Driving test faults explained: How to beat undue hesitation and fix control issues 

Driving test faults can feel incredibly frustrating to look at on your results email, especially when you feel you were so close to a clean pass. If you have just opened your DVSA practical test summary and found a list of marks, please do not be discouraged. Experiencing driving test faults is completely normal, and understanding exactly what each item means is the most reliable way to make sure your next attempt is a complete success. Let's break down your specific feedback row-by-row using official guidelines, so you know exactly how to improve before you book your next driving test slot. 

The Official Breakdown: Progress – Undue Hesitation 

The single most noticeable item on this list is Progress – Undue hesitation, which has a count of 3. In the UK practical driving test, getting three minor marks for the exact same fault shows a recurring habit that the examiner noticed. According to the official DVSA guidelines, an undue hesitation driving fault happens when you pull up or stop at a junction, roundabout, or pedestrian crossing, and you remain stationary even when there is a perfectly safe, clear gap to proceed.

Examiners mark this because waiting too long causes frustration to vehicles behind you and can disrupt the natural flow of traffic. To pass, you need to know how to overcome undue hesitation. In our lessons, I will teach you to scan the road ahead much earlier. Instead of stopping completely and then starting your observation sequence from scratch, we will practice rolling up to junctions at a controlled, slow speed in first gear (or letting your automatic car crawl safely), keeping your eyes moving. If the road is clear, you go. Remember: if it is safe to proceed, holding back unnecessarily is actually treated as a hazard!

Safety and Vehicle Control Mistakes Explained 

Let's look at the remaining items on your list, which all scored 1 mark each. These show minor blips in control and routine that are very easy to fix with targeted practice:

• Move off – Safety (1): This means that when you pulled away from the kerb, your blind-spot check or mirror check was either missed or timed poorly. You must always ensure that your final look is over your right shoulder into the blind spot immediately before moving the car.

• Control – Steering (1): This usually points to either letting the steering wheel spin back through your hands after a turn, cutting a corner slightly, or mounting/striking the kerb while turning at a low speed.

• Control – Footbrake (1): This minor driving fault indicates harsh or abrupt braking. You want to practice progressive braking—gentle pressure initially, firmer pressure in the middle, and relaxing the brake pedal slightly just before the car comes to a complete halt to avoid a jerky stop.

• Use of mirrors – Change speed (1): Before you press the accelerator to speed up, or before you brake to slow down, you must check your interior and relevant exterior mirrors. This fault means you changed your speed before confirming it was completely safe behind you.

• Reverse park (car park) – Control (1): During your bay parking maneuver, you likely experienced a momentary loss of speed control (excessive gas or brake inputs in an automatic), or you needed multiple aggressive adjustments to get straight within the white lines.

Automatic Refresher Lessons for Nervous Full Licence Holders 

Are you someone who already has a full UK driving licence but avoids driving because you feel incredibly nervous, anxious, or completely lacking confidence out on the open road? You are absolutely not alone. Many full driving licence holders find themselves struggling to keep a good lane position, feeling terrified of oncoming traffic on narrow roads, or refusing to drive on dual carriageways altogether.

If this sounds like you, I specialize in tailored refresher driving lessons designed to completely remove the fear of driving. If you are searching for high-quality refresher driving lessons automatic near me around Berkshire, I provide calm, supportive in-car coaching across Maidenhead, Cookham, Taplow, and Holyport. We will work entirely at your own pace—no pressure, no judgment—until you feel completely safe and confident handling your automatic car anywhere.

About Me: Patient & Encouraging Automatic Tuition 

If you read my real, verifiable Google reviews, you will see exactly what my pupils say about me. They consistently mention that I am incredibly patient, highly encouraging, and excellent at making them feel at complete ease behind the wheel. My teaching style is naturally calm and supportive, specifically structured to build confidence from the ground up for both learner drivers and full licence holders.

When preparing for your test, you might be asking yourself how many hours of automatic lessons do I need or researching the minimum driving lesson hours uk averages require. While the DVSA notes most learners need roughly 45 hours of professional training combined with private practice, I focus on your individual skills. We don't waste time—we target your exact faults (like the ones showing on this result sheet) to get you safe, self-assured, and test-ready as efficiently as possible.

Important Disclaimer

Important Notice & Disclaimer: The information contained within this document is for general instructional and informational purposes only. Road layouts, regulations, and DVSA practical test criteria are subject to change. Please verify all information and guidelines directly against official UK government sources (such as GOV.UK) before your practical driving test.