Driving Tests & Theory
How many driving faults can I get and still pass the Northern Ireland driving test?
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass, but one serious or dangerous fault causes a fail.
DVA says a car candidate can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the Northern Ireland practical test. Sixteen or more causes failure.
A single serious or dangerous fault is enough to fail regardless of the minor-fault total.
Faults are not all equal: a number of ordinary driving faults can be allowed, but a serious or dangerous fault changes the result even if the total number of minor faults is low.
Research & verification
Sources checked for this answer
We use official and primary sources wherever possible rather than relying on generic AI-generated information.
nidirect - About the practical test for cars
View official source →
nidirect - About the driving theory test
View official source →
Information checked:
25 September 2026
