practical driving test. These findings, based on data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveal that many licensed motorists likely continue to make these errors on the road, even years after passing their own tests.
Junction Observations: The Leading Cause of Failure
At the very top of the DVSA's published list is the failure to make "effective observations at junctions." The government department, which updated its guidance in August 2025, emphasises that drivers must always conduct thorough checks before entering a new road and only proceed when it is unequivocally safe to do so.
Any mistakes in this critical area are recorded under the 'Junctions - Observations' fault on the test result. A typical example involves a learner turning left or right from a minor road who misjudges the speed of an approaching vehicle. This error often forces that vehicle to slow down significantly, constituting a fault that could be the final one needed to fail the test entirely.
Roundabouts and Emerging: High-Risk Scenarios
Another hazardous habit classified as a fault is entering a roundabout when a vehicle is approaching from the right, or emerging from a junction without making effective observations. This dangerous lapse can cause an approaching vehicle from either direction to perform an emergency stop to avoid a collision.
In extreme cases, it may even compel the driving examiner to use the dual controls to brake the vehicle. Both scenarios will result in a marked fault against the learner driver.
Additional Critical Observation Failures
The DVSA has listed several other key examples where poor observation leads to test failure:
- Making no observations when joining a dual carriageway from a slip road.
- Going straight ahead at a crossroads without proper checks.
- Looking too late when manoeuvring.
- Repeatedly failing to look left when turning left.
The Complete List of Top Ten Test Failures
Beyond ineffective observations at junctions, the DVSA identifies nine other primary reasons for driving test failure:
- Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction.
- Not moving off safely from a stationary position.
- Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions.
- Not responding appropriately to traffic lights.
- Not having proper control of the steering wheel.
- Not responding correctly to road markings.
- Not responding correctly to traffic signs.
- Poor positioning on the road during normal driving.
- Not driving at a safe and reasonable speed for the conditions.
This comprehensive guidance serves as an essential checklist for all learner drivers preparing for their test, aiming to reduce common errors and improve overall road safety standards.
