10. Observations at junctions
Poor observations at junctions is one of the top 10 reasons that drivers fail.
Applicants will be marked with this fault for not taking effective observation before pulling off at junctions, and driving into the path of other vehicles.
9. Moving off safely
When you’re pulling off from the side of the road, you need to make sure you look all around you, check those blind spots - and that you’re indicating correctly!
8. Use of mirrors
Remember that you need to use your rear view and wing mirrors - and react to the information! Drivers get caught out for pulling in with no mirror checks, increasing their speed, or using their mirrors too late.
7. Reverse parking
You’ll notch up a fault in this section if you need to reposition to correct a loss of control or accuracy. A complete misjudgement or substantial loss of control will count as a more serious fault.
6. Response to traffic lights
Some of the mistakes that drivers make include waiting at a green filter light when it’s safe to proceed and staying at the stop line when it’s also safe to proceed.
Other faults that count include not conforming to a red light, and stopping beyond an advanced stop line in a cyclists only area.
5. Steering
Motorists need to be able to maintain a steady course in normal driving. Mounting and dismounting the kerb, and not following the contour of the kerb results in faults in this area.
4. Positioning
The vehicle should be positioned correctly for the route you’re taking. If lanes are marked, make sure you’re in the middle of the lane. Straddling lanes must be avoided.
3. Turning right at junctions
When you’re turning right, position your vehicle correctly - it shouldn’t cut the corner when turning at the junction.
Keep an eye out for cyclists and motorcyclists, and also pedestrians crossing the road.
2. Control when moving off
Stalling is one of the things that counts as control when moving off.
Other things that are included in this area are moving off with the handbrake on, rolling backwards when trying to move off - and not engaging the car in gear and attempting to pull off.
1. Response to road markings
Applicants are marked with faults in this area for doing things like crossing the solid white centre lines on the road when it’s not necessary, and not following directional arrows.
Stopping in a yellow box junction when the exit isn’t clear also counts for this reason.
