How the driving test is marked

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain the difference between small slips that are not recorded, Grade 2 and Grade 3 faults
• You can state the four ways a test is failed
• You can explain how the oral questions and hand signals are marked
• You can read your result sheet and plan practice from it

What you need to know and understand

• Testers grade each fault on a scale. Small slips at the lowest end of the marking scale (roughly 0 to 35 percent) are not recorded as faults and do not count towards any fail threshold.
• A Grade 2 fault is a serious fault.
• A Grade 3 fault is dangerous or potentially dangerous, or shows total disregard of a traffic control.
• You fail with one or more Grade 3 faults.
• You also fail with 4 of the same Grade 2 fault for a single aspect, 6 or more Grade 2 faults under the same heading, or 9 or more Grade 2 faults overall.
• Getting 3 or more of the oral questions (including hand signals) wrong or unanswered is recorded as one Grade 2 fault.
• Faults are generally not double-marked: the tester records the one that best explains what went wrong.

The fault grades side by side

The examples above are illustrations. The tester decides the grade based on what actually happened and the risk it created.

• Small slips (lowest band): little or no risk, not recorded as a fault
• Grade 2 (more serious): for example inadequate observation that does not cause danger, or hesitating when there was a safe gap
• Grade 3 (dangerous or potentially dangerous): for example ignoring a red light or stop sign, or an action that puts another road user in real danger

What the tester assesses

The marking sheet is split into headings such as rules and checks, position, observation, reacting to hazards, anticipation, mirrors, signals, clearance and overtaking, progress, vehicle controls, speed, traffic controls, right of way, the reverse, the turnabout and parking.

Some points surprise learners. Missing a turn safely is not a fault. Asking for a direction to be repeated is not a fault. If the tester has to take control, verbally or physically, because of your driving, a fault may be recorded.

Using your result

1. Read the faults marked on your result sheet, whether you pass or fail.
2. Group them by heading to spot patterns, such as several observation faults at junctions.
3. Share them with your ADI and agree a practice plan.
4. Practise those situations with your sponsor before your next test or as a new driver.

Common mistakes

• Thinking a few small slips will fail you. Slips in the lowest band are not recorded and do not count towards failing.
• Ignoring repeated small habits. Four of the same Grade 2 fault in one aspect is a fail.
• Panicking after one mistake. Stay focused, because one Grade 2 fault does not fail you.
• Rolling through a stop sign. Disregarding a traffic control can be a Grade 3 fault.

Test yourself: How the driving test is marked

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Irish Driving Test Marking