Learning to drive is an exciting prospect, however the driving test can feel intimidating for some learners. A common concern that learner drivers often have is about the minors on a driving test and how they can affect the final test result. There is a misconception that making individual small mistakes will automatically cause them to fail, however this is not always the case.
During the UK practical driving test, the examiner assesses your ability to drive safely and independently. While serious mistakes will result in an immediate fail, smaller errors, known as driving test minors, are often allowed within reason and if under a certain amount. Understanding how these faults work can help to reduce nerves and ensure you focus on driving safely rather than worrying about perfection.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a minor fault is in a driving test, how many minors you can have on a driving test before failing along with common examples of minor driving faults and how to avoid them.
A minor fault, sometimes called a “driving fault”, is a small mistake made during the practical driving test that does not pose immediate danger to you, the examiner, other road users, or property.
Minor faults typically occur when a learner shows slight hesitation, imperfect observation, or minor control issues, but still maintains overall safe driving. These errors indicate that the driver could improve in certain areas, but they do not significantly affect safety during the test, nor the result on their own.
Minor faults are recorded by the examiner throughout the test in various categories, such as:
| Driving Test Category | Description |
| Control | Handling of pedals, steering, gears |
| Observation | Awareness of surroundings |
| Signals | Correct use of indicators |
| Positioning | Lane discipline and road positioning |
| Response to signs | Obeying traffic signs and signals |
Making a small mistake in one of these areas may result in a minor fault being recorded, but this does not automatically mean you will fail your test.
In the UK practical driving test, you are allowed to accumulate up to 15 minor faults and still pass. However, once you receive 16 or more minors, the result will automatically become a fail.
Here is a simple breakdown of the rules:
| Number of Minor Faults | Result |
| 0–15 minors | Pass (if no serious or dangerous faults occur) |
| 16+ minors | Fail |
However, there is an important rule many learners don’t realise: repeated faults in the same category can become a serious fault.
For example:
The examiner may determine that this pattern shows a lack of safe driving awareness, which could result in a major fault rather than multiple minors.
When thinking about how many minors you are allowed on a driving test, remember the following:
This means you could technically pass with 15 minors, but most successful candidates usually receive far fewer. Ultimately, the examiner is looking for safe, confident driving, not perfection. Small errors are acceptable as long as they don’t affect safety.
During the driving test, faults are divided into three categories:
| Fault Type | Definition | Result |
| Minor (Driving Fault) | A small mistake that does not affect safety | Recorded but allowed |
| Serious Fault (Major) | A potentially dangerous mistake | Immediate fail |
| Dangerous Fault | A mistake that creates actual danger | Immediate fail |
A minor fault, often referred to as a driving fault, is a low-level mistake where the driver still demonstrates safe control of the vehicle. These are recorded but do not automatically result in failure unless too many occur.
A serious fault, often referred to as a major, occurs when a mistake could potentially create danger or shows a significant lapse in driving standards.
For example, failing to properly observe at a busy junction could be considered a serious fault.
A dangerous fault is when the driver’s actions create immediate danger to themselves, the examiner, the public, or property.
An example could include pulling out into traffic and forcing another vehicle to brake suddenly.
Both serious and dangerous faults result in an automatic fail, regardless of how many minors you have accumulated.
Minor faults can occur in many areas of the driving test. While they are relatively small mistakes, understanding them can help you avoid unnecessary marks.
Below are some common examples of minor driving faults and tips on how to prevent them.
What it is:
Not checking mirrors frequently enough, particularly when changing speed or direction.
How to avoid it:
Develop a habit of checking mirrors before:
Many instructors teach the routine “mirror – signal – manoeuvre.”
What it is:
Signalling too late, too early, or cancelling the indicator too slowly.
How to avoid it:
Signal in good time before your manoeuvre and cancel indicators once the action is complete.
What it is:
Driving slightly too close to the centre line or kerb without causing danger.
How to avoid it:
Look further ahead and maintain a consistent road position, adjusting when necessary.
What it is:
Waiting longer than necessary before pulling out when it would have been safe.
How to avoid it:
Practise judging gaps in traffic and build confidence in decision-making.
What it is:
The engine stalls due to clutch control or incorrect gear use.
How to avoid it:
Practise clutch control and moving off smoothly, particularly on hills.
What it is:
Using the wrong gear for the speed or situation.
How to avoid it:
Listen to the engine and practise matching gears to speed and road conditions.
What it is:
Minor over-steering or under-steering when navigating turns.
How to avoid it:
Maintain steady steering and avoid rushing manoeuvres.
What it is:
Completing a manoeuvre slightly outside the ideal position but still safely.
How to avoid it:
Take your time and use reference points taught during lessons.
What it is:
Not checking surroundings thoroughly when reversing or parking.
How to avoid it:
Perform full 360-degree observations during manoeuvres.
What it is:
Driving slightly below the speed limit or inconsistent speed control.
How to avoid it:
Regularly check your speedometer and maintain a steady speed appropriate for the road.
Sign up today for exclusive offers, practical guidance, driving tips, and more!
Understanding how many minors you can get on a driving test can help to reduce unnecessary stress when preparing for your practical exam. Minor faults are simply small mistakes that do not affect safety, and they are a normal part of learning to drive.
In the UK driving test:
While it’s useful to understand how driving test minors work, your focus should always be on safe, confident driving rather than avoiding small mistakes. Examiners expect learners to be slightly imperfect. What matters most is that you drive responsibly and respond safely to the road around you.
Commonly asked questions about driving test minors
Yes. You can pass the UK practical test with up to 15 minor faults, provided you do not receive any serious or dangerous faults.
Yes, they can. If the same mistake happens repeatedly, the examiner may consider it a serious fault, which would result in a fail.
No. Minor faults are only recorded for the test result and are not added to your driving licence once you pass.
Common minors on a driving test include poor mirror checks, hesitation at junctions, and minor positioning issues.
Yes. If the mistake is considered serious or dangerous, the test will result in an immediate fail even if no other faults occur.
You will be logged out in seconds. Do you want to stay signed in?
