THE most common reason for failing a driving test at the first attempt have been revealed.
Just 48% of the nearly 1.7 million learners who took the test in 2022/23 were successful so driving experts have come up with some top tips to improve your chances.
With six-month long backlogs at test centres, making the most of your first crack at your licence is vital or else you could face a long wait to try again.
Either that or pay three times the official fee for a nearer slot, a sales practice that a Sun investigation last year revealed was rife throughout the industry.
As such, it’s all the more frustrating for drivers that the top 10 reasons for failing are usually based on relatively minor, but easily forgotten, rules of the road.
Missed observations at junctions are the most common issue, according to analysis of DVSA data by Moneybarn.
That was followed by forgetting mirror checks when changing direction and failing to observe and/or signal properly when moving off.
Fortunately, there’s an easy three-word rule to save you from making these agonising errors.
Learners are regularly taught the acronym MSM as a shortcut to stay on track when making pretty much any movement on the road.
It stands for mirror, signal, manoeuvre and gives motorists a simple process to work through when concentrating on the road.
Whether it’s pulling away, pulling in, changing lanes or turning from a junction, it’s critical to remember the actions you have to take before making your move.
When looking to make any change of speed or direction, always check your mirrors beforehand to make sure you have enough space in the traffic.
Once you have checked around and confirmed you have the required room, make your signal well in advance to indicate where you are going to other road users.
Try and keep signals simple and direct and avoid making them too early or too late.
Ideally, you should be indicating when taking the next available turn or lane in that direction with at least several seconds before continuing with the move.
Just before making the manoeuvre, it’s a good idea to do a “lifesaver” check of your blindspots to make sure there’s nothing that you might have missed in your mirrors.
This is especially important for motorcyclists on busy roads and car drivers when turning across a cycle lane.
But remember that a lifesaver only lasts for two seconds before you begin to move.
Finally, once all your checks are done, make your manoeuvre and commit to it as long as it’s safe to do so.
For example, make clear lane changes and don’t straddle multiple lanes or stop suddenly during a turn unless necessary.
Once you’ve done that you can then cancel your indicator and proceed safely.
Paul Green, National Remarketing Manager for Moneybarn, said:”After months, and sometimes years, of driving lessons, your test day is often filled with stress and nerves.
“Even the most prepared driving students can fall at the last hurdle, but there are things you can do to put yourself in the best position to pass.”
