How Many Errors are Allowed on a Driving Test?

Man happy at passing his driving test

The government regularly publishes statistics on the pass/fail rate of driving tests – between January and March 2022, the pass rate was 47.1%. That means less than half of drivers are passing their test, either because of minor or major faults. Given the expense of learning to drive, it’s worth trying to nail it first time – but doing so means knowing how many errors are allowed on a driving test.

How many errors are allowed on a driving test?

If you get fifteen or more minor faults, you’ll be failed by your invigilator. That said, if you repeat the same minor fault, you’ll also be failed, even if you haven’t hit the full fifteen minors. This is because you’re indicating to your invigilator that you haven’t mastered the requisite skill and aren’t recognising your error.

What are the serious faults?

If you make a serious or dangerous fault, regardless of whether you’ve made any minors, you’ll fail your driving test.

A serious or dangerous fault constitutes any error that endangers yourself and other road users. In other words, this means a mistake that might have resulted in a significant accident. You won’t know whether or not you performed a serious fault until the test is over.

What are the most common errors on a driving test?

Not checking mirrors

Checking your mirrors is wise before performing most actions in a vehicle. If you change lanes without checking your mirrors, that would likely constitute a serious fault. But moving off without doing so, or not judging a junction accordingly, is also a minor, unless it’s a more serious incident.

Make it obvious to the examiner that you’re using your mirrors by turning your head slightly when you do so.

Hesitation and lack of decision at junctions

Negotiating junctions can be stressful for learner drivers. You need to ensure that you’re driving safely and aren’t being reckless with your decisions. Any dangerous move at a junction will constitute a major fault and immediate fail.

However, you also need to avoid hesitating excessively. If you miss an opportunity to safely pull out once, you won’t be penalised for this. However, if you miss multiple chances to safely pull out and are subsequently holding up the traffic behind you, then you’ll get a minor.

Mounting the kerb and ignoring traffic lights

If you touch the kerb when performing a manoeuvre, this is only a minor fault. But mounting the kerb, or crashing into it, will be a major fault and result in immediate failure.

You need to avoid driving through a red light at all costs, as this is illegal. Always heed the lights but also ensure you move away safely – and remember to never stop in any designated cycle box, even if there’s no cyclist there.

Nail your driving test – and your car finance

If you’re a new driver wondering about your car finance eligibility, My Car Credit can help. To find out how we can support your car finance needs, send us an email at enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

Can You Use Your Own Car for a Driving Test?

Woman using her own car on driving test

If you’re learning to drive, you might feel more comfortable taking your driving test in a car you feel familiar with. Whilst many drivers choose to use the instructor’s vehicle, you might be wondering, ‘can you use your own car for a driving test?’ In this article, My Car Credit will answer this question – and explain all the requirements and exceptions involved.

Can I use my own car for a driving test?

In most cases, there will be no issues with using your own car, but there are some requirements it will need to meet. To qualify, your car must:

  • Be taxed
  • Be roadworthy – and have an up-to-date MOT if it’s over 3 years old
  • Be insured for a driving test
  • Have no warning lights showing on your dashboard
  • Have tyres with no damage and the legal tread depth on all four tyres (This means you cannot have space-saver spare tyres)
  • Have 4 wheels and a maximum authorised mass of 3,500 kg or below
  • Have an mph speedometer
  • Be able to reach 62mph
  • Be smoke-free – so you shouldn’t smoke in the car just before or during the test

Required fittings

To use your own car for a driving test, you will need to add several fittings to the vehicle. These include:

  • An additional rear-view mirror for the examiner to use
  • L-plates displayed clearly on the front and back of the car
  • A passenger seatbelt and head restraint (not a slip-on type)

You can utilise a camera or dash cam for insurance purposes. However, these must face the outside and not film or record audio from inside the car.

Exceptions for using your own car

If you’re wondering ‘can you use your own car for a driving test?’ – the answer is usually ‘yes’. However, there are certain cars that you can’t take your test in, as these models will prevent your instructor from having all-round vision.

These vehicles include:

  • BMW Mini convertible
  • Ford KA convertible
  • Toyota iQ
  • VW Beetle convertible

There are other vehicles that may not be suitable, so you should always check with the DVSA first.

