Getting your driver’s license is an exciting step towards independence, but it’s normal to feel nervous about making mistakes during your driving test. Understanding how mistakes are scored can help calm those nerves. It’s important to know the difference between minor and major mistakes, as they affect your test results.
In Victoria, the driving test is meant to assess your ability to drive safely and responsibly. The test checks if you follow the road rules, control the car well, and respond correctly to different traffic situations. So, how many mistakes can you make on a VIC driving test? In this guide, we’ll explain the number of mistakes allowed, how to fix them, and what happens if you fail.
What is the VIC Driving Test?
The VicRoads driving test is a practical exam that checks if you are ready to drive independently. It includes two stages:
- Pre-Drive Check – The examiner checks if your car is roadworthy. You must demonstrate basic knowledge, like using indicators, headlights, and wipers.
- On-Road Driving – This is the main part of the test, where the examiner observes how you drive in real traffic situations.
During the test, the examiner will score your performance based on your driving skills, awareness, and ability to follow road rules.
Types of Mistakes Could Be Categorised into 3 Sections
Mistakes during the driving test are categorized into three types: Immediate Termination Errors, Critical Errors, and Minor Errors/Observations/Points.
1. Immediate Termination Errors
Immediate Termination Errors are severe infractions that result in the immediate cessation of the test. These errors include:
- Intervention: Requiring verbal or physical assistance from the examiner.
- Disobeying Directions: Ignoring lawful instructions or traffic signs.
- Collision: Striking another vehicle, object, or mounting the curb with two or more wheels.
- Failing to Give Way: Not yielding to other road users when required.
- Excessive Speed: Driving significantly over the speed limit.
- Stop at Dangerous Position: Stopping in a location that poses a danger to other road users.
- Fail to Stop: Not stopping at a red traffic light or stop sign.
- Other Dangerous Action: Performing any other action that endangers road safety.
Committing any of these errors leads to an immediate failure of the test.
2. Critical Errors
Critical Errors are serious mistakes that can lead to test failure if committed. These include:
- Fail to Look: Not checking mirrors or blind spots when changing lanes or merging.
- Fail to Signal: Not using indicators when required.
- Block Pedestrian Crosswalk: Stopping or parking on a pedestrian crosswalk.
- Mount Kerb: Allowing any wheel to mount the curb while parking or turning.
- Stall: Stalling the vehicle during the test.
- Incomplete Stop: Not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign or red light.
- Other Illegal Action: Engaging in any other illegal action not specified under other critical errors.
While critical errors are serious, they do not necessarily result in immediate test failure unless they are severe or repeated.
3. Minor Errors/Observations/Points
Minor Errors are less severe mistakes that do not pose an immediate danger but can accumulate to affect your overall test result. These include:
- Observation: Not checking mirrors or blind spots when changing lanes or merging.
- Signalling: Not using indicators when required.
- Gap Selection: Choosing inappropriate gaps when merging or changing lanes.
- Speed Choice: Driving too fast or too slow for the conditions.
- Following Distance: Not maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Lateral Position: Positioning the vehicle too close to the curb or center line.
- Parking Observation: Not checking surroundings before parking.
- Parking Movement: Difficulty in parking maneuvers.
- Leaving Parking: Not checking surroundings when leaving a parking space.
- Turning Movement: Incorrect turning techniques.
Each minor error is recorded, and accumulating too many can lead to test failure.
Common Mistakes on the VIC Driving Test
Many learners make mistakes during the driving test. Some of the most common ones include:
- Failing to check mirrors and blind spots – Not looking before changing lanes or merging can lead to a mistake.
- Not stopping properly at stop signs – Rolling through stop signs is a serious mistake.
- Speeding or driving too slowly – You must follow speed limits and adjust your speed based on road conditions.
- Incorrect lane changing – Not indicating or changing lanes without checking properly can be an issue.
- Failing to give way – You must always give way when required.
- Poor parking skills – Struggling with parallel parking or reversing can add to your mistakes.
Understanding these mistakes will help you avoid them on test day.
What Happens If You Make Too Many Mistakes?
If you make too many minor errors or one major error, you will not pass the test. The examiner will explain why you failed and which mistakes you made. This feedback is important because it helps you understand what to improve for your next attempt.
Retaking Your Driving Test in Victoria: Waiting Period and Procedures
If you fail your driving test in Victoria, you will need to wait before rebooking. The waiting period depends on VicRoads’ availability, but usually, you can rebook in about 7-14 days. However, if you fail multiple times, you may need to take additional driving lessons before retesting.
Best Practices for Passing Your Driving Test
To increase your chances of passing, follow these simple tips:
- Practice regularly – Get enough practice in different driving conditions.
- Know the road rules – Study and understand Victoria’s driving laws.
- Stay calm – Nervousness can lead to mistakes. Breathe and stay focused.
- Check your mirrors and blind spots – Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Follow the examiner’s instructions carefully – Listen carefully and do not rush.
Conclusion
The VIC driving test allows for some minor mistakes, but major errors can lead to immediate failure. Understanding what counts as a critical error and how many errors are allowed on the driving test will help you prepare better. If you fail, you can reattempt the test after a short waiting period. The best way to pass is through practice, understanding road rules, and staying calm during the test.
For professional driving lessons that can help you avoid these mistakes, check out Driving School Melbourne. They provide expert guidance to help you become a confident and safe driver.