Major Driving Errors: What You Must Avoid to Pass Your Test

When you sit down for a practical driving test, the examiner watches for big mistakes called major faults. One or two of these can send you home without a pass. Knowing exactly what counts as a major error saves you time, money, and nerves.

Common Major Faults on the Test

Examiners list a handful of actions that automatically count as major. The most frequent ones are:

• Failing to stop completely at a red light or stop sign.
• Not giving way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing.
• Dangerous or uncontrolled rear‑end stop.
• Driving off the road or onto the hard shoulder without a good reason.
• Serious breach of speed limits, especially in built‑up areas.

Each of these puts other road users at risk, which is why the examiner marks them as major. You can also get a major fault for not checking mirrors before changing direction, or for an unsafe overtaking maneuver.

How to Eliminate Those Errors

Practicing the right habits makes it easier to avoid major faults. Start each lesson by asking yourself three questions: Did I look? Did I signal? Did I check?

When you approach a junction, pause long enough to see the whole scene. This extra second helps you notice hidden cyclists or pedestrians. If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to stop and reassess.

Speed control is another easy fix. Use the car’s tachometer and road signs to gauge your speed. If you’re in a residential area, set your speedometer to the local limit before you turn onto that street.

Mirror checks should become a reflex. Before any lane change, glance at the left, right, and rear mirrors in a quick sequence. Even if traffic looks clear, a quick double‑check can catch a fast‑approaching vehicle.

Finally, treat every crossing as a potential pedestrian zone. Slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop even if you think the crossing is empty. Most examiners will note hesitation as a minor fault, but a full stop or failure to give way becomes a major fault.

Combine these habits with regular mock tests. Ask your instructor to count major faults only, so you can focus on the biggest risks. Over time, you’ll notice the errors disappearing without extra effort.

Remember, you’re not trying to be perfect on every tiny detail—just to avoid the big mistakes that lead to failure. Keep your mind on safety, follow the three‑step check, and you’ll walk away with a pass.