Photo: Sinitta Leunen / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
On the car driving test in Great Britain you pass with no more than 15 driving faults (minors) and no serious or dangerous faults (majors). One serious or dangerous fault is enough to fail, however well the rest of the drive goes. This guide explains how DVSA defines each type of fault, how minors can turn into a serious fault, what happens after a pass or a fail, and how appeals work.
Key facts
- Pass mark: up to 15 driving faults and 0 serious or dangerous faults.
- Driving time: around 35 minutes, including 20 to 35 minutes of independent driving.
- Instant fail before you drive: failing the number plate eyesight check ends the test.
- After a fail: rebook and pay again, with a date at least 10 working days away.
- Wrong turning: not a fault. The examiner will help you get back on route.
The three types of driving test fault
| Fault | DVSA definition | Effect on result |
|---|---|---|
| Driving fault (minor) | Not potentially dangerous. But if you keep making the same fault, it could become a serious fault. | Up to 15 allowed |
| Serious fault (major) | Something potentially dangerous | Fail |
| Dangerous fault (major) | Involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property | Fail |
How can minors become a serious fault?
DVSA’s definition is the key: a driving fault repeated often enough “could become a serious fault”. So 15 is a ceiling, not a target. A habit that keeps showing up, such as missing the same mirror check over and over, can be marked as serious even if your total is well under 15.
Scenarios: how the same mistake can be marked differently
| What happens | Likely type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You move off without a final blind-spot check, but the road is empty | Driving fault | No one was put at risk |
| You move off without a blind-spot check and a cyclist has to brake | Serious or dangerous | Potential or actual danger to another road user |
| You take a wrong turn while following road signs | Not a fault | DVSA does not fault wrong turnings |
These are illustrations of the definitions, not official marking rules. The examiner judges each fault on the circumstances.
What happens during the test
- Eyesight check: read a number plate at 20 metres (20.5 metres for an old-style plate). Fail it and the test ends. See driving eyesight rules.
- ‘Tell me’ question before you drive, and a ‘show me’ question while driving. See show me, tell me questions.
- General driving in various road and traffic conditions (no motorways), including pulling over, pulling out from behind a parked vehicle, a hill start and possibly an emergency stop.
- Independent driving for 20 to 35 minutes, following a sat nav, traffic signs or both. See independent driving on the test.
- One reversing exercise: parallel park, bay park, or pull up on the right and reverse about 2 car lengths. See driving test manoeuvres.
If you make a mistake, carry on. It might not affect your result if it is not serious. The examiner only stops the test if they think your driving is a danger to other road users.
If you pass
- The examiner tells you any faults you made and gives you a pass certificate.
- You can have your full licence sent automatically by handing over your provisional licence. Otherwise, apply within 2 years of passing.
- You can drive straight away, but you need insurance that covers you to drive unsupervised.
- Contact DVLA if your full licence hasn’t arrived 3 weeks after you applied.
- For your first 2 years, 6 penalty points cancels your licence. See the New Drivers Act.
If you fail
- The examiner tells you what faults you made. Note them down while they are fresh.
- Book another test and pay again. The date must be at least 10 working days away.
- Remember the 2026 booking rules: only you can book, and you have only 2 changes per booking. See driving test booking rules 2026.
The most common faults are covered in the top reasons people fail the driving test.
Can you appeal a driving test result?
Only if you can prove the examiner did not follow the law. Your result cannot be changed, but you might get a refund or a free retest.
- First, complain to DVSA with your proof.
- If DVSA disagrees, you may be able to appeal to a court: within 6 months in England and Wales, or within 21 days in Scotland.
- If a court appeal fails, you might have to pay significant legal costs.
See also when a driving test is cancelled or goes wrong.
Common questions
How many minors can you get on a driving test?
Up to 15 driving faults, with no serious or dangerous faults.
Can you fail with only a few minors?
Yes, if the same fault is repeated enough to be marked as serious, or if you also get one serious or dangerous fault.
Will the examiner stop the test if I make a serious fault?
Not usually. They only stop the test if your driving is a danger to other road users. Keep driving your best.
Can my instructor sit in?
Yes. The examiner will ask if you want someone, usually your instructor, in the back. They must be over 16 and can’t take part.
Are the rules the same for automatic cars?
Yes. The test is the same for manual and automatic cars.
Related: the practical driving test guide, what to bring on test day and the car driving test in GB and NI. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.
Sources
- GOV.UK, “Driving test: cars: Driving test faults and your result” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Driving test: cars: What happens during the test” (gov.uk)
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, “Changes to driving test booking rules in 2026” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Learn to drive a car: step by step” (gov.uk)