The Three Types of Fault
Minor Faults (Driving Faults)
A minor fault is an imperfection that doesn't affect safety. You can accumulate up to 15 minor faults and still pass — but 16 or more means a fail, even if none are serious.
Importantly, the same minor fault repeated several times can be upgraded to a serious fault, because a pattern suggests a consistent problem rather than a one-off lapse.
Serious Faults
A serious fault is one that could potentially have caused danger. A single serious fault means an automatic fail. Common examples include:
- Emerging from a junction when another vehicle has to slow or swerve
- Failing to stop at a stop sign
- Stalling and rolling backwards on a hill
- Following too closely at speed
Dangerous Faults
A dangerous fault occurs when the examiner has to intervene — either verbally or physically using the dual controls — to prevent an accident. This is an automatic fail. It's rare, but it can happen with very nervous candidates who freeze.
What Examiners Are Actually Looking For
Examiners aren't trying to catch you out. They're assessing whether you can drive safely and independently. The question they're asking throughout is: "Would I feel safe as a passenger in this car?"
Drive at an appropriate speed, observe thoroughly, and respond calmly to the road environment — and you'll give the right answer.
After a Fail
If you don't pass, the examiner will go through your DL25 form (the test report) with you. This is genuinely useful feedback — treat it that way. Your instructor will also help you analyse what happened and address the specific issues before your next attempt.
Remember: You must wait at least 10 working days before retaking your practical test.