Driving Test Report Explained

The practical driving test is designed to assess whether you can drive safely and independently in different road and traffic conditions. During the test, the examiner records any faults they observe.

This guide explains the main areas assessed during the car driving test and what the different types of driving test faults mean. Examiners assess each situation individually and use their judgement when deciding how a fault should be recorded.

If you have not started learning to drive yet, you will first need to apply for your provisional driving licence.

How Is the Driving Test Marked?

During your test, the examiner assesses your driving across a range of situations. Any mistakes are recorded according to their seriousness.

• Driving fault: a mistake that is not considered potentially dangerous.
• Serious fault: a mistake that could potentially be dangerous.
• Dangerous fault: a mistake that causes actual danger to you, the examiner, another road user or property.

You can still pass your driving test with up to 15 driving faults. However, receiving a serious or dangerous fault will result in an unsuccessful test.

You can read the official guidance about driving test faults and results on GOV.UK.

Eyesight Test

At the beginning of your driving test, you will be asked to read a number plate from the required distance. For a vehicle with a number plate made after 1 September 2001, this is 20 metres.

You must pass the eyesight check before you can continue with the practical driving test.

Show Me, Tell Me Questions

You will be asked two vehicle safety questions during your test. The examiner will ask you one “tell me” question before you start driving and one “show me” question while you are driving.

Answering one or both questions incorrectly normally results in one driving fault. However, if you lose control of the vehicle while carrying out the “show me” task, the examiner may record a more serious fault.

Control

The examiner will assess how well you control the vehicle. In a manual car, this includes your use of the accelerator, clutch, gears, footbrake, parking brake and steering.

Typical problems can include repeatedly stalling, selecting an inappropriate gear, harsh braking, poor clutch control or steering inaccurately.

Moving Off Safely

Before moving away, you need to make effective observations and check that it is safe. This includes checking your mirrors and the appropriate blind spot before moving into the road.

The examiner will also assess your control of the vehicle as you move away, including whether you stall, roll backwards or cause another road user to alter their speed or direction.

Use of Mirrors

Effective use of mirrors is an important part of safe driving. You should use the appropriate mirrors before changing speed or direction and before signalling when necessary.

It is not enough simply to look in the mirrors. You should act appropriately on what you see.

Signals

Signals should be given when they will help other road users understand what you intend to do. They need to be correct and properly timed so they do not confuse or mislead other people.

Clearance and Obstructions

When passing parked vehicles, cyclists or other obstructions, you should leave an appropriate amount of space. The examiner will consider your speed, road width, oncoming traffic and the type of road user you are passing.

Response to Signs and Signals

You need to recognise and respond correctly to road signs, road markings, traffic lights and instructions from authorised traffic controllers.

Examples include observing stop and give-way lines, responding correctly to traffic lights, following directional signs and recognising temporary traffic controls.

Use of Speed

You must keep within the speed limit, but safe use of speed involves more than simply staying below the maximum limit. Your speed should also be appropriate for the road, traffic, weather and visibility conditions.

Following Distance

You should maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Following too closely reduces the time available to react if the vehicle in front slows down or stops suddenly.

Progress and Undue Hesitation

Safe driving does not mean driving unnecessarily slowly. The examiner expects you to make reasonable progress when road and traffic conditions allow.

You should also be able to recognise safe opportunities to move at junctions and roundabouts. Repeatedly missing safe gaps can be recorded as undue hesitation.

Junctions

Junctions are a major part of the practical driving test. The examiner will assess your approach speed, observations, positioning and ability to emerge or turn safely.

This also applies to roundabouts, where you need to choose an appropriate lane, observe effectively and respond correctly to other traffic. If you are preparing for a test in South Manchester, our Sharston Roundabout guide explains one of the more challenging roundabouts used when preparing for the West Didsbury test area.

Judgement

Your judgement may be assessed when overtaking, meeting oncoming vehicles or crossing the path of other traffic.

You need to judge available space, the speed of other vehicles and whether your actions could cause another road user to slow down, stop or change direction unnecessarily.

Positioning and Lane Discipline

For normal driving, you should generally keep to the left unless road signs, markings or the road layout require you to do otherwise.

Lane discipline includes selecting the correct lane and maintaining an appropriate position within it. Straddling lanes or changing lanes without proper observation can lead to faults.

Pedestrian Crossings

You should identify pedestrian crossings early, approach them at an appropriate speed and respond safely to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross where the rules require you to give way.

Awareness and Planning

Good drivers look well ahead and anticipate what other road users might do. This gives you more time to react safely rather than waiting until a developing situation becomes an emergency.

This includes anticipating pedestrians, cyclists, parked vehicles, vehicles emerging from junctions and changes in traffic conditions.

Ancillary Controls

You should be familiar with controls such as the windscreen wipers, demisters, lights and indicators. You need to be able to operate the necessary controls without losing proper control of the vehicle.

Eco-Safe Driving

The examiner may assess whether you drive in an economical and environmentally responsible way. This includes planning ahead, avoiding unnecessary acceleration and braking and using an appropriate gear.

Reversing Manoeuvres on the Driving Test

The old driving test included manoeuvres such as reversing around a corner and turning in the road. These are not part of the current car driving test.

You will normally be asked to complete one reversing exercise. This could involve parallel parking, parking in a bay, or pulling up on the right-hand side of the road, reversing for approximately two car lengths and then safely rejoining the traffic.

What Does ETA Mean on a Driving Test Report?

ETA stands for Examiner Took Action. This can refer to situations where the examiner had to intervene verbally or physically because of a developing situation.

For example, the examiner may need to warn you about a hazard or take physical action to prevent an incident. The circumstances determine how the incident is assessed.

How Many Driving Faults Can You Get and Still Pass?

You can pass the practical driving test with 15 or fewer driving faults, provided you do not receive a serious or dangerous fault.

Repeated faults in the same area can also become significant because they may show that you have not demonstrated the required standard consistently. You can learn more in our guide to how many points you can have on your driving licence.

What Happens After Your Driving Test?

At the end of the test, the examiner will tell you whether you have passed or not. Your driving test result provides details of any faults recorded during the test.

If you do not pass, use the result as a training tool. Rather than simply booking another test immediately, work with your driving instructor on the areas identified by the examiner.

Prepare Properly for Your Driving Test

The best time to take your driving test is when you can consistently drive safely and independently without relying on your instructor for help.

Extra private practice can also help you gain experience in different road and traffic conditions. Read our guide to practising driving in Manchester for advice on getting the most from private practice.

Driving Test Preparation with Nolan School of Motoring

Understanding your driving test report is useful, but the aim should be to reach a standard where you can drive safely and independently in everyday situations — not simply learn how to pass a test.

Nolan School of Motoring provides professional manual driving lessons across Stockport and South Manchester, helping learners develop the skills, judgement and confidence needed for independent driving.

---

Ready to Prepare for Your Driving Test?

Build your confidence, improve your independent driving and prepare properly for your practical driving test with Nolan School of Motoring.