Driving Lessons Guisborough – Part 10
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Here’s our final article in the series – Driving Lessons Guisborough – Part 10. In this blog we have a look at the most common cause of driving test fails around Guisborough. Recently the DVLA produced a list of the top ten reasons people fail a driving test and we’re here to help explain things. We’ve found that focussing in on the most common problems on test has helped improve our student’s pass rates. Hopefully reading all ten of our articles will give you a bit of a head start on test day.
If you’re interested in knowing a little more about what you can expect on the driving test, have a read of our –
Passing Your Driving Test – The Essential Guide
So what’s the number one reason for failing the driving test around Middlesbrough?
1. Observations Junctions
It’s not surprising junctions observations have come in as number one on the top ten reasons for failing a driving test. When studying crash investigations it has been estimated that poor observations at junctions are the biggest cause of accidents. With a figure as high as 37%, we can now see why it’s taken so seriously on test.
There are so many different aspects that come into play when marking this fault so let’s take a look.
So what are the main five observations junctions faults?
Well before we list the main five areas of concern let’s take a quick look at the route causes. Generally, all five faults for observations at junctions are a result of either or a combination of the following –
- Observations too late
- lots of things going on just before the observation is taken
Be Pro-active
Looking as far ahead as possible when your driving is probably something you will be used to by test day. Spotting a junction early on will give you the time to make sure you have everything ready for when you get there. If you identify the junction early you have a better chance of getting your approach speed right. Think about this –
- Is the junction open or closed? How much vision do I have when I take my observations. Less vision, less speed
- What mirrors, signal, position speed, and gear do I need? Remember leaving this late could cause a mad rush at the end. You want everything ready early, allowing plenty of time for effective observations.
5 Main Faults For Observations Junctions 
Here are the five main things that go wrong and cause observation faults.
1. Not seeing the junctions
Identifying a junction early is the first thing you need to do. If you miss the junction there’s no way you’ll be ready when required to take your observations. This often happens on mini-roundabouts, students miss it and go cruising across without looking. Get used to identifying the clues early on and be ready when you arrive.
2. Looking but not seeing
This is a little bit like the mirror fault in the previous article. Pointing your head where you think the examiner wants you to look isn’t enough to keep you safe. Think about what you can see, how far away it is, and how fast is it approaching. Don’t forget to look out for those hard to see motorbikes, especially at T-Junctions. Are there any pedestrians and cyclists close by? What are they up to?
3. Looking in the wrong place
This quite often happens at the beginning of lessons at roundabouts. Try to remember where the dangers are coming from. A right turn will usually have more danger as you cross one lane and emerge over into the opposite side of the road.
4. Looking at the wrong time
Looking as early as possible is the best way to work out what’s going on. As soon as you spot the junction try to work out how busy it is before you get there. Keep re-checking throughout your approach, enter, and exit of the junction. Remember, things can change in a blink of an eye.
5. Judgment
Finally judgment. Even if you’re a master of all the above there’s still judgment to consider. Judging when to go hopefully by test day has become a little more natural to you. With this said the pressure of a driving test can still throw a spanner in the works on the day. Take your time and remember you can do it. If your not sure holdback. It’s probably safer to miss the odd gap than to dangerously dive out in front of someone. When judging when to go, try not to cause anyone to –
Slow down, swerve, swear, or smash into you.
Driving Lessons Guisborough – Part 10
With junctions being the number one cause of test fails you need to get plenty of practice in. Most of your driving lessons will cover junctions as you drive to various training areas. Be guided by your instructor and feel free to ask questions.
Watch how friends and family deal with junctions as a passenger.
If you have any questions around junctions please add a comment in the box below.
Catch up on our other top 10 reasons for failing a driving test here!
