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After a failed test

Use the result to fix the cause, not just book another date.

A fail is useful only if you act on the faults recorded. DVA examiners explain the result and the test report shows where the required standard was not met.

Official practical-test guidance → Driving Tests NI

Key information

Current Northern Ireland guidance, summarised clearly.

One serious or dangerous fault causes a fail.
Sixteen or more driving faults also results in failure under the current Category B test.
The examiner provides feedback after the test; digital results can also be emailed where the system is used and an email address was supplied.

Separate the fault from the symptom

If a serious fault came from observation at a junction, do not just practise that one junction. Work on the observation routine and decision-making across different roads.

Rebook when you are ready

A fast rebooking is not automatically a good rebooking. Use your report, instructor feedback and realistic mock drives to decide when the underlying fault is consistently fixed.

Related Northern Ireland driving-test guides

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

Driving Test FaultsOpen guide → Driving Test ManoeuvresOpen guide → Book Driving Test NIOpen guide →
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.