The most common faults
- Junction observation - not looking properly before emerging, turning, or joining a new road.
- Mirrors - not checking mirrors before signalling, changing direction or slowing down.
- Steering control - harsh or late steering, especially around bends and junctions.
- Turning right - poor positioning or hesitation at right turns, particularly without traffic lights.
- Moving off - incomplete observation, especially blind spots, when pulling away.
- Signals - not signalling, signalling too late, or leaving a signal on by mistake.
- Positioning and lane discipline - drifting out of lane or poor road positioning on approach to roundabouts and junctions.
- Reverse and parking control - losing control or accuracy during the reversing manoeuvre.
Most of these come down to habits that feel fine in a familiar car on familiar roads, but slip under test-day pressure. Deliberate practice - not just mileage - is what fixes them.
Minor vs serious faults
Not every mistake fails you. A driving fault ("minor") is a lapse that isn't dangerous - you can have up to 15 and still pass. A serious or dangerous fault - one that could have caused actual harm - fails the test outright, even if it's the only mistake you make. The faults above usually start as minors but tip into serious the moment they put you, the examiner, or another road user at risk.
How MMS helps you avoid them
We teach automatic and manual lessons with DVSA-approved, DBS-checked instructors, from £37 an hour, no deposit. Your instructor logs the faults that come up as you learn and deliberately revisits them in later lessons, so the habits that could catch you out on test day get ironed out beforehand. Our mock driving test is the best way to see exactly where you stand, and our driving lessons in Coventry page has the full picture on what's included.