The DVSA Marking Sheet: What Examiners Actually Score

The examiner uses a DL25 marking sheet with 17 fault categories. Each fault is marked as: Driving fault (minor): Not dangerous or potentially dangerous....

Understanding the Scoring

The examiner uses a DL25 marking sheet with 17 fault categories. Each fault is marked as:


  • Driving fault (minor): Not dangerous or potentially dangerous. You can have up to 15 and still pass.

  • Serious fault (major): Potentially dangerous. One serious fault = immediate fail.

  • Dangerous fault: The examiner or another road user had to take action to avoid danger. Also an immediate fail.

Understanding the Scoring

The 17 Categories


1. Controlled stop — Emergency stop (if asked): promptness, control, observation

2. Reverse left / Reverse right — Accuracy, control, observation

3. Reverse park (road / bay) — Control, accuracy, observation

4. Forward bay park — Accuracy and observation

5. Use of mirrors — Before signalling, changing direction, changing speed

6. Signals — Correct, timed, necessary

7. Clearance/obstructions — Passing parked cars, road works

8. Response to signs/signals — Traffic lights, road signs, markings, traffic controllers

9. Use of speed — Too fast, too slow, inappropriate

10. Following distance — Too close to the vehicle ahead

11. Progress — Unnecessary hesitation, appropriate speed

12. Junctions — Approach speed, observation, turning right/left, cutting corners

13. Judgement — Overtaking, meeting traffic, crossing traffic

14. Positioning — Lane discipline, normal driving

15. Pedestrian crossings — Response and awareness

16. Awareness/planning — Anticipation, awareness of other road users

17. Ancillary controls — Indicators, lights, wipers, demisters, heaters

Most Common Fail Categories in Manchester

Based on DVSA national statistics, the top fail reasons are:


  1. Junctions — observation (not looking properly)

  2. Mirrors — change direction (forgetting mirror checks before turning)

  3. Steering control (mounting kerbs, wide turns)

  4. Response to traffic lights

  5. Moving off safely


DriveSQ tracks your faults on a practice DL25 during mock tests, so you know your weak categories before test day.

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Most Common Fail Categories in Manchester

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