What Minor Faults Mean in Your Driving Test?

One of the most general concerns learners have when preparing for their practical driving test is minor faults, which are usually classified as minors. Comprehending how they are evaluated and how they affect their results is necessary to strengthen confidence and pass the test.

Even though the idea of getting a fault during your test may seem challenging, the truth is, minor faults are quite normal, even expected to an extent. Nevertheless, it is important to know what counts as a minor fault, how many you are allowed to make, and how to prevent accumulating too many.

Let’s take a closer examination at what minors in the driving test are all about.

Comprehending Minor Faults

A minor fault during the driving test refers to an error that does not pose any sudden danger to other road users or the driver’s safety. Still, it indicates a lapse in control, observation, or technique. These are the types of mistakes that indicate areas where your driving can be more polished or consistent, but they are not significant enough to cause an automatic fail—unless repeated exceedingly.

Minor faults are typically identified as driving test minor faults, and they might include things like failing to check your mirrors repeatedly, slightly inaccurate positioning, or hesitation when it is safe to proceed.

How Many Minor Faults Can You Have?

Although you are allowed an ample margin of error, the total number of minor faults that can be recorded prior to resulting in a fail is 15. That implies, as long as you stay within this number and abstain from any serious or dangerous faults, you may still pass your test.

Nevertheless, there is a catch. If you repeat the same minor in a single evaluation area numerous times—generally three or more—this might then be recorded as a serious fault, which results in a fail.

For example, if you constantly forget to check your mirrors during different parts of the test, what starts off as a minor can rise to a more considerable problem in the eyes of the examiner. For that reason, it is important not only to abstain from faults but also to steer clear of repeating the same ones.

Examples of Minor Driving Test Faults

Minor faults fall under various categories that are evaluated during the practical test. The following are a few generally noted areas where learners tend to pick up these faults:

Mirror Checks

• Failing to utilise mirrors prior to slowing down.
• Neglecting to check the side mirrors when preparing to change lanes.
• Missing mirror checks prior to pulling away or stopping.

Signal Usage

• Forgetting to indicate prior to turning.
• Leaving indicators on after completing a turn.

Positioning

• Slightly veering out of the lane without any reason.
• Being off-centre in a parking bay.

Speed Control

• Driving a few miles per hour below or above the speed limit.
• Not adjusting speed adequately for different conditions (e.g., weather or traffic).

Observation and Awareness

• Not checking blind spots before a manoeuvre.
• Delayed reaction to hazards or signage.

Car Control

• Stalling during a manoeuvre.
• Not using the handbrake when essential.
• Unsuitable use of the brake or accelerator.

Road Positioning

• Following the vehicle ahead too closely.
• Misaligning the vehicle when preparing for a turn or at a roundabout.

These errors are not uncommon for learners, particularly with test-day nerves in play. Nevertheless, keeping them in check is vital for guaranteeing a pass.

It is necessary not to focus on what the examiner is writing during the test. Trying to keep an eye on their notes while you are driving can distract you and cause more errors. Pay complete attention to the task at hand—driving securely and confidently.