The Difference Between Minor and Major Mistakes on the Driving Test

Taking the Washington State DOL Skills Test is a milestone event, and it’s completely normal to feel nervous about making mistakes. Many aspiring drivers worry that a single slip-up, like not parking perfectly parallel or a moment’s hesitation, will instantly dash their hopes of getting a license. While the test does require a high standard of driving, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between minor vs major driving test mistakes WA examiners look for.

The good news is that the test isn’t designed for flawless robotic perfection. Examiners understand that learners are still developing, and the road test scoring WA system allows for some small mistakes Dol test takers might make. However, there’s a clear line between minor errors that deduct points and major errors that constitute an automatic fail driving exam WA. Knowing how mistakes are classified, recognizing examples of each, and learning how to recover from minor slip-ups can significantly ease your anxiety and improve your performance on test day.

How Examiners Classify Mistakes in Washington

Driving examiners in Washington State don’t rely on gut feelings; they use a standardized system to ensure fairness and objectivity. Here’s the breakdown:

1. The Point System: The Washington DOL Skills Test operates on a point-deduction basis. You start with a perfect score (usually 100 points). For every specific error observed, the examiner deducts a predetermined number of points based on the official DOL scoring sheet.
2. Passing Score: To pass the test, you must achieve a final score of 80 or higher. This means you can accumulate up to 20 points in deductions for minor errors and still pass.
3. Minor Errors (Point Deductions): These are flaws in technique, observation, or control that indicate a need for more practice but don’t create an immediate or significant safety hazard. They show inconsistency or a lack of precision. Each minor error subtracts points from your starting score.
4. Major Errors (Critical Driving Errors / Automatic Fails): These are serious violations of traffic law, dangerous actions, or instances demonstrating a critical lack of vehicle control that pose a direct threat to safety. Committing even one major error typically results in the immediate termination of the test and an automatic failure, regardless of your point total up to that moment.

Skill test examiners strictly follow these classifications. Their primary mandate is public safety, so while they allow for minor imperfections, any action deemed unsafe or illegal cannot be overlooked.

Examples of Minor Mistakes That Won’t Fail You (If Infrequent)

These are the kinds of small mistakes DMV test takers might make that lead to point deductions but generally won’t cause an automatic fail unless they are repeated constantly or create a dangerous situation cumulatively. Remember, you have a 20-point buffer.

• Observation Lapses:
  • Forgetting a single mirror check before slowing down.
  • Slightly delayed scanning at an intersection (but still scanning before proceeding).
  • Not looking far enough down the road momentarily.
• Control Issues:
  • Slightly jerky braking or acceleration (not causing significant passenger discomfort or loss of traction).
  • Minor steering inaccuracies (e.g., slightly wide or tight turns, but staying within the correct lanes and not hitting curbs).
  • Hesitation (e.g., waiting a little longer than necessary at a stop sign when it’s safe to go, but not significantly impeding traffic).
• Signaling Errors:
  • Signaling slightly less than the required 100 feet before a turn (e.g., 80 feet), provided the signal is still given before braking or turning.
  • Forgetting to cancel the signal immediately after a turn (but correcting it reasonably quickly).
• Maneuver Imperfections:
  • Parallel parking slightly too far from the curb (e.g., 14 inches instead of the ideal 12 inches or less).
  • Taking an extra adjustment during a parking maneuver.
  • Touching the curb lightly during parking (not hitting it hard or mounting it).
  • Being slightly off-center when backing around a corner (but maintaining control and observation).
• Minor Speed Variations:
  • Driving slightly below the speed limit without impeding traffic significantly (e.g., 18 mph in a 20 mph zone briefly). Note: Exceeding the speed limit by more than  5 mph will result in immediate disqualification

These errors indicate areas for improvement, but the examiner recognizes they don’t represent an immediate danger in isolation.

Major Mistakes That Lead to Instant Fails

These are the critical errors that demonstrate unsafe driving or disregard for the law. Committing any of these will almost certainly result in an automatic fail driving exam WA.

• Violation of Traffic Control Devices/Signs:
  • Running a red light.
  • Running a stop sign – this includes failing to come to a complete stop (a “rolling stop”). Wheels must cease rotation completely behind the line.
  • Ignoring a yield sign and causing conflict.
  • Driving the wrong way on a one-way street.
• Speeding:
  • Exceeding the posted speed limit by any significant margin (5 mph over is grounds for failure).
  • Driving too fast for conditions (e.g., not slowing down adequately in rain, fog, or heavy traffic, even if below the limit).
• Dangerous Actions / Failure to Yield:
  • Any action that forces another driver, pedestrian, or cyclist to take evasive action (braking hard, swerving) to avoid a collision.
  • Pulling out in front of oncoming traffic without a safe gap.
  • Failing to yield the proper right-of-way at intersections (e.g., turning left in front of oncoming traffic, not yielding to the right at a 4-way stop when arriving simultaneously).
  • Unsafe lane changes (cutting someone off, not checking blind spots resulting in conflict).
• Lack of Vehicle Control:
  • Hitting or mounting a curb forcefully during a maneuver or turn.
  • Losing control of steering (e.g., significant swerving, inability to stay in the lane).
  • Inability to recover from a skid (though unlikely in normal test conditions).
• Collision:
  • Making contact with any object, vehicle (moving or parked), pedestrian, cyclist, or property.
• Examiner Intervention:
  • If the examiner has to give verbal instruction (like “Stop!”) or use physical control (like grabbing the wheel or using a dual brake, if present) to prevent an immediate hazard or collision.
• Failure to Observe:
  • Gross negligence in observation, such as pulling into a busy intersection without looking at all, or repeatedly failing to check blind spots in critical situations.

These errors demonstrate a fundamental lack of the skills or judgment needed for safe independent driving.

How to Recover from Small Errors During the Test

Making a minor mistake can be momentarily flustering, but it doesn’t have to derail your entire test. How you react is important.

1. Stay Calm: Take a deep breath. Panicking often leads to more mistakes.
2. Acknowledge Mentally, Move On: Recognize you made an error (e.g., “Okay, I turned a bit wide there”), but don’t dwell on it or apologize profusely to the examiner. They’ve noted it; your job now is to focus on driving safely going forward.
3. Correct Safely (If Applicable): If you made a minor lane positioning error, correct it smoothly. If you forgot a signal, signal correctly next time. Don’t make abrupt or unsafe corrections.
4. Refocus on Observation: Immediately return your attention to scanning the road ahead, checking mirrors, and anticipating the next instruction or traffic situation.
5. Maintain Confidence: Don’t assume you’ve failed because of one small error. Continue driving defensively and demonstrating your skills. Many people pass despite accumulating several minor deductions.

WMST’s Training to Prevent Both Minor and Major Errors

The best way to avoid mistakes on the driving test is through thorough preparation and building consistent, safe habits. WMST test preparation is specifically designed to minimize both minor and major errors through a multi-faceted approach:

• Emphasis on Foundational Habits: Our curriculum, based on national best practices, focuses heavily on the core skills examiners prioritize: constant observation (scanning, mirrors, head checks), smooth vehicle control (braking, accelerating, steering), proper signaling (the 100-foot rule), speed management (adhering to limits like 20 mph zones, adjusting for conditions), and defensive positioning (the 4-second rule).
• Extensive Real-World Practice: WMST guarantees six full hours of actual behind-the-wheel instruction. This is where habits are truly formed. Unlike ineffective simulators used by some schools, our students practice navigating real intersections, handling actual traffic, executing maneuvers in realistic settings, and making decisions under the direct guidance of a professional instