(Image Suggestion: A split image. On one side, a learner driver looking confident and getting a thumbs-up from an examiner. On the other side, a learner looking dejected, with a red “FAIL” stamp graphic overlaid.)
Knowing the K53 procedures is one thing; executing them perfectly under test conditions is another. The driving test is failed for two reasons: accumulating too many penalty points for minor errors, or committing a serious error that results in an immediate failure. This chapter outlines the most common mistakes so you can be hyper-aware of them during your test.
Common Faults (Accumulating Penalty Points)
These are the small but frequent mistakes that can add up and cause you to exceed the maximum allowable penalty points.
- Insufficient Observation: This is the #1 reason people fail.
- Forgetting to check your mirrors every 5-8 seconds.
- Not performing the full mirror-blind spot check before turning, changing lanes, or moving off.
- Only glancing with your eyes instead of making a deliberate head movement for the blind spot check.
- Incorrect Use of Controls:
- Jerky Clutch Control: Not finding the biting point smoothly, causing the car to jerk.
- Harsh Braking/Acceleration: Not anticipating the need to slow down or speed up, leading to abrupt actions.
- Stalling: Repeatedly stalling the engine due to poor clutch or accelerator control.
- Coasting: Pushing the clutch pedal in too early and rolling up to a stop, or keeping the clutch depressed while turning.
- Incorrect Procedures for Manoeuvres:
- Not signalling at the correct time or at all.
- Incorrect steering: Turning the wheel too early or too late during a manoeuvre.
- Positioning errors: Not stopping in the correct starting position for a manoeuvre.
- General Driving Errors:
- Hesitation: Being overly hesitant at intersections or when merging, showing a lack of confidence.
- Poor lane discipline: Drifting within your lane or not keeping to the left.
- Incorrect gear selection: Using the wrong gear for the speed, causing the engine to labour or over-rev.
Immediate Failures
Committing any of the following errors will result in the immediate termination of your test. There are no second chances for these.
- Letting the Vehicle Roll: Uncontrolled movement is an instant fail. This includes:
- Rolling backward on an incline start (even a few centimetres).
- Rolling forward or backward during any of the yard manoeuvres.
- Hitting an Obstacle:
- Mounting the kerb at any point during the test.
- Touching any of the poles used for the yard test manoeuvres.
- Exceeding Allowed Attempts:
- Taking more than the permitted number of movements to complete a parking manoeuvre.
- Exceeding the time limit for the yard test portion.
- Violation of Traffic Laws:
- Disobeying a traffic sign or signal: This includes not stopping completely at a STOP sign, running a red light, or driving contrary to a command sign.
- Disobeying instructions from a traffic officer.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit at any time.
- Unsafe Lane Change: Changing lanes in a dangerous manner, forcing another vehicle to take evasive action.
- Dangerous or Uncontrolled Actions:
- Causing danger to other road users: Any action that forces another driver, cyclist, or pedestrian to swerve or brake sharply.
- Losing control of the vehicle.
- Performing a “Hollywood stop”: A rolling stop where the wheels do not cease turning completely at a stop sign.
- Failing to Follow Instructions:
- Not performing a requested manoeuvre.
- Not wearing your seatbelt, or allowing a passenger (the examiner) to not wear theirs.
The key to avoiding these errors is diligent practice with a qualified instructor who can spot and correct your mistakes before they become habits.