What is the difference between a minor and a major?
“Minor” and “major” are everyday shorthand. Your result uses three categories, which describe the seriousness of what happened—not just the name of the skill.
Driving fault · “minor”
An error that is not potentially dangerous. Repeating the same problem can show a more serious weakness.
Serious fault · “major”
Something potentially dangerous. An actual collision does not have to happen.
Dangerous fault · “major”
Something involving actual danger to people or property.
A list of “things that always count as a minor” is misleading. The situation, repetition and risk matter. Read the examiner’s recorded category rather than trying to grade an event from its name alone.
How the pass rules work
These are worked totals, not predictions about a particular drive.
Within the pass limit
15 driving faults · no serious or dangerous faults
Fifteen is the upper limit, not a target. Use any recurring categories to guide further practice.
Not passed
16 driving faults · no serious or dangerous faults
The driving-fault total is above the limit, even without a serious or dangerous fault.
Not passed
2 driving faults · 1 serious fault
A low total does not cancel out the serious fault. Start with the decision or control problem behind that event.
Not passed
0 driving faults · 1 dangerous fault
A dangerous fault is enough on its own. The absence of other marks does not change that result.
What the categories on your result mean
A category identifies the skill involved. The seriousness column tells you how the examiner assessed the event. For example, “junctions — observation” and “serious” answer two different questions.
- Junctions — observation
- Noticing traffic and deciding when it is safe to emerge. Review the junction approach and gap decision.
- Mirrors — changing direction
- Checking the relevant view before moving across the road or changing lanes. Review mirrors and blind spots.
- Move off — safety
- Observations and the decision to join traffic. Review moving off and stopping.
- Control
- How you used the steering, pedals or gears. Separate the physical action from the traffic decision; start with car controls. If the engine stopped, read how stalling is assessed and how to recover.
- Reverse parking — observation or control
- Looking around and positioning the car are assessed separately. A neat finish does not demonstrate effective observation. Revisit reverse-bay parking.
- Progress — undue hesitation
- Missing suitable opportunities to proceed. The aim is recognising a safe opportunity, not rushing into a smaller gap.
For a wider breakdown, use the driving test marking-sheet guide. A category alone cannot tell us exactly what happened on your test.
Choose the skill behind the mark
Start with any serious or dangerous event. Then look for repeated driving faults. Ask what you missed, when it happened and what a safer decision would have looked like.
Example: a junction observation fault
Write down the sequence you remember: you checked right, waited, then moved without updating the view to the left. The next task is a fresh observation before moving—not repeating the same route until it feels familiar.
Use the junction lesson to explain the decision, then practise varied junctions with your instructor.
Example: a parking observation fault
You concentrated on a bay line in one mirror. Work on when to stop and look around, as well as where to steer. Practising the final position alone would leave the original problem untouched.
Replay the parking stages and describe the observation needed before each movement.
If you did not pass, agree the next steps with your instructor before booking again. A practical mock test can later help check whether you can put the skills together independently.
Common questions about driving test faults
How many minor faults can you get and still pass?
Up to 15 driving faults, with no serious or dangerous faults. Sixteen driving faults is a fail. The official term is driving fault; minor is the informal name.
How many major faults are allowed?
None. Major is an informal name for a serious or dangerous fault. Either category means the test is not passed, even if you have no other faults.
Do three faults in the same category automatically become a major?
There is no universal three-fault conversion rule. Repeated driving faults can become serious. What matters is the pattern and the risk, not a simple exchange of three marks for one.
Does taking a wrong turn fail the test?
A wrong turn itself is not a fault. Continue safely and let the examiner help with the route. An unsafe lane change or sudden turn to avoid going the wrong way can still be assessed.
What does ETA mean on a driving test result?
ETA means examiner took action: they had to give an instruction or take control to avoid an incident. Read it alongside the recorded fault and the examiner’s explanation.