Driving Faults – What They Are and How to Fix Them

If you’re learning to drive, prepping for an HGV licence, or just want to stay safe, you’ll hear the word “fault” a lot. A fault is simply a mistake that could lower your score on a test or increase risk on the road. Knowing which faults happen most often lets you fix them before they cost you points or a crash.

Typical Faults You’ll See on Tests

During any practical driving exam, examiners watch for a short list of errors. The biggest ones are:

• Improper observation: Not checking mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes or turning.
• Wrong speed: Going too fast in a residential area or too slow on a highway, both create danger.
• Faulty positioning: Driving too close to the curb, hugging the center line, or not staying in the correct lane.
• Missed signals: Forgetting to signal before a turn or lane change, or using the wrong signal.
• Poor control: Stalling, abrupt braking, or jerky acceleration that makes the car feel unpredictable.

For HGV drivers, there are a few extra things examiners look for: cargo securement, proper use of mirrors for a large vehicle, and keeping a safe stopping distance behind other trucks.

Simple Steps to Prevent Faults

The good news is you can train yourself out of these mistakes. Here’s a quick checklist you can use every time you get behind the wheel:

1. Do a mirror check before you even move. A quick glance at both side mirrors and the rear view tells you what’s around you.
2. Set your speed to match the road. Use the speed limit signs as a guide, not a suggestion.
3. Practice lane discipline on quiet roads. Keep a comfortable distance from the curb and stay centered in your lane.
4. Signal early. Aim to signal at least three seconds before you turn or change lanes. It gives other drivers time to react.
5. Control the clutch and accelerator smoothly. If you’re riding a manual, practice gentle starts and stops.
6. For big rigs, adjust your mirrors so you can see the entire length of the vehicle. Check that the load is tied down before you drive.

Take a few minutes after each drive to note any faults you made. Write them down, think about why they happened, and plan a specific way to avoid them next time. Repeating this reflection turns a one‑off error into a habit of improvement.

Finally, remember that faults aren’t personal failures—they’re signals that your driving can get sharper. Treat every fault as a chance to learn, and you’ll see your confidence rise and your test scores improve.