Examiner reveals the most common mistakes that make learners fail their NTSA driving test

Here are the most common errors that make learners fail their driving test, here’s why people fail:

Taking a test when you are not ready

To really nail a driving test, you have to know the in’s and out’s of the road.

Winging it in hope that you will pass isn’t going to help you, especially if you haven’t fully grasped the basics.

One of the most common stories I hear from pupils following a failed driving test is that they knew they weren’t quite ready but thought they would just ‘give it go’.

Often their driving confidence takes a real knock because of this experience.

Be prepared

Always ask your instructor what will happen on the day.

Knowing what it is in store will help ease your mind and relax before what can be a daunting day.

Here’s a list of the things you must have on the day with you.

They include:

• Your National ID
•  Approved provisional driving licence
• A car – most people use their driving instructor’s, but you can use your own car if it meets the rules
• Other little things to keep in mind are going to the toilet before the test starts, having a little snack to give you a boost
• Carry a bottle of water to keep hydrated.

Take a practice test

Before taking the real thing, all learner drivers should take a mock test.

In secondary schools, most students will take mock tests before doing the real thing so why should it be different when it comes to driving.

This will help any learner driver to gain useful experience of what the test feels like and an appraisal of their current driving against the test standard.

Master your road signs

While preparing for a theory test, drivers will learn all about the different traffic signs on the roads.

That knowledge should then be reflected when you are at the wheel.

Failing to do so could mean you are a hazard on the road and it will look less likely that you would pass your test.

Understanding road signs is an integral part of the theory test – now you must put this into practice for the practical test, reacting appropriately to all traffic and road signs.

Common mistakes include going at the wrong speed.

Observe your surroundings

A vital part of driving is being aware of your surroundings and making surely you completely observations safely.

Examples of poor observation are if a learner approaches a junction too quickly, doesn’t take the right amount of time to observe a situation around them or fails to give way to other motorists on the road.

Highest on the list every year for driving test faults is poor observation at a junction.

You will be given a fault if you emerge from a junction without completing ‘effective observation’ before doing so.

Move off safely

Before moving, you should be checking your surroundings to make sure you moving on isn’t going to cause an accident.

You must be able to move off safely while making the correct observations from a number of locations.

“These include the side of the road, on a slope or hill or from behind a parked vehicle.

Instances which wouldn’t be deemed safely moving off could include not checking for blind spots or moving off from behind a parked vehicle into the path of an approaching vehicle.

Check your mirrors

Learner drivers should be making a habit of checking their mirrors often.

Many new drivers will forget to check the mirrors, especially when turning.

This means they won’t be checking all that’s around them, making them a danger to the road.

Looking in the mirrors helps spot those that could be blind to the eye on first look such as cyclists and motorcyclist.

You will receive a fault if you forget to check your mirrors before changing direction or if you check your mirrors whilst changing direction.

It is vital to remember that the appropriate mirrors must be checked before turning and not during or after.

Avoiding coffee before the assessment.

Plus, keep up to date with the latest Highway Code .

Learner drivers could risk a fine for breaking the highway code.