If your car model has been part of a recall, you will need to prove it is safe for use in the test. You can do this by providing evidence from the manufacturer or dealer that shows:

  • The car recall work was completed successfully
  • After a recall, it was found that no work was required
  • The specific car you’re using for the test was not recalled

Coronavirus safety measures

To prevent further spread of the coronavirus, you’ll need to clean the inside of your car before the test. This will include removing rubbish, along with cleaning and wiping down internal surfaces and seating. The examiner may also need to perform some additional cleaning.

At least one window should be open on either side of the car during the test.

Ready to get driving?

If you’re excited to get started with your first car, there are many things to consider, including how you’ll take your driving lessons and test.

Another factor to be aware of is your credit, which will have a big impact on whether your finance application is accepted and how much interest you’ll pay. Learn more about car finance eligibility with My Car Credit and make the first strides towards your dream car.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

Should I Start Driving Lessons During or After COVID?

young woman taking driving lessons during covid

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every aspect of our lives. Things are no different for those learning to drive, many of whom have put their plans on hold for the time-being or even had lessons and tests cancelled.

The good news is, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. December saw the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine administered, which means we can start to get our lives back on track in 2021.

However, for those who have stopped their driving lessons or are yet to have their first, the question still remains – should you start or restart your lessons during COVID or wait until everything is completely back to normal?

Are you allowed to take driving lessons during COVID?

The first consideration is simply whether you’re allowed to take driving lessons and the eventual test in light of the current COVID tiered system. From 2nd December, the government put around 99% of the population of England into tier 2 or 3 – the highest level of restrictions.

Fortunately, the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) confirmed they would be resuming all lessons and tests, including theory and practical, from 2nd-3rd December. Of course, things have been changing at a rapid pace over the last year, so it’s always worth checking local regulations to see whether driving lessons and tests are still permitted.

Making driving lessons COVID-safe

If you do choose to start or restart your lessons, it’s worth considering the precautions you can take to minimise the risk of transmission. In Scotland, it’s mandatory for both pupils and instructors to wear a face covering during driving lessons. While that’s not specifically outlined for the rest of the UK, it’s certainly recommended.

According to the DVSA guidelines, all candidates will need to wear a face covering for their test. Refusal to wear one without exceptional circumstances being pre-notified and agreed upon could result in the test being cancelled.

All of the other COVID car sharing advice still applies too. This includes ventilating the car by keeping windows open, avoiding contact with people from other households and washing your hands before and after any lessons. It goes without saying that you should cancel or postpone your lesson if you’re self-isolating after a positive test or experiencing symptoms without yet receiving a negative result.

Start now or wait?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to take driving lessons during COVID is down to you. With the second wave past its peak in most areas and the vaccine slowly being rolled out, it’s much less likely that tests will be cancelled and lessons put on hold again in the coming months. However, for some, the unease of wearing a mask while doing something you’re already quite nervous about, could be enough to put you off.

It’s worth bearing in mind that, even though the vaccine is being administered, measures like face masks and social distancing could remain in place for the foreseeable future. With that in mind, it might be better to bite the bullet and take some lessons rather than holding off for months on end.

Planning ahead

Buying your first car might seem a world away when you’re taking lessons and tests during COVID or otherwise. However, it doesn’t do any harm to plan ahead and get a better idea of what kind of car you’ll be able to buy.

At My Car Credit, we make it much easier to get your first set of wheels, with fast and fair car finance from over 27 trusted lenders. Using our car finance calculator, you can get a clear idea of how much you can borrow and what it would cost, so you’ll be ready to spread the cost of your first car once you’ve passed your test.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

Everything You Should Know Before Buying Your First Car

man smiling whilst thinking about buying your first car

Have you just passed your driving test and are ready to hit the roads? Perhaps you’ve been saving up money for a while now and are finally ready to purchase your first vehicle. Buying your first car is an exciting – albeit daunting – process. Not only are you making your biggest purchase yet, but you’re gaining a sense of independence and freedom.

