Introduction
You’ve just taken your driving test and you’re handed back your feedback sheet. You spot a list of faults—some marked as “minor”, others labelled “major” or even “dangerous”. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but understanding these categories is key to targeting your practice, reducing anxiety and improving your chances of passing.
In this article, we’ll:
- Break down the three fault types explained by the DVSA
- Show you real-world examples of each fault
- Explain how they’re scored and what leads to a fail
- Share practical tips to avoid common mistakes
Ready to demystify your fault sheet? Let’s dive in.
Fault Categories Overview
The DVSA divides driving test faults into three categories:
- Driving faults (Minor faults): Small errors that don’t compromise safety. You can still pass with up to 15 of these.
- Serious faults: Significant errors that are potentially dangerous. Any single serious fault means an immediate fail.
- Dangerous faults: Actions that involve actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property. One dangerous fault and the test is over.
Scoring Rules
- You’re allowed up to 15 driving faults and still pass
- Any serious or dangerous fault results in a fail—no exceptions
- If you repeatedly make the same driving fault, it may be escalated to a serious fault
The distinction ensures the test focuses on safety (dangerous), potential risk (serious) and good driving habits (minor). Understanding the difference helps you tailor your revision.
Driving Faults (Minor Faults)
What Counts as a Driving Fault?
A driving fault is a small mistake that wasn’t potentially dangerous but indicates an area for improvement.
Examples
- Slight hesitation when signalling at a junction
- A minor wobble during a bay park
- Brief lapse in mirror observation before changing lanes
- Rolling back a few inches on a hill start
- Not checking mirrors frequently enough
Even though these are less serious errors, they highlight areas for improvement.
Why Driving Faults Matter
- They build habits: Repeating one mistake can make it a bad habit on the open road
- Confidence building: Fewer driving faults boost confidence and show examiners you’re organised
- Pattern recognition: Multiple similar faults may indicate a recurring issue
Avoidance Tips
- Stick to MSM: Use Mirrors–Signal–Manoeuvre every time you turn or change lanes
- Plan your signals: Think ahead so you’re not scrambling at the last second
- Maintain a calm pace: Rushing often leads to little errors
- Mirror routine: Glance at mirrors before and after every action
Serious Faults
What Makes a Serious Fault?
A serious fault is something potentially dangerous that compromises control or safety, even if no immediate danger occurred.
Examples
- Pulling out at a junction without adequate observation
- Excessive use of the accelerator causing jerky control
- Unsafe lane change, cutting across another vehicle’s path
- Approaching a pedestrian crossing too fast
- Emerging very quickly into a junction without proper observations
These faults show the examiner you haven’t yet mastered essential safety routines.
Consequences
- Immediate fail: Unlike driving faults, one serious fault is enough to end the test
- Re-booking required: You’ll need to rebook and work on that specific issue
- 10-day wait: You must choose a new test date at least 10 working days away
Prevention Strategies
- Slow down: Give yourself more time to observe and react
- Extra observations: Pause a fraction longer at junctions to check all around
- Instructor drills: Practice tricky manoeuvres until control feels natural
- Mindful driving: Stay focused on each task rather than on the clock
Dangerous Faults
Why They’re So Serious
A dangerous fault involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property. These are non-negotiable safety violations.
Examples
- Pulling out in front of oncoming traffic
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Forcing a pedestrian to stop or swerve
- Driving too close to the vehicle ahead, creating a collision risk
- Nearly causing an accident
The Impact
- Immediate test termination
- Automatic fail
- Safety concern: A report to the DVSA may follow in extreme cases
How to Avoid Dangerous Faults
- Defensive mindset: Always expect the unexpected—children, cyclists, hidden driveways
- Hazard perception practice: Sharpen your hazard-spotting skills with our guide on mastering the hazard perception test
- Stay within limits: Observe speed limits strictly—high speeds reduce reaction time
- Clear observation: If your view is blocked, edge forward slowly until you can see clearly
Scoring & Feedback
After your test, you’ll receive either:
- Pass certificate with a count of driving faults
- Fail sheet listing serious or dangerous faults plus any driving faults
Interpreting Your Report
- Driving fault count tells you which small habits need attention
- Examiner comments for serious/dangerous faults provide insight on exactly what went wrong
Use this feedback to focus your next practice session. For a full walkthrough of test day structure and feedback, see our article on your driving test day: what to expect step-by-step.
Practice Tips to Reduce Faults
Target Your Weak Areas
- Review your mock-test feedback. Note which category each fault falls into
- Break down practice sessions to focus only on those mistakes
Deliberate Practice
- Drill specific manoeuvres until they become routine
- Use slow-speed practice: slow down complex actions to master control
Use DVSA Resources
- Official checklists keep you aligned with the examiner’s criteria
- Video clips demonstrate correct technique
Mock Tests Under Exam Conditions
- No pausing, strict timing, and real-test pressures help build resilience
- Review end-of-session feedback like a real examiner would
Professional Instruction
- Work with a qualified instructor who specialises in fault correction
- Regularly ask for targeted drills rather than general lessons
For guidance on choosing the right instructor, see our article on how do you know you have the right driving instructor?
Common Questions About Faults
Can I fail on the “Show Me, Tell Me” questions?
No, you won’t fail outright. Getting one or both questions wrong results in one driving fault.
Is stalling an automatic fail?
Stalling isn’t an automatic fail unless it causes a dangerous situation, like obstructing traffic. The key is to handle the situation calmly and safely.
What about touching the kerb during manoeuvres?
Touching the kerb during manoeuvres like parallel parking is typically a driving fault if there’s no danger involved. However, mounting the kerb, particularly in areas with pedestrians, can be considered a serious or dangerous fault.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the difference between driving, serious and dangerous faults empowers you to train smarter:
- Recognise what each fault category means
- Analyse your feedback, focusing on real-world examples
- Apply targeted practice until you turn mistakes into mastery
- Remember that every driver starts with wobbles and hesitations
The key is learning from each fault and moving closer to safe, confident driving.
Ready to Cut Down Your Faults?
Book your next lesson with a qualified instructor and take control of your progress.
Need reliable insurance cover? Get a quote for learner driver insurance that stays steady when you pass.
For more information about costs and options, see our guide on getting young driver’s insurance cheaper.
