Curious to know which were top mistakes made by learner drivers at the driving test? Then read on! DVSA has published the list of 10 top mistakes made during the driving test in 2017, a year after the test was updated.
- Junctions – observation ability at the junctions is critical. When approaching a junction, remember the Mirror - Signal - Manoeuvre procedure. To pass junctions safely you have to judge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic accurately. Note that observation may be impaired in bad weather conditions or in poor light, and this requires extra care.
- Mirrors - before changing direction you should check the mirrors and blind sports and inform other road users of your intentions by proper signalling. You should use the mirrors effectively and act correctly. Mirrors must be carefully checked before signalling, changing direction or changing speed.
- Control - at the driving test you should be able to demonstrate that you are able to steer the vehicle correctly, smoothly, and timely.
- Junctions - turning right at the junctions, especially busy roads and carriageways can be especially dangerous, and this is one of the top driving test mistakes according to DVSA. It is crucial to be able to able to judge the speed and distance of the oncoming transport correctly and constantly look out for the road users who are emerging and turning and when needed be able to react to this accordingly (for example, to change your course or stop).
- Moving off safely - at the driving test you need to demonstrate that you are able to move off safely on the level, at an angle or on a slope. Check your mirrors and blind spots before moving off. Before moving off make sure that it is safe to do so.
- Response to traffic signs - traffic lights. You have to demonstrate that you can react appropriately to traffic lights.
- Moving off - control. You need to demonstrate that you are able to move off safely and under full control of the vehicle.
- Positioning - you should position your car in a safe way, keeping it well to the left of the roadway, leaving enough space to parked vehicles. You also need to position your car correctly in terms of the direction you intend to go and corresponding road signs and road markings.
- Response to signs - road markings. You have to demonstrate that you understand and react correctly to road markings.
- Reverse park control - you need to show that you are able to reverse park your car safely and in full control of the vehicle.