Top Reasons Learners Are Failing Driving Tests
The UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has released data showing the most common reasons learner drivers failed their practical driving tests between April 2024 and March 2025.
While the figures come from Great Britain, the mistakes identified closely mirror the issues instructors and testing officers see in New Zealand. The results offer useful insight for learner drivers preparing for their test and for anyone wanting to build safer driving habits.
The top reasons learners failed their driving test
According to DVSA data, the most frequent reasons for failure were:
Not making effective observations at junctions - Failing to properly check both directions or misjudging the speed of approaching vehicles.
Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction - Missing mirror checks before signalling, changing lanes, or exiting roundabouts.
Not moving off safely - Pulling away into the path of traffic or failing to check blind spots.
Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions - Sitting too far left or straddling lanes while waiting to turn.
Not responding appropriately to traffic lights - Proceeding through red lights or hesitating unnecessarily when lights turn green.
Poor control of steering - Oversteering, understeering, or mounting the kerb during turns.
Not responding correctly to road markings - Ignoring arrows, straddling lanes, or entering box junctions without a clear exit.
Not responding correctly to traffic signs - Missing Stop or No Entry signs, or failing to adjust to speed limit changes.
Poor road positioning during normal driving - Driving too close to the kerb or staying in the wrong lane on multi-lane roads.
Not driving at a safe and appropriate speed - Driving too fast for conditions or failing to slow down in poor weather or hazards.
What learners can take from this
Many of these faults are not about complex manoeuvres, but about awareness, observation, and decision-making. The data reinforces the importance of practising real-world driving situations, understanding why checks are needed, and developing consistent habits behind the wheel. Learners can review these faults in more detail through official GOV.UK guidance and use preparation tools such as the Ready to Pass? resources to better understand how driving tests are marked.
For instructors and learners alike, the message is simple: most failures come down to fundamentals done inconsistently, not a lack of technical ability.
