Learners are most likely to fail driving tests at Birmingham's Garretts Green Centre, new figures have shown. The centre recorded the highest number of faults anywhere in Britain, suggesting either harsher examinations or generally poorer driving standards among test-takers there.
Faults Data Reveals Stark Differences
Data obtained by Evans Halshaw revealed that Garretts Green Centre accumulated a total of 209,523 faults between January 2024 and March 2025. This figure was significantly higher than the next centre on the list, which had just over 158,000 faults. Another Birmingham test centre, Kingstanding Centre, ranked third with 135,036 faults.
What Constitutes a Fail?
A candidate fails their driving test if they accumulate 16 or more minor faults, or commit just one serious or dangerous fault. The most common faults are linked to observation at junctions, such as pulling out when it was not safe or failing to spot a potential hazard. Other frequent faults include mirror checks and moving off safely.
Expert Advice for Learners
An Evans Halshaw spokesperson commented: “Many learners understandably focus on the basics of controlling the car during their driving test. However, our data analysis shows that passing your exam is just as much about awareness and decision-making.”
They added: “Junctions, for example, are one of the most demanding parts of everyday driving. They require you to read the road, anticipate other drivers, and make safe decisions in real time. It’s where even small lapses in concentration can quickly turn into serious faults, so you should put in plenty of practice around this area.”
Preparation Beyond Driving
The spokesperson also emphasised that the test begins before the engine starts: “Simple checks like eyesight requirements are there for a reason, and being unprepared can mean your test ends before it’s even properly begun.”
For anyone preparing for their test, building confidence in real-world scenarios – especially junctions, mirror checks, and reacting to traffic – can be the difference between passing or failing.
