DVSA ’16th fault rule’ learner drivers need to know before taking practical test

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has a 16th fault rule that many learner drivers may not be aware of – and it could be the difference between passing and failing

You’ve aced your theory test – congratulations!

Now, it’s time to gear up for the next hurdle – your practical test. As you take the driver’s seat with an examiner by your side, they’ll be scrutinising your skills and marking you accordingly.

Every aspect counts towards your final result – from how you park and handle the car, to your attentiveness to road signs. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) provides guidance on the maximum number of faults you can commit before being deemed a failure – and there’s a lesser-known 16th fault rule that might surprise many.

The guide clarifies that “the purpose of the guide is to explain the assessment criteria and recording of faults under the outcome/competency headings on the driving test report.

Although an attempt has been made to explain assessment in theory, it should be remembered assessment is a knowledge and practical-based skill.”

The 16th fault rule

The DVSA refers to the “16th fault rule of assessment” as a theoretical benchmark that assists examiners in determining whether a driving fault should be noted.

While a candidate may rack up to 15 driving faults without failing, this rule applies to every fault, irrespective of when it happens, reports the Mirror.

The guidelines state: “The examiner must assess each fault individually by asking the question: If this was the 16th fault, could you justify it resulting in the candidate failing their test?

“The purpose of this rule is to help the examiner decide whether a fault is sufficient enough to be recorded as a driving fault, or whether it can be deemed as a not-worthy fault.”

So, what does each fault signify?

The DVSA has provided definitions for faults.

Have you passed your test?

If it’s a thumbs up, your examiner will inform you about any mistakes you made, if there were any. They’ll hand over that much-anticipated pass certificate and ask if you’d like your full licence to be dispatched to you automatically.

The DVSA is nudging people to “give the examiner your provisional licence if you want to do this”.

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