PureCar
Practical test

Driving faults, serious faults and dangerous faults.

The examiner is looking for an overall safe standard of driving. The number and seriousness of faults determine the result.

Key information

Current Northern Ireland guidance, summarised clearly.

Up to 15 driving faults can still result in a pass.
16 or more driving faults result in failure.
One serious or dangerous fault results in failure.

Driving fault

A less serious mistake may be recorded as a driving fault. Repeated faults can show a pattern and can affect the result.

Serious or dangerous fault

A serious or dangerous fault is enough to fail the test. If an examiner considers your driving a danger to other road users, the test may be stopped.

Do not give up after one mistake

A small mistake does not automatically mean you have failed. Continue driving safely unless the examiner tells you the test has ended.

Related Northern Ireland driving-test guides

Continue with the next part of the learner-driver journey.

Independent NI resource: PureCar is not the Driver & Vehicle Agency and does not take payment for official tests. Official bookings and rule checks should be completed through nidirect/DVA.
Official source: nidirect / Department for Infrastructure · Information checked 21 September 2026.