Passing the driving test is an important milestone in a person’s life. However, not everyone is successful in their first attempt. In this blog post, I will discuss some of the common reasons why people fail their driving tests.
Reasons for failing the driving test:
1. Not checking enough mirrors
An applicant should make proper use of mirror(s) before moving off, overtaking, changing lanes, roundabouts, turning right, turning left, slowing and stopping.
2. Bad observations at junctions
An applicant should take proper observations as required before; moving off, overtaking, changing lanes, cross-junctions, roundabouts, turning right, and turning left.
3. Poor road positioning
Position on the straight or bends. Having regard to the width of the road, an applicant should normally drive reasonably close to the left- hand side of the road.
4. Position at Roundabouts
Where an applicant intends to take any exit in the 6 o’clock to 12 o’clock position, subject to road markings, the approach should normally be in the left-hand lane. The approach should normally be in the right-hand lane for any exit after the 12 o’clock.
5. Position Turning Right
Where an applicant intends to turn right at a junction, the approach should normally be just to the left of the central dividing line of the road.
6. Position Turning Left
The normal approach to a left turn should be as close as is feasible to the left-hand side. This position should be maintained on the turn and on the exit from the turn.
7. Progress
An applicant should make reasonable progress moving off, on the straight, overtaking, at cross-junctions, at roundabouts, turning right, turning left, changing lanes, and at the traffic lights.
8. Speed
An applicant should adjust speed to suit road conditions, traffic conditions, roundabouts, cross-junctions, turning right, turning left, and on the approach to traffic controls.
9. Traffic Controls
An applicant should comply with: – traffic lights, road signs, road markings, pedestrian crossings, School Wardens, Gardaí, bus lanes, tram lanes and cycle lanes.
10. Right of Way
An applicant should yield the Right of Way as required while moving off, overtaking, changing lane, at junctions, at roundabouts, turning right and turning left.
11. Reverse
An applicant should reverse the vehicle in a competent manner, taking the best possible observations and allowing the right-of-way as required.
12. Turnabout
An applicant should turn the vehicle around on the road in a competent manner, taking the best possible observations, and allowing the right-of-way as required
13. Failing to React to Hazards
An applicant should show awareness by reading the road and traffic situation ahead and reacting in an appropriate manner.
It is essential to take note of the above reasons for failing the driving test to increase your chances of passing. Always remember to check your mirrors, maintain proper road positioning, adjust speed to suit road conditions, follow traffic controls, yield right of way, react to hazards, and be competent in reversing and turning the vehicle around on the road. Good luck!