Being a motorist can be expensive, and there are many costs to consider. Purchasing the right vehicle that fits your budget is the first and most important step to make. Below, we have a list of the essential things you should keep in mind as you start shopping for your first car. These should help you manage your finances throughout the process.

1. Assess your needs

Do you regularly haul goods? Need extra seats to transport the kids and family dog? Or are you looking for a nifty hatchback to squeeze into on-road parking spots? Assess your needs to narrow down the search.

For example, if you commute long distances to and from work every day, you will want a fuel-efficient vehicle that can handle lots of mileage. For that reason, you might consider a newer car with very few miles on the clock. If you need plenty of room in the back for transporting goods, you might consider a minivan or SUV over a hatchback. The right vehicle should complement your lifestyle and daily needs.

2. Determine your budget

Buying your first car goes beyond having the money to pay for it. You have to factor in the additional costs, such as vehicle tax, car insurance, MOTs, servicing and fuel. Work out how much you can comfortably afford to spend monthly and how much your deposit could be if you decided to finance your first vehicle.

Financing gives you more freedom to break up the cost of a whole car into easy and affordable monthly payments, which can help you buy the right vehicle for your needs. Consider working with car credit specialists to land the right finance plan for your budget.

3. Review your credit report

Lenders will check out your credit history when you’re applying for car finance. Even if you don’t think you have a history, if you have a phone plan, credit card or rent a flat, these items will be marked on your report.

Review your credit report to ensure there are no errors or anomalies, correcting any mistakes before you purchase your first vehicle. This can save you a lot of interest over the long-term.

4. Consider second-hand

The new car smell, pristine seats and the sparkle of a fresh paint job may have you eyeing up a brand-new vehicle. But this isn’t the only option you should consider. A new car’s value plummets the minute you drive it off the dealership’s lot, and you may be able to find a suitable used vehicle for a much better price.

Consider looking at used cars, and you may be surprised to find a nearly-new make and model of your dreams.

5. Do your due diligence

Check any car over before buying to make sure it’s roadworthy. If you don’t know what you should be looking for, take a knowledgeable friend or car mechanic with you to be sure.

Check the tyres, oil, engine, mileage, brakes, MOT history, and ensure all functions and features are in full working order. It’s also worth finding out if the vehicle has been in previous accidents or if there have been modifications or repair work that could affect it further down the line.

6. Take the car for a test drive

Most dealerships will allow you to drive the car before you buy it, allowing you a bit of time to get familiar with the handling. When going on a test drive, listen out for any noises that don’t sound right (any banging, hissing or screeching) and test out the speed (when the speed limit allows) that could bring underlying issues to the surface.

7. Negotiate the price

Whether you’re buying a new or used vehicle, the price is almost always negotiable. You may be able to save thousands of pounds if you haggle. Don’t be afraid to question the price. Most dealerships actually expect you to negotiate.

Even if there isn’t much wiggle room on the price, there’s no harm in asking. In fact, the dealer may be prepared to throw in some extras to sweeten the deal, such as free car mats or roadside assistance coverage.

8. Read through the paperwork carefully

Most car agreements are binding, which means that once you sign, there is little you can do to change the terms and conditions. That’s why it’s worth spending a few minutes reading through the contract carefully. If you aren’t sure what something means, don’t be afraid to ask the dealer for clarity.

You should also ensure that the logbook (V5C), service record and car manual comes with the vehicle as well as any spare tyres and keys.

10. Enjoy the process

Owning your first car is a big milestone to reach. Even though the process of buying a car can be overwhelming, the more planning you do beforehand, the easier it will be. With competitive financing rates and hundreds of great cars to choose from, your options have never been better. Car ownership is rewarding, and once you’ve secured reliable financing, hitting the open roads in your new ride will be that much sweeter.

Financing for your first car

Ready to take the plunge on buying your first car? At My Car Credit, we make the car financing process easy, seamless and hassle-free for first-time car buyers across the UK. Our team of financing experts will walk you through every step of the process to ensure you feel informed and confident with your transaction.

Whatever car you’re looking for, we can help you break up the cost into bitesize pieces. Calculate car finance and apply online or call us on 01246 458 810 to see how we can help you.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!