Top Reasons for an Automatic Fail on the NY Driving Test

By Amir

Top Reasons for an Automatic Fail on the NY Driving Test

The road test is designed to assess your driving skills, ensuring you can safely navigate various traffic situations. The test routes include school zones, railway crossings, intersections, and four-way stops. Here are common mistakes that can result in automatic fails during the driving test in New York, potentially denying you your license.

Table of Contents

Common Mistakes That Earn Automatic Fails on Driving Tests in New York

Common Mistakes That Earn Automatic Fails on Driving Tests in New York

1. Lack of Vehicle Familiarity

Examiners will evaluate how well you handle the vehicle's basic functions. This includes properly wearing a seatbelt, using headlights, and signaling appropriately. Demonstrating a lack of familiarity with these basic functions, such as forgetting to signal or failing to turn on your headlights, can result in an automatic fail. It’s crucial to be comfortable with all the controls of the vehicle you will be driving during the test.

2. Poor Steering Control

While there are no strict rules on how to hold the steering wheel, maintaining full control is essential. Letting the wheel spin back on its own after turning, or steering too early or too late, can be dangerous. These actions can endanger pedestrians and other drivers, resulting in an automatic fail. It’s recommended to use the push-pull technique for better control, especially during sharp turns. Keeping your hands on the wheel as much as possible will demonstrate your control and competence to the examiner.

3. Inadequate Parking Skills

Parallel parking is often a part of the driving test. If you hit other cars, run over the curb, or exhibit poor clutch control, you risk failing. Other factors that can lead to an automatic fail include excessive acceleration, stalling the engine, excessive steering, using the footbrake harshly, failing to complete parking within two car lengths, and finishing too far from the curb. Practicing parallel parking and other parking maneuvers thoroughly can help you avoid these mistakes.

4. Not Checking Mirrors and Road Safety

Failing to check your mirrors and follow road safety procedures when pulling out can result in a fail. Examiners are looking for your ability to be aware of traffic in front of and behind you, especially when you need to brake sharply or slow down suddenly. Not checking your mirrors properly means you might not see a car approaching from behind, which could lead to an accident. Always check the rearview mirror when approaching hazards and use side mirrors before changing lanes or overtaking.

5. Incorrect Use of Car Signals

You must ensure your indicators cancel after making a turn or exiting a roundabout. If the indicator does not self-cancel, it can give other drivers misleading information, which can lead to an automatic fail. Always manually cancel the indicator if necessary to avoid confusion on the road.

6. Ignoring Traffic Signs

Your driving test will involve several stops and starts, and your examiner will watch closely to see if you follow road safety rules by observing traffic signs. Ignoring stop signs or other important road signs can lead to automatic failure. When you see a stop sign, come to a complete stop, wait for a few seconds, and check the traffic before proceeding. Pay close attention to all traffic signs, such as ‘No Entry’ or yield signs, and adhere to speed limits to avoid this mistake.

7. Poor Speed Control

Examiners will assess your ability to manage the vehicle’s speed appropriately. You should always stick to the speed limit and adjust your speed when the limit changes. Driving too fast or too slow can both be problematic. Driving too slowly can obstruct traffic flow, while driving too fast, especially in adverse weather conditions like ice or snow, can be dangerous. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the car’s braking system and practice using standard braking techniques.

8. Making Poor Judgments

During the road test, you need to be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards. This includes responding appropriately to changing traffic lights, pedestrians crossing the street, and merging traffic. Failing to yield to pedestrians or other vehicles when required will result in an automatic fail. Being overly cautious, such as stopping at a controlled intersection when you have the right of way, can also result in lost points. You should demonstrate control and confidence in every situation on the road.

9. Unsafe Handling at Intersections

The road test will take you through intersections to assess your judgment. Never change lanes while passing through an intersection, whether turning or going straight. Make lane changes only when you are safely past the intersection. Demonstrate caution and be prepared to brake when approaching an uncontrolled intersection to avoid automatic failure.

10. Colliding with Objects

Hitting stationary objects while parking, turning, or reversing is an immediate fail. Ensure you maintain a safe distance from barriers, fences, or other obstructions during maneuvers. Practicing these maneuvers in different settings can help you avoid collisions during the test.

11. Poor Lane Changing

Although signaling, checking mirrors, and checking blind spots before changing lanes is not a complex task, many individuals, including those taking the DMV test, often fail to do so.

To ensure you change lanes correctly, follow these steps when instructed by the DMV examiner:

Signal and Check Mirrors: Begin by signaling your intention to change lanes and checking your mirrors.
Check Blind Spots: Look over your shoulder to check for any vehicles in your blind spot.
Verify Clearance: Ensure that your rearview and side mirrors are clear.
Change Lanes Safely: Only proceed to switch lanes when it is safe to do so.

While changing lanes, be vigilant for potential hazards in front of you and maintain an appropriate speed.

12. Braking Too Hard

Before taking your DMV test, familiarize yourself with the brake sensitivity of the vehicle you will be operating. While abrupt braking is necessary in critical situations, apply the brakes with moderate force during regular stops or when reducing speed. This approach should be sufficient to stop or slow down without causing discomfort for you or your passengers.

Want to Pass Your Driving Test with Flying Colors?

On your road test day, your examiner expects you to exercise proper judgment while driving. Always keep to the left, maintaining at least a meter from the curb, and stay centered within the lane markings.

Adjust your driving to handle any hazards safely. Adhere to traffic rules, and most importantly, be confident in your abilities to avoid mistakes that lead to automatic failures on the New York driving test.

Many new drivers feel overwhelmed and nervous when preparing for the road test. We can help you gain confidence and pass your driving test on the first try. Additionally, we can assist with scheduling your road test and provide a vehicle for the exam. We handle all the logistics so you can focus on impressing your road test examiner. Check out our flexible packages or Call us today at 718-928-7048.

Drive Rite Academy is a leader in driver education across New York, known for offering an effective 5 hour course that prepares drivers for both the road test and the challenges of safe driving. This NY DMV-approved course covers crucial driving techniques and rules, ensuring students are well-prepared for success. With a focus on creating a supportive learning environment, our team helps students overcome anxiety and build confidence behind the wheel. The 5 hour course is an essential step in developing the skills needed for lifelong safe driving.

Top Reasons for an Automatic Fail on the NY Driving Test