Warning learners face failing driving tests before they even start – don’t get caught out

Learners have been warned not to be caught off guard by these ten reasons that could result in failing their driving test before it’s even started.

Taking the driving test is already nerve-wracking enough without any additional stress.

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To help learners on their journey, car experts decided to do it Quotezone.co.uk We’ve shared with you some of the most unexpected ways you can fail the test before you even get behind the wheel.

According to recent figures, learner drivers lose thousands on failing tests because their car is out of date.

Statistics from the DVSA show that each year nearly 5,000 provisional drivers fail their test because their vehicle does not meet basic government requirements.

That’s why the car experts have revealed ten surprising ways to flunk an exam before it’s even started, to help those struggling to get their driver’s license.

Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “After paying for a test and waiting months to take it, it would be extremely disappointing to have failed before even getting in the car.

“Simple mistakes like forgetting to put the L-plate on before heading to the proving ground can result in drivers dropping out.

“Taxes, insurance and an MOT seem like obvious preparations for most drivers, but if you’re a learner driver and maybe nervous ahead of your big day, these things might not be on your radar.

“Each year, thousands of prospective drivers are frustrated because their vehicle is not fully prepared and does not meet the correct testing standards.”

1. No “L” signs

If you forget to attach L-plates to the vehicle you are taking the test with, the vehicle is automatically unsuitable for the test.

Experts wanted: “L plates, D plates in Wales, must be fitted to the front and rear of the car.”

2. Smoking before the test

This might come as a bit of a surprise, but smoking right before the test can cause you to fail immediately.

Any vehicle used for the test must be non-smoking, so a cheeky cigarette would render the car unsuitable.

This also applies to vapes and e-cigarettes.

The experts explained: “The official GOV website states that the car must be smoke-free, which means that drivers who are taking their test are not allowed to smoke before or during it.”

“This means that there are basically no cigarettes.

“In addition, students are not permitted to smoke or vape in the vehicle during class.”

3. Not taxed

As Greg mentioned, this seems like an obvious point, but it’s something that might slip your mind if you’re nervous.

Every vehicle that enters the road must be taxed beforehand.

If you don’t, not only will you fail the test, you could also face a hefty fine.

The experts explained: “All vehicles must be taxed – if the car is not taxed the driver will fail his test and could be fined up to £1,000 or five times the amount of tax owed.”

“To check if your vehicle is taxable, go to the government website and enter the license plate number.”

4. No MOT

For safety reasons, all engines must have a valid TÜV certificate, which ensures the vehicle’s roadworthiness.

And experts wanted this to continue to be the case when taking a driver’s license test.

They added: “All vehicles must have passed their MOT to ensure they are roadworthy and safe.”

“To check the status of a MOT inspection and how it’s progressing, you can enter the vehicle’s license plate number on the GOV website.”

5. No insurance

In addition to an MOT and full taxation, all learners must be insured to be able to hit the road.

Anyone using a qualified instructor’s car usually has to pay a fee based on the cost of using the car during the exam.

However, if you are using another car owned by someone else, such as a family member or friend, you must arrange this yourself.

Experts said: “For a car to be legal on the road, drivers must have insurance.”

“This is to protect you in the event of an accident or if something or someone is injured or damaged.

“It also protects the passengers in the car and the public.”

“If you take the exam in the instructor’s car, the cost of insurance is usually included in the fee for using the car.

“However, if you are using your car or a family member or friend is using you must have valid learner or transition insurance.

“Note that if you pass your test, you must notify your insurer immediately and update your insurance or your insurance will be void.”

6. tire damage

If a tire is punctured and exceeds the legally required tread depth, you risk automatically failing the test.

This is because the vehicle is unsuitable for the test, experts claimed.

They said: “To meet the requirements of the practical driving test, all tires must have the legal tread depth, at least 1.6mm across the center ¾ of the width of all four tyres, and there must be no signs of damage.”

“Tyre depth gauges can be purchased online or at most auto repair shops.

“Also, be sure to check the tire pressures as this is what keeps the car steady and steady while driving.”

7. speed

Using a vehicle that does not go faster than 100 km/h will also result in you failing an exam.

Experts urge everyone to check the speedometer before driving a car.

They added: “It is important to check the speedometer before the test – the car must be able to reach at least 100 km/h.”

“The speedometer must also be in miles per hour.”

8th. No seat belt or headrest for the passenger

Any car without a passenger seat belt for the examiner or without a suitable head restraint will not meet the required specifications.

This means it will become unfit and you will fail your exam right away.

Experts warned: “It is important for the examiner taking the test to have a seat belt and a headrest for the passenger.”

“Without those requirements, it would not be legal or safe for her to be in the car with you.”

9. No mirror for the examiner

Every car used for a driving test must have an additional rear-view mirror for the examiner.

This allows them to see the road clearly when examining you.

If you don’t have a test, you risk failing the test before it starts.

The experts said: “For the driving examiner during the test, an additional interior rear-view mirror must be fitted, which can be purchased online.”

10th wwarning lights on the screen

Any car used for a test must not have any warning lights on the dashboard.

Any problems with the engine would result in the test being abandoned.

Experts explained: “There must be no warning lights on the car used for a test.”

“For example, if an airbag warning is displayed, the test will be aborted and drivers could lose their fee.”

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