Driving test faults
| Driving faults | 15 or fewer |
|---|---|
| Repeats in one area | No more than 4 (guidance) |
| Serious faults | None |
| Dangerous faults | None |
| Wrong show me / tell me | 1 driving fault |
On the UK car practical test, the examiner records driving test faults in three categories. At its core the examiner is asking one question: is the candidate driving safely, legally and with appropriate progress, without putting anyone at risk?[1]
Types of fault
| Fault | Meaning | Example from the book | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving fault ("minor") | Below standard but not dangerous on its own | Consistently choosing a gear a little too low for the speed | Up to 15 allowed, but repetition can become serious |
| Serious fault | Potentially dangerous, even if nothing was there | Cutting onto the wrong side of a road when turning right into it | Fail |
| Dangerous fault | Actual danger to anyone or to property | Pulling out of a T-junction into the path of a car that has to brake hard | Fail |
GOV.UK defines the categories the same way and sets the pass mark at no more than 15 driving faults with no serious or dangerous faults.[2] Newman adds the examiners' guidance that a candidate should not repeat the same driving fault more than four times.[1]
Noteworthy points
A "noteworthy point" is not a fault and does not affect the result. It is professional feedback the examiner chooses to mention, such as staying in an unnecessarily low gear on a dual carriageway.[1]
Context decides
The same action can be no fault, a driving fault, a serious fault or a dangerous fault, depending on what was around, how the candidate responded and whether anyone was affected or could have been. Newman warns that dramatic "I failed for this!" clips on social media usually leave that context out.[1]
Examples elsewhere in this wiki: a single stall is usually one driving fault but can be serious at a junction with traffic coming; lightly brushing the kerb when pulling over is often not marked, but mounting the pavement is likely to be serious; going 1 mph over a limit has been marked as a driving fault, and 24 mph in a 20 zone as serious.[1]
Don't keep score
Newman advises candidates not to count their faults during the drive. Many of his learners have been certain they had failed and then been told they had passed.[1]
"Zero minors"
A pass with no driving faults usually reflects a capable driver, but often luck too: a quiet time of day, clear roads and few developing hazards give fewer chances to pick up a fault. The same driver might get one or two on a busier day without driving any worse.[1]
See also
References
- Newman, Geoff (2026). Sevenoaks Driving Test Secrets, chapters 4, 13, 19 and 21.
- "Driving test faults and your result". GOV.UK.