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Driving Test Minor Faults: What Gets Marked and How Many You Can Have

You can pass with up to 15 minor faults. Understanding what gets marked as a minor — and how minors can escalate — keeps you informed and prepared.

5 min read

Minor faults (officially called "driving faults") are small mistakes that don't immediately endanger anyone. You can have up to 15 and still pass. But a single serious or dangerous fault fails you instantly, regardless of how many minors you have.

The Full Guide

A minor fault is a driving error that isn't dangerous but shows imperfect control or observation. Examples: a brief delay on a gear change, a slightly wide position on a bend, checking mirrors a fraction late, one brief moment of coasting. The examiner uses their judgement — context matters. The same action might be minor in a quiet car park and serious at a busy junction.

Common Faults

  • Accumulating the same minor repeatedly (escalates to serious)
  • Panicking after a minor and then making further mistakes
  • Not knowing the difference between minor and serious

What the Examiner Looks For

  • Consistency across the drive
  • Recovery from mistakes without compounding them
  • Overall safety — minor count is a secondary concern

Quick Tips

  • 115 minors still passes — don't write yourself off mid-test
  • 2If you've made a mistake, continue driving safely — the test isn't over
  • 3Ask your instructor to debrief you after mock tests on what would have been marked

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