Failing the test
A candidate fails the practical test with one or more serious or dangerous faults, or more than 15 driving faults.[2] Geoff Newman acknowledges how hard the moment is: on hearing "I'm sorry to say you've been unsuccessful", many people's minds almost shut down, and it is not unusual to cry. He stresses that examiners take no pleasure in giving the news.[1]
Coming back to the centre
The test is not over until the car is parked. Candidates should slow to walking pace at the entrance and follow the examiner's directions; parking back at the centre is not an official manoeuvre, but it can still go wrong.[1]
The feedback
Newman's advice is to listen to the debrief carefully and ask if anything is unclear, since it explains exactly what needs to improve. He advises against becoming defensive ("if it hadn't been for that other driver…"): the aim is to drive defensively enough to cope with what others do. Arguing will not change the decision; thanking the examiner is the constructive response.[1] Passing candidates should listen too, as minor issues on test day can become serious later.
Learning from it
When his learners test in his car, Newman reviews the forward-facing dashcam footage with them afterwards, a habit from motor racing, where watching an incident calmly as a neutral observer often led him to accept "that was my mistake".[1] His Real Sevenoaks Driving Tests course applies the same idea to other learners' tests, including six unsuccessful ones in 2026. See The Complete 90-Day Pass.
Rebooking
A new test must be at least 10 working days away.[2] Newman advises against rushing to rebook: take lessons to fix the issues first, rather than paying for more tests that end the same way.[1] His free guide "Failed your driving test?" covers when to book again.
Appeals
A result can only be appealed in court if the examiner did not follow the law, within six months in England and Wales. A successful appeal does not change the result but may bring a refund or free retest; an unsuccessful one can carry significant legal costs. Complaints can also be made to DVSA.[2]
Driving home
Whatever the result, Newman suggests not driving home straight away: candidates are usually exhausted and emotional.[1]
References
- Newman, Geoff (2026). Sevenoaks Driving Test Secrets, chapter 25.
- "Driving test faults and your result". GOV.UK.