Virginia DMV Road Test Mistakes to Avoid

If you’ve booked your Virginia road test, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The good news? Most test failures come down to a few simple slip‑ups that you can easily fix with the right prep.

In this guide we’ll break down the biggest errors candidates make, why the examiner marks them down, and what you can do right now to stay on track. No fluff, just clear steps you can practice today.

1. Ignoring Major Fault Triggers

The examiner watches for three categories of faults: major, minor, and advisory. One major fault and you’re done – the test ends early. The most common majors in Virginia are:

• Failure to stop at a stop sign or red light. Even a quick roll‑through can cost you.
• Not yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks. The law protects them; the examiner does too.
• Serious control loss, such as skidding or failing to stay in a lane. Anything that shows you can’t keep the car steady is a red flag.

Practice each scenario in a quiet parking lot. Set up a fake stop sign, have a friend act as a pedestrian, and rehearse smooth lane changes. Repetition builds muscle memory, so the examiner never sees hesitation.

2. Overlooking Minor Faults That Add Up

Minor faults don’t stop the test, but they pile up. Ten minor points usually equal a fail. Typical minors include:

• Not checking mirrors before a turn.
• Rolling through the end of a parking bay.
• Improper use of signals – either forgetting them or holding them too long.
• Speeding slightly over the limit (even 5 km/h).

Use a checklist while you practice: mirrors, signals, speed, and position. One minute of self‑audit after each practice run can cut down those tiny errors dramatically.

Another frequent pitfall is the dreaded “reverse pull‑out”. Many learners try to reverse straight out of a parking space without looking properly, and the examiner marks a major fault. The trick? Pull forward a little, check traffic, then reverse with the vehicle fully in gear and your eyes on the mirrors.

Finally, remember the vehicle inspection part of the test. Forgetting to turn on headlights at night or failing to adjust the seat before starting will earn you a minor fault. A quick pre‑drive routine – seat, mirrors, lights, handbrake – saves you from those easy points.

By focusing on these common mistakes and rehearsing the correct actions, you’ll walk into the DMV feeling prepared rather than panicked. The road test is a chance to show the examiner you can drive safely, not to trick you with obscure rules. Keep it simple, stay calm, and practice the basics until they’re second nature.

Good luck, and drive safe!