Not making effective observations at junctions

Making decisions and observations is a huge part of learning to drive, but failing to make effective ones is the most common reason why learners fail. Around 37% of incidents on the road are due to drivers not looking properly, so this is something examiners are always on the lookout for.

It’s imperative that you are aware of what’s around you, particularly before pulling out of a junction or roundabout.

Observation errors that would result in a ‘driving fault’ or a ‘minor’ would include looking too late before moving off, incorrectly judging the speed of an approaching vehicle and pulling out in front of them or making too little observations when using a slip road to join another road.

Not using mirrors correctly

Learners are failing from not using their mirrors enough, but also from making an observation error from them too, such as failing to notice a vehicle close to them. 

Should you change lanes anyway and cause the other vehicle to slow down, you could receive a minor fault.

Failing to drive off safely

Incorrectly moving off is another big reason why people fail their driving test, and there are a number of ways in which you might have to ‘move off’ during the exam.

It’s expected that you should be able to move off, making the correct observations, from the side of a road, from a traffic jam, from behind a parked car and on a hill.

Incorrect or lazy steering

Lazy steering is also among the common reasons why learners fail. This is usually from steering too early or too late.

Another common mistake is letting the wheel slip through their hands to correct itself to a straight position when taking a corner, resulting in not being in control of the car. 

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Not responding to traffic lights in time

And finally not paying attention to traffic lights, surprisingly, rounds off the list. Not reacting in time is the common fault here.

Some learner drivers are either driving through a light about to turn red at a junction when the road seems clear has been an issue.

Not moving ahead on a green light when the junction is clear has also been a common fault, as it potentially shows you aren’t paying attention to what’s around you.

Join our referral scheme and put us to the test

At Adrian Flux we offer a referral scheme to help you earn extra cash, and to help your pupils get the insurance they need. Insurance can be expensive, but at Adrian Flux we offer bespoke policies for young drivers, and what’s more if you refer your pupil to us and they take out a policy, we’ll give you a kick back fee as a result.

We also offer up to 15% off our insurance if you’re an Any Driver ADI and have recently passed a BTEC qualification.

Driving instructor insurance policies features:

  • Comprehensive instructor insurance cover included whilst driving other cars under tuition
  • Pupils’ own cars are covered
  • Off road tuition and under-age learner drivers cover included
  • Any Driver over the age of 25 covered for Social, Domestic & Pleasure use in addition to students
  • Legal protection and recovery of uninsured losses
  • Dual control courtesy vehicle supplied and delivered following non fault accidents
  • Replacement vehicle provided if the insured vehicle is undriveable after an accident – other policies on the market only offer this if the vehicle is a total write of
  • Automatic cover for banned or convicted drivers re-sitting their test is included as standard
  • Public liability insurance can protect up to £5 million in liability fees

Call 0800 081 0446 for a swift no-hassle driving instructor insurance quote or email [email protected] to find out about our referral scheme.

 

Adrian Flux is Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).