Common Reasons People Fail the Road Test

Most failed road tests come down to the same short list of mistakes. Knowing them in advance is half the battle.

• Rolling stops. Come to a complete stop, count one second, then go.
• Missed blind-spot checks. Turn your head, do not just glance at the mirror.
• Improper lane changes. Signal, check, then move smoothly.
• Parking problems. Practice parallel and three-point turns until they are automatic.
• Speed control. Going too slow can fail you just as fast as going too fast.

The good news: every one of these is fixable with a little focused practice. A warm-up lap before the test helps you shake the nerves that cause most of them.