Most common mistakes on the practical exam – TOP 10 traps

Stress does its job, but WORD statistics are ruthless. Most exams end negatively due to recurring, simple mistakes. Here is a list of TOP 10 traps you must watch out for.

1. Forced Right of Way

This is the "king" of mistakes resulting in immediate termination of the exam.

• Situation: You drive out from a minor road, thinking "I'll make it", and the approaching driver has to brake slightly.
• Advice: On the exam, if you doubt whether you will make it – wait. It is better to get a mistake for "sluggishness" (which can be corrected) than to fail for forcing right of way.

2. Green Conditional Arrow

Classic. You see a green arrow to the right, you go.

• Mistake: You do not stop before the signal. You drive through "rolling".
• Rule: The green arrow is a STOP sign. You must stop the wheels to zero (0 km/h), make sure you are not forcing anyone, and only then move.

3. Stalling the Engine (Stress and Clutch)

Stalling itself is just a mistake. But if you stall in the middle of an intersection and panic (e.g., start cranking the starter with the engine running), it becomes dangerous.

• Advice: Deep breath. Put it in neutral, start, drive on.

4. Not Yielding to Pedestrians

A pedestrian steps onto the stripes, and you zip past their nose.

• Rule: If a pedestrian is already on the stripes or entering them – stop. Treat this very strictly on the exam.

5. Changing Lanes Without Looking

You turn on the indicator and immediately turn the steering wheel.

• Correct Order: Mirror -> Indicator -> Mirror (Blind Spot!) -> Maneuver.

6. Speeding (Even by 1 km/h)

The exam is a pharmacy. Sign "30"? Drive 28. Sign "50"? Drive 48.

• Trap: Often 30 km/h limits are near roadworks. Examiners love to drive there.

7. Crossing Solid Lines

Parking, turning left (cutting the corner), overtaking.

• Advice: A solid line is a wall. Treat it like a high curb.

8. Mistakes on the Arc (Maneuvering Area)

Seems simple, yet stress paralyzes.

• Mistake: Driving over the line, hitting the line, stalling the engine.
• Advice: Don't rush. Drive on the clutch as slowly as you can. You have time.

9. Bad Mirror Adjustment

You sit down, seemingly adjust, and then see nothing on the arc.

• Advice: When adjusting mirrors, check if you see the rear wheel and line (on the square) and the road behind you (in the city). Don't be afraid to adjust mirrors while driving (obviously not during a maneuver, but e.g., at a stop).

10. Driving "By Memory"

"My instructor always told me to turn left here". And today there stands a no left turn sign.

• Advice: Look at the signs. The situation on the road changes from day to day.

Summary

Most of these mistakes stem from haste and lack of observation. The exam is not a race. Give yourself time to assess the situation. Remember: The examiner is not your enemy, their job is to check if letting you on the road is safe for others. Prove it to them with calm driving.