For many, the driving test is a milestone that symbolizes freedom, independence, and adulthood. It’s the final hurdle between being a passenger and taking control of the wheel. Yet, despite months of preparation and practice, the day of the test can be riddled with nerves, sweaty palms, and heart-thumping anticipation. What if you stall? What if you forget to check your mirrors? What if you don’t stop precisely at the line?
In the context of a driving test, faults are categorized into three types:
Minor faults (also known as driving faults): Small errors that don’t pose a direct danger but indicate areas for improvement.
Serious faults: Mistakes that could potentially cause danger or show a lack of control or awareness.
Dangerous faults: Mistakes that actually cause danger to the driver, examiner, other road users, or property.
Minor faults, although less severe than the other two, still matter — especially if they’re repeated. The most common types of minor faults include:
Failing to check mirrors frequently enough
Slight hesitation at junctions
Poor road positioning
Inconsistent use of signals
Improper clutch control
Coasting slightly
These are usually mistakes that, in a real-world scenario, wouldn’t necessarily result in an accident but do show that the driver hasn’t quite mastered some fundamental skills.
How Many Minor Faults Are Allowed?
You are allowed up to 15 minor faults during your driving test. However, there are a few caveats:
If you receive 16 or more minor faults, you will fail the test.
If you repeat the same minor fault several times, it may be upgraded to a serious fault, resulting in failure.
Even one serious or dangerous fault leads to an automatic fail, regardless of how few minor faults you have.
So while 15 minor faults might seem generous, it’s essential to remember that consistency matters. Making the same small mistake over and over again signals a lack of improvement or understanding.
Examples of Common Minor Faults
Here’s a detailed list of common minor faults that can occur during a driving test:
1. Mirrors – Not checking frequently enough
Failing to check mirrors before changing direction
Not checking rearview mirror before slowing down
2. Signals – Inadequate or late signaling
Forgetting to signal before turning or overtaking
Canceling the signal too late after a maneuver
3. Junctions – Observation and approach
Not looking both ways thoroughly at T-junctions
Slight rolling stops at stop signs
Hesitating when safe to go
4. Control – Clutch, gears, and steering
Stalling once or twice (minor unless it creates a hazard)
Using the wrong gear temporarily
Steering slightly wide around a corner
5. Positioning – Normal driving
Drifting slightly in the lane
Being too close or far from the curb
6. Move off – Control and safety
Not checking blind spots before moving off
Rolling slightly when trying to pull away
7. Response to road signs or markings
Hesitating too long at a green light
Slight delay in responding to speed limit changes
How Are Minor Faults Recorded?
During the driving test, the examiner will sit with a marking sheet (or tablet) and record each fault in its relevant category. The test sheet is divided into boxes for each driving skill — like “Mirrors”, “Junctions”, “Signals”, and so on. Each minor fault is tallied, and at the end of the test, the examiner will review the score with you.
If you have more than 15 minor faults overall or too many in the same category, it may lead to a serious fault — hence, a fail.
How Minor Faults Can Turn Serious
The key danger with minor faults is that repetition can escalate their severity. For example:
Mirror checks: Forget to check once — minor. Forget several times — examiner may consider this a serious issue.
Poor positioning: Drift once — minor. Drift multiple times and force another car to slow or swerve — that’s serious.
So, while one-off mistakes are generally forgivable, the pattern of repeated minor errors can demonstrate a lack of awareness or understanding.
Strategies to Reduce Minor Faults
To pass your driving test confidently, aim to minimize all types of faults, especially minor ones. Here are proven tips:
1. Practice Defensive Driving
Always anticipate the actions of others
Stay alert to potential hazards
Maintain safe distances
2. Check Mirrors Regularly
Before signaling
Before changing speed
Every 5–10 seconds as a habit
3. Perfect Your Observation at Junctions
Slow down early
Look both ways more than once
Don’t just rely on other vehicles — observe road markings and signs
4. Smooth Clutch and Gear Control
Practice in stop-start traffic
Learn to feel the bite point
Avoid coasting (when the clutch is down while moving)
5. Stay Calm Under Pressure
Nervousness can increase minor errors
If you make a mistake, don’t panic — continue with composure
Top 10 Minor Faults to Watch For
According to DVSA statistics and countless instructors, these are the most frequently observed minor faults:
Not making effective observations at junctions
Failing to check mirrors before a maneuver
Poor steering control
Incorrect road positioning
Moving off without proper observation
Inadequate response to traffic signs
Failing to signal correctly
Driving too slowly unnecessarily
Improper use of clutch/gears
Hesitation and lack of confidence