BRITS are failing their driving test before they even put on their seat belt and nearly half have flopped by the end of the exam.
In a study of just over 1.4 million people, more than 400 learners were not even allowed in the car by their instructor and now the top 10 reasons for driving test ‘instant fails’ have been revealed.
Researchers analysed DVSA data and found that 43 percent of people failed their practical test with the most common reason being they did not look properly at junctions.
A spokesman for insurance provider Dayinsure said: “The most common reason for instantly failing a driving test is for failing to observe the situation correctly at a junction.
“Over a quarter of failed tests came unstuck due to junction observations, such as failing to spot an oncoming car, or failing to spot the junction in the first place.
“We also found that 429 learners who had hopes of a pass saw them end before they even entered the car, for having poor eyesight.”
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Instructors carry out a quick eyesight test before the exam begins by asking the learner to read a number plate 60ft away.
This test caught out 429 people in the past year, who were failed on the spot for bad eyesight.
Failing to check your mirrors, steering erratically, ignoring traffic lights, speeding or even going too slow are all called ‘majors’ which result in an immediate failure.
Nicholas Shaw, of Dayinsure, said this week: “Speed limits are in place for a reason. As the data shows, driving too fast or too slowly can both leave you at risk of an instant failure.”
However, drivers are allowed to make 15 driving faults – called minors – during the test.
Examiners only tell drivers the reasons for failure at the end of the test, meaning some learners notched up more than one ’major’ during the their test.
Andy Unsworth, 34, of St Albans, Herts, said he flopped his test earlier in the year after going at 30mph in a 20mph zone.
1 – Not looking properly while turning at junction – 26 per cent
2 – Not checking mirrors before manoeuvring – 20 per cent
3 – Turning right at junction – 11 per cent
4 – Failing to respond to traffic lights – 11 per cent
5 – Lack of steering control – 10 per cent
6 – Moving off dangerously – 10 per cent
7 – Failing to respond to road signs – 9 per cent
8 – Incorrect road positioning – 9 per cent
9 – Ignoring road markings – 9 per cent
10 – Speeding/going too slow – 8 per cent
He said: “I was too cocky – I thought the speed limit was 30mph and hadn’t been paying attention to the signs.
“I was going along at 30mph on the dot and thinking I was doing great, but then I saw a 20mph sign and I knew it was all over.”
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Nicholas Shaw, of Dayinsure, said this week: “With learners now waiting an average of 13 weeks from booking a driving test to the actual date, you’ll want to get it right first time.
“As nerve-wracking as a driving test can be, any learner driver that stays alert, drives defensively, and takes on-board the advice of their driving instructor is likely to be rewarded for their efforts.”
