Simone Lawson
Passing a driver's test can be a nerve-wracking experience, and failing can be disheartening. However, it is important to remember that failing is a common occurrence, and understanding the reasons behind it can help you prepare better for your next attempt. There are various factors that can lead to a failing grade, ranging from incomplete stops to improper lane changes and speeding. Understanding what constitutes a fail can help you focus on improving the necessary skills and ensure a successful outcome on your next driver's test.
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What You'll Learn
Not following instructions
Failing to follow the examiner's instructions during a driving test is a serious matter and can lead to an automatic fail. This is considered a major fault, and just one instance of this can result in an instant fail. Examiners are responsible for ensuring that new drivers are safe and responsible on the road, so disobeying their instructions is a sure way to fail the test.
One example of not following instructions is failing to make the necessary observations at junctions. This is the most common cause of outright failure on a driving test. It is important to check your mirrors, look ahead for pedestrians and other road users, and be aware of your surroundings before making any manoeuvres.
Another instance of not following instructions is driving over the speed limit. This is extremely dangerous and will result in an immediate fail in most states. Driving too fast can have severe consequences, so it is important to always stay within the speed limit, even if other drivers are going faster.
Not coming to a complete stop during the test is another example of not following instructions. Many drivers slow down but do not come to a full stop, which is a mistake. It is important to come to a complete stop behind the demarcation line.
Finally, failing to signal your intention to change lanes and check your mirrors and blind spot is another common mistake. When instructed to change lanes, it is important to first signal, check your mirrors, and then turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes. Not following these steps can result in a failing mark on the "lane change" portion of the test.
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Incomplete stops
Understanding Incomplete Stops
Avoiding Incomplete Stops
To avoid making an incomplete stop, you must ensure that you come to a full and complete stop behind the demarcation line. It is important to stop before the line and not roll slowly through it. Remember that hard tapping the brakes to make it "feel" like you are stopping is not enough; the car must be at a complete rest.
Understanding Stop Duration
When coming to a stop, it is important to stop long enough to look both ways and ensure it is safe to go. If you are turning, make sure your turn signal is on. However, be mindful not to stop for too long, as this may be interpreted as hesitating, which can also result in losing points. A brief stop of just a second or two is usually sufficient.
Practicing Proper Braking
It is crucial to understand that there is a proper and improper way to brake. Improper braking, which is harsh and rough, can lead to an automatic failure. Practice applying brake pressure gently and consistently at first, and then gradually increasing the pressure as you get closer to stopping. This will help you avoid sudden or incomplete stops.
Maintaining Safe Distance
Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you is crucial. Keep several car lengths between you and the traffic ahead so that you have enough reaction time if they suddenly swerve or brake. This will help you avoid situations where you might need to make abrupt or incomplete stops.
Remember, incomplete stops are a common mistake, but with practice and awareness, you can easily avoid them and increase your chances of passing your driving test.
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Improper lane changes
When changing lanes, it is crucial to first check your surroundings. This includes checking your rearview mirror, side-view mirror, and blind spot to ensure there are no vehicles or obstacles that might impede your lane change. Failing to do so can result in a sideswipe accident, where your vehicle veers out of its lane and into another, causing side-to-side contact rather than front-to-rear.
Additionally, signalling your intention to change lanes is of utmost importance. Failing to signal can confuse other motorists, as they may not know your intention to switch lanes and be unable to adjust their speed or position on the road accordingly. This is especially important when changing lanes on highways, where vehicles are travelling at high speeds, giving them less time to react and stop to avoid a collision.
In some jurisdictions, specific laws govern lane changes and improper passing. For example, many states require drivers to signal for a certain distance, usually at least five seconds, before changing lanes and to ensure there is enough space to do so safely. Failing to abide by these laws can result in legal penalties, financial costs, and significant injuries.
Furthermore, there are certain places where lane changes are prohibited by law. These include construction zones, when passing a school bus, and other no-passing zones. Changing lanes in these areas is considered an improper lane change and can put other motorists at risk.
Lastly, it is important to note that improper lane changes can also occur due to distracted or aggressive driving. This includes behaviours such as reading text messages while driving, road rage, or attempting to pass another vehicle on a blind curve. These actions can impair judgement and reaction times, leading to unsafe lane changes and potential accidents.
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Failing to signal
Signalling is a crucial aspect of safe driving and effective communication with other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. It allows you to indicate your intentions and help others predict and understand your next moves. Proper signalling includes the use of turn signals, hand signals, and lane changing procedures.
When changing lanes, it is essential to signal your intention well in advance, usually at least five seconds before making the lane change. This gives other drivers and cyclists around you enough time to anticipate and react to your manoeuvre. Failing to signal when changing lanes can cause confusion, lead to unsafe situations, and result in a failing mark on your driving test.
In addition to using your turn signals, it is important to check your mirrors and blind spots before and during lane changes. Make sure to follow the proper procedure: check your rearview mirror, then your side mirror, and finally turn your head to check your blind spot. Only change lanes when it is safe to do so, and remember to maintain your speed to avoid disrupting the flow of traffic.
At intersections, it is crucial to signal your intentions, especially when turning. When approaching a four-way stop or a roundabout, be mindful of the correct lane to turn into. Failing to respond appropriately to road markings and lane directions will be counted as a fault under "Response to signals - Road markings" on your driving test result.
Lastly, it is important to note that some driving tests may require knowledge of hand signals. While the inclusion of hand signals in driving tests varies by location, it is a safety requirement to understand cyclists' hand signals. Familiarize yourself with common hand signals, such as those indicating a left or right turn, slowing down, or stopping.
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Driving too fast or too slow
On the other hand, driving too slowly can also be dangerous and disruptive to the normal flow of traffic. Driving considerably below the speed limit can create unsafe conditions for yourself and other drivers. For example, driving 10 mph below the speed limit on a 30 mph road is generally not advisable unless there are specific conditions, such as rain, fog, an accident, or traffic congestion, that warrant slowing down. In such cases, it is important to slow down to a safe speed while still maintaining a realistic speed appropriate to the road and traffic conditions.
Some driving instructors suggest that driving too slowly can attract unwanted attention and disrupt the flow of traffic. It is important to approach hazards at a safe and controlled speed without slowing down or stopping other road users. Driving tests aim to assess your ability to drive at a realistic speed appropriate to the road and traffic conditions. Therefore, driving too slowly can result in a failing mark, indicating that you are not adapting your speed appropriately.
Additionally, undue hesitation at junctions or making rash decisions when approaching them can result in driving faults or even a serious or dangerous fault, leading to a test fail. It is important to check your junctions regularly and early, glancing at the traffic ahead and using your "thinking time" to scan and plan ahead. This helps you make safe and controlled decisions without causing unnecessary delays or disruptions to the flow of traffic.
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Frequently asked questions
Failing to come to a complete stop, improper lane changes, speeding, and improper braking are some common mistakes that lead to automatic failure. Other common errors include not wearing a seatbelt, mounting a curb, and driving recklessly.
Major faults are dangerous errors that would result in an instant fail. Minor faults are less serious, and you can accumulate up to 15 minors and still pass. However, three of the same minor faults will result in a fail. Examples of minor faults include stalling your vehicle and incomplete observations before moving off.
Major faults are situations where the examiner considers your driving to be dangerous. This could include violating traffic laws, demonstrating a lack of experience, or refusing to follow the examiner's instructions. Causing a crash or driving in a way that could lead to a crash are also major faults.
Yes, failing to bring the correct documents or a roadworthy and licensed vehicle will result in you being unable to take the test.
