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How to Read Your Driving Test Feedback (DL25 Form)

The DL25 fault sheet tells you exactly what failed you. Here's how to read and use it.

4 min read

After your test, whether you pass or fail, the examiner completes a DL25 feedback form with every fault marked. If you pass, it's useful confirmation. If you fail, it's the most important document in your driving education.

The Full Guide

The form is divided into assessment categories: eyesight, vehicle safety, controlled stop, reverse manoeuvre, independent driving, and the main drive sections covering: use of controls, move off, emergency stop, reverse exercise, use of mirrors, signalling, clearance, junctions, judgement, positioning, speed, progress, and pedestrian crossings. Each category has a column for driving faults (D), serious (S), and dangerous (X).

Common Faults

  • Blaming external factors instead of reviewing your own fault pattern
  • Not discussing the DL25 with your instructor before booking a retake
  • Ignoring repeated driving faults (3+ in one category) as "just bad luck"

What the Examiner Looks For

  • Safe, consistent driving throughout the test
  • Appropriate observations at junctions and during manoeuvres
  • Correct speed and progress for the road conditions

Quick Tips

  • 1Keep your DL25 — it's useful reference even after you pass
  • 2A single serious fault on an otherwise clean sheet means you were very close to passing
  • 3Discuss every fault with your instructor before the retake lesson
  • 4Patterns of minors are more concerning than isolated serious faults

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