The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued a timely warning to learner drivers across the UK about a little-known regulation that could result in an automatic test failure. With many learners aiming to pass before Christmas, the agency has clarified the rules surrounding driving faults.
The Two-Part Theory Test Hurdle
Before learners can even book their practical driving test, they must first pass the theory section. The DVSA reminds candidates that this is split into two distinct parts. You must answer at least 43 out of 50 multiple-choice questions correctly to pass the first section. The second part is the hazard perception test, where a score of 44 or more out of 75 is required to succeed.
Understanding Faults: Majors vs. Minors
During the practical test, examiners categorise errors into three distinct types, which every learner must understand.
- A Dangerous Fault: This involves actual danger to the driver, examiner, public, or property.
- A Serious Fault: Something that is potentially dangerous.
- A Driving Fault: Often called a 'minor', this is not potentially dangerous on its own. However, if the same fault is repeated, it can be escalated to a serious fault.
The fundamental rule for passing remains: you will pass if you make no more than 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.
The Critical '16th Fault' Rule Explained
This is where the DVSA's specific warning comes into play. Many learners may be unaware of the examiner's guidance regarding the 16th fault. The agency states that for each fault recorded, the examiner must ask a key question: "If this was the 16th fault, could you justify it resulting in the candidate failing their test?"
The purpose of this rule is to help the examiner decide whether a fault is significant enough to be recorded as a driving fault at all, or whether it is so insignificant it should not be counted. It ensures consistency and that every minor fault recorded is genuinely worthy of being marked against the candidate's total.
This guidance, detailed in the official driving test report manual, underscores that assessment is both a knowledge-based and practical skill. While the aim is always to keep faults to an absolute minimum, understanding this nuanced rule can help learners comprehend what examiners are looking for during the high-pressure test situation.
The reminder, issued on 17 December 2025, serves as crucial advice for the many learner drivers hoping to gain their licence over the festive period and into the new year.
