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Most fails are not caused by one huge disaster.
They are caused by a small pattern that shows up under pressure.
This guide covers the DVSA top 10 faults and how to fix each one with a simple routine.
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Quick reminder: what actually fails you
There are 3 fault types: driving fault (minor), serious fault, dangerous fault.
To pass, you need no more than 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.
1) Junctions: observation (ineffective observation)
What it looks like
You look, but you do not judge speed and distance properly. You pull out and force another vehicle to slow down.
Quick fix routine
- Slow earlier
- Stop where you can see
- Look right, left, right again
- Move only if you can go without affecting anyone
Practice drill
Pick 2-3 busy junctions and repeat. Your goal is correct judgement every time.
2) Mirrors: change direction
What it looks like
You signal or move without mirror checks. Or you check, but still move into someone’s space.
Quick fix routine
Mirror before movement. Every time you change direction, position, or speed.
Practice drill
For one full lesson, say it in your head: mirror, signal, manoeuvre.
3) Moving off: safety (including blind spot)
What it looks like
You move off without effective checks, or you pull off and make someone brake.
Quick fix routine
- Mirrors
- Blind spot
- Commit smoothly
Practice drill
Do 10 safe move-offs: flat road, slight hill, behind parked vehicles, after pulling up.
4) Junctions: turning right (position)
What it looks like
You sit too far left when turning right. You block traffic or confuse other drivers.
Quick fix routine
- Approach in good time
- Position nearer the centre line (when safe)
- Keep wheels straight while waiting
5) Traffic lights: response
What it looks like
You creep over stop lines, block junctions, or react late.
Quick fix routine
- Scan early
- Plan your stop or plan your go
- Never enter if your exit is not clear
6) Control: steering
What it looks like
Late steering, clipping kerbs, mounting the pavement, shaky control on tight turns.
Quick fix routine
Slow slightly earlier and steer smoothly. No last-second “snap” steering.
7) Road markings: response
What it looks like
Wrong lane arrows, straddling lanes, late lane swaps, ignoring markings.
Quick fix routine
Read markings early, choose lane early, commit early.
8) Traffic signs: response
What it looks like
You miss signs, react late, pick the wrong lane, or ignore speed limit changes.
Quick fix routine
Read, decide, then drive. Treat signs like instructions.
9) Positioning: normal driving
What it looks like
Too close to kerb or centre line, poor lane discipline, sitting right lane too long.
Quick fix routine
Normal centred position, keep left unless overtaking, follow roundabout lanes.
Roundabout help: roundabouts driving test Peterborough
10) Speed: safe and reasonable
What it looks like
Too fast for hazards, or too slow without reason (creates risk and confusion).
Quick fix routine
Ask: “Can I stop safely in what I can see?”
The Peterborough pattern I see most
Most fails locally combine: late observations at junctions, weak mirror habits, roundabout lane discipline, and hesitation caused by poor approach speed.
If you want faster momentum: intensive driving courses in Peterborough
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