How to Avoid an Automatic Fail During a Driving Test in PA

What is an automatic fail?

An automatic fail during a driving test is a specific required action during the test that is not completed accurately.

Learning for the driving test won’t be complicated or difficult once you understand what is required, are receiving professional training, and are putting in enough practice time. We’re here to help make your driving journey calm, simple, and convenient.

How Many Mistakes Can You Make on the Driving Test

The PA driver’s test scoring system is used to calculate points in the driving test. There is no particular number of mistakes that you can make; rather, each error adds points, and you must stay below a certain number of points.

While two people might make the same error, they may earn different points for that error, as a higher number of points will be given the worse the error is. For example, if your wheel touches a curb lightly, you will receive fewer points than a person mounting the curb or creating damage to the curb or vehicle.

Take a look at an example of an actual PA driving test score sheet. Refer to the top of the page for the exact numbers you must avoid for each section.

Common Driving Test Mistakes to Avoid to Prevent Automatic Fails

Before the Test Even Starts

Firstly, make sure to bring the correct documents – failure to do so will mean you are unable to even take the test. It’s also essential that you bring a roadworthy and licensed vehicle – if you don’t, you will not be allowed to perform a driver’s test.

During the Test Itself: Mistakes Leading to Automatic Fails

If you make any of the following mistakes, you may fail immediately:

• Mounting a curb (most frequently occurs during parallel parking)
• Rolling backward or forwards
• Ignoring traffic laws (for example, if you drive through a red traffic light)
• Ignoring the examiner’s instructions
• Not being able to use the clutch or other parts of the vehicle correctly
• Not using your indicator
• Speeding
• Causing an accident
• driving recklessly (this may include driving over an island or solid line; taking your eyes off the road; or not performing adequate checks before turning, for example). These are all considered automatic fails on driving tests.

How to Avoid Driving Test Mistakes and Automatic Fails

• Acing your learner’s license – getting a perfect or near-perfect score – will set you up for success. Understanding and knowing by heart all the rules or road, as well as the necessary checks for the test, is an excellent first step in ensuring you’ll pass and avoid automatic fails on driving tests.
• Drive and practice in a reliable, roadworthy car so that you can take the test in the same car you practiced in.
• Take as many professional lessons as you can afford, and listen carefully to the instructor while in a lesson.
• Make sure the licensed driver with you in the vehicle while you practice is someone you trust, who will not distract you or encourage you to drive incorrectly.
• Get plenty of practice before your test – and not only at the last minute.
• Identify your weaknesses or errors you seem to make often and address these with the assistance of your driving coach and through practice. Addressing these issues can prevent automatic failures on driving tests.
• Make sure you are in a calm, focused state of mind while in a driving lesson and while practicing.
• Incorporate techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, mindfulness, and visualization exercises to help relieve stress and dispel any anxiety (and remember you’re not alone – many new drivers experience anxiety – and your driving teacher is supporting you all the way).
• Master the tricky and vital parts of the test such as parallel parking and clutch control on a hill. Practicing these areas thoroughly can help avoid automatic fails on driving tests.

One of the most common places where new drivers fail during the PA test is in the parallel parking section. Before you go to your test, make sure that you understand the parallel parking test rules well, have practiced sufficiently, and feel completely comfortable performing parallel parking.

What Do Examiners Look For During a Driving Test?

Essentially, examiners want to see that you understand and are able to operate the vehicle correctly; that you are not an irresponsible or lawless driver; and that you have had enough practice to be comfortable and drive safely without making errors by mistake. Avoiding behaviors that lead to automatic fails on driving tests is crucial.

Remember, examiners are not out to get you – they are simply doing their jobs to keep the road as safe as possible for all citizens.

For more insight and tips on the exam, have a look at our articles on what to expect during the PA driving test and how to pass the PA driver’s test.

Ready to get driving? Book your lesson now to get the professional support you need to ace your PA driving test.