7 Common Mistakes Learners Make During Their Driving Test (and How to Avoid Them)

Are you feeling nervous about your upcoming driving test?
You’re not alone. Most learner drivers feel a mix of excitement and anxiety when test day approaches.

The good news? You can approach your test with greater confidence and preparation if you are aware of the most frequent errors in advance and how to avoid them.

Let’s go through the top mistakes learners often make during their driving test and simple ways you can avoid them.

Why Driving Test Mistakes Matter

Did you know?
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), simple errors like failing to check blind spots or stopping incorrectly at stop signs are among the leading reasons people fail their driving test.

Understanding what examiners are watching for can mean the difference between passing and having to retake the test.

7 Common Driving Test Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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1. Not Checking Blind Spots

Failing to check your blind spot is one of the most common — and most serious — mistakes.

Why it matters:
Examiners see this as a safety risk because missing a blind spot check could cause an accident.

How to avoid it:

• Always shoulder check when changing lanes, merging, or pulling out.
  
• Turn your head briefly, even if you think no one is there.
  
• Make shoulder checks a habit during all your practice drives.
  

2. Rolling Stops at Stop Signs

Many learners slow down but don’t come to a full, complete stop.
This is called a rolling stop and is an automatic fail at most DriveTest Centres.

How to avoid it:

• Stop fully behind the line, curb, or crosswalk.
  
• Count to three before moving if you’re unsure.
  
• Look left, right, then left again before proceeding.
  

3. Poor Lane Changes

Changing lanes without enough space, without signaling, or without checking mirrors can cause immediate failure.

How to avoid it:

• Signal early.
  
• Check your mirrors and shoulder check before moving.
  
• Change lanes smoothly without cutting anyone off.
  
• Always cancel your signal after you switch lanes.
  

4. Speeding or Driving Too Slowly

Both speeding and going too slow can cause you to fail.
Examiners want to see that you can keep up with traffic while obeying the posted speed limits.

How to avoid it:

• Stay within 5 km/h of the posted limit.
  
• Adjust your speed for school zones, construction zones, and weather conditions.
  
• Check your speedometer regularly during the test.
  

5. Lack of Observation at Intersections

Many learners fail to scan intersections properly.
This includes missing pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles with the right-of-way.

How to avoid it:

• As you approach an intersection, look left, center, right, then left again.
  
• Watch for crossing pedestrians and cyclists.
  
• Yield to vehicles if they have the right-of-way.
  

6. Poor Steering Control

Jerky steering, wide turns, or failing to stay in your lane are mistakes that show you lack control of the vehicle.

How to avoid it:

• Practice smooth steering during regular drives.
  
• Keep both hands on the wheel at all times.
  
• Turn the wheel slowly and steadily, not too fast or too sharp.
  

7. Nervousness Leading to Simple Mistakes

Sometimes, nerves cause learners to forget simple steps like signaling or adjusting mirrors.

How to avoid it:

• Get lots of practice with a qualified instructor or a trusted licensed driver.
  
• Practice driving in different conditions — busy streets, highways, intersections.
  
• Take deep breaths before and during your test to stay calm.
  

Tip:
If you feel nervous about highway driving in particular, check out Defensive Driving in Ontario: Skills Every New Driver Should Master.

Common Mistakes Table

Mistake	Why It’s Bad	How to Avoid It
Not checking blind spots	Miss potential hazards	Shoulder check every time you change direction
Rolling stops	Unsafe and illegal	Fully stop and count to three
Poor lane changes	Dangerous to other drivers	Signal, mirror check, shoulder check
Speeding or driving too slowly	Unsafe flow of traffic	Stay close to speed limits
Lack of observation	Miss hazards like pedestrians	Scan intersections properly
Poor steering control	Shows lack of driving ability	Practice smooth, steady steering
Nervousness	Causes avoidable mistakes	Practice often and stay calm

How Many Mistakes Are Allowed on the Driving Test?

It depends on the mistake.

• Minor mistakes (like forgetting to cancel your signal) may not cause a fail if your driving is otherwise safe.
  
• Critical errors (like speeding, not yielding, unsafe lane changes) will usually mean immediate failure.
  

If you want to feel fully prepared, working with a professional driving school can make a big difference. Find out more at GrayJays Driving School Contact Page.

What Examiners Are NOT Looking For

Many learners believe myths about driving tests.
Here’s what examiners don’t expect:

• Perfect driving (everyone makes small errors)
  
• Fancy steering techniques (basic hand-over-hand is fine)
  
• Flawless parking (safe and controlled is enough, even if not perfectly centered)
  

Examiners mainly want to see that you’re a safe, confident, and responsible driver.

FAQs About Driving Test Mistakes

Q1: What happens if I make a mistake during my driving test?
Small mistakes may not automatically cause you to fail, but critical mistakes will.

Q2: Can I ask the examiner questions during the test?
Yes, you can ask them to repeat instructions if you didn’t hear clearly.

Q3: Will the examiner trick me?
No. They give clear instructions and want you to succeed.

Q4: Is it okay to correct myself if I realize I made a small mistake?
Yes, correcting small errors calmly shows good judgment.

Conclusion: Know the Mistakes, Avoid the Pitfalls

Passing your driving test isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being safe and smart.
By knowing the most common mistakes and practicing how to avoid them, you’ll put yourself in the best position to succeed.

When you’re ready to sharpen your skills, learn advanced techniques, and build the confidence you need to pass your test on the first try, reach out to GrayJays Driving School.

And don’t just take our word for it — see what other new drivers have said in our Google Reviews.