The kit

What actually fails driving tests

Most learners overestimate their mistakes. Here's what actually matters — in plain English.

Read this first

You're allowed up to 15 minors and still pass. One mistake almost never ends a test. How you carry on matters more than what happened.

Things that don't automatically fail you

Stalling once, as long as you restart safely.
Taking a wrong turn — the examiner just redirects you.
A moment of hesitation at a junction.
Asking the examiner to repeat a direction.
Slightly clipping a kerb during a manoeuvre and correcting it.
Driving a little slower than normal because of nerves.
A small wobble on a roundabout if you stay in your lane.

If it didn't cause danger and you recovered safely, keep driving like nothing happened.

What counts as a minor

Stalling once and restarting safely.
Missing one mirror check with no effect on anyone.
A slightly late signal where no one had to react.
A bumpy gear change.
Hesitating slightly at a clear junction.
Touching the kerb lightly without mounting it.
Going the wrong way safely (the examiner redirects you).
Asking the examiner to repeat an instruction.
Dry steering briefly while stationary.
A slightly wide turn with no danger caused.
Adjusting your position partway through a manoeuvre.

Minors are small slips that didn't affect anyone. You can collect up to 15 and still pass. Context matters — the same slip on a quiet road may be marked differently to one in heavy traffic.

What counts as a serious fault

Repeatedly missing mirrors before changing speed or direction.
Pulling out when another vehicle has to slow noticeably.
Hesitation that holds up traffic unnecessarily.
Incorrect lane use that causes another road user to react.

What counts as a dangerous fault

Another road user has to brake hard or swerve.
The examiner has to use the dual controls.
The examiner has to physically intervene with the wheel.

The full kit

Unlock the full fail guide

See serious faults, dangerous faults and real examples learners worry about — explained calmly in plain English.

Unlock the full fail guide

Includes 25+ real examples, examiner judgement notes and recovery guidance.

Most learners fear the word "serious" — but most nervous mistakes are not serious. The test isn't about perfection. It's about whether you stay safe, aware and in control.

Examiners aren't looking for a perfect drive. They're looking for a safe one.