🚫 Reasons Learners Fail the Driving Test

Common mistakes, misconceptions, and how to avoid them.

1️⃣ Why do so many learners fail their driving test?

Most learners fail due to nerves combined with inadequate preparation. Common causes include:

Not understanding how the test works
Poor observation (mirrors, blind spots, scanning)
Not following key road rules
Weak vehicle control or manoeuvres
Anxiety causing hesitation or rushed decisions

👉 At EZ Drive Australia, we reduce these risks through clear test education, structured practice, and confidence-building.

2️⃣ What does “not knowing the test criteria” mean?

Many learners don’t fully understand:

How long the test runs
The test stages & required manoeuvres
What examiners assess and score

This leads to surprises and panic on test day.

✅ We clearly explain VicRoads test structure, scoring, expectations, and common test routes.

3️⃣ Can I fail for not knowing basic car controls?

Yes. You may lose marks or fail if you can’t correctly use:

Headlights & Indicators
Wipers & Demisters
Hazard lights

✅ Our instructors practise car-control questions exactly as examiners ask them.

4️⃣ How important are give-way rules?

Extremely important. Failing to give way is a common instant fail, especially at:

Intersections
Roundabouts
Turns into traffic & Merging lanes

✅ We focus heavily on give-way rules, gap selection, and safe judgement.

5️⃣ Can I fail for missing head (shoulder) checks?

Yes — and it’s very common. Head checks are mandatory before:

Lane changes & Merging
Pulling out from the kerb
Turning near cyclists

✅ We train automatic habits: Mirror → Signal → Head Check → Move.

6️⃣ Do I really need to check mirrors that often?

Yes. Examiners expect frequent mirror checks when:

Braking
Turning
Changing lanes
Slowing suddenly

✅ We teach natural mirror discipline, not forced movements.

7️⃣ Can poor car control cause failure?

Yes. This includes:

Weaving in the lane
Harsh braking & Jerky steering
Repeated stalling (manual)

✅ Our lessons build smooth steering, speed control, and predictable driving.

8️⃣ What if I stop over the stop or give-way line?

This may count as a serious error, especially if you:

Roll past the line
Block pedestrians
Enter traffic unsafely

✅ We train precise stopping positions at real test-style intersections.

9️⃣ Is rolling through a STOP sign an instant fail?

Yes. You must:

Come to a complete stop
Look both ways
Move only when safe

✅ We reinforce full legal stops until they’re automatic.

🔟 Is driving too slowly a problem?

Yes. Driving well below the limit without reason can:

Obstruct traffic
Create hazards
Result in failure

✅ We teach appropriate speed selection — safe, legal, and confident.

1️⃣1️⃣ Can I fail for not knowing road rules and signs?

Yes. Poor knowledge of Speed changes, Give-way rules, Roundabouts, and Lane markings shows you’re not ready to drive solo.

✅ Our lessons include mini theory checks and road-rule coaching.

1️⃣2️⃣ Will hitting the kerb fail me?

Often yes — especially during:

Parking
Three-point turns
Tight turns

✅ We practise precision manoeuvres until you’re confident anywhere.

1️⃣3️⃣ Is running a red light an automatic fail?

Yes. This includes:

Entering on red
Ignoring arrows
Risky late amber decisions

✅ We teach early planning and safe light management.

1️⃣4️⃣ Can I fail just on manoeuvres?

Yes. Many learners fail on Reverse parallel parking or Three-point turns due to poor checks, kerb contact, or blocking traffic.

✅ We break manoeuvres into simple, repeatable steps.

1️⃣5️⃣ Can slight speeding cause failure?

Yes. Even 1–2 km/h over for more than a moment can fail you — especially in School zones, 40 km/h areas, and residential streets.

✅ We teach smooth speed control and rapid sign recognition.

1️⃣6️⃣ How do lane-change mistakes cause failure?

Common errors include:

Missing head checks
Crossing solid lines
Changing too late

✅ We teach a step-by-step lane-change routine.

1️⃣7️⃣ How much do nerves affect the test?

A lot. Nerves cause Hesitation, Forgetting checks, Over-braking, and Poor decisions.

✅ We offer mock tests, calm coaching, breathing tips, and test-day warm-ups.

1️⃣8️⃣ Can I fail without a major mistake?

Yes — by accumulating too many minor errors or showing weak judgement/observation overall.

✅ We fix small repeated mistakes before test day, not after.

1️⃣9️⃣ What are the most common mistakes overall?

Speeding & Rolling stop signs
Failing to give way & Poor positioning
Weak observation & Unsafe merging
Turning up in an unroadworthy car

✅ Training in our dual-control, well-maintained vehicles reduces these risks.

2️⃣0️⃣ How does EZ Drive Australia help you pass?

We don’t just hope you pass — we prepare you to pass.

✅ Education on test criteria
✅ Practice on VicRoads routes
✅ Fixing habits early
✅ Mock tests & warm-ups
✅ Safety mindset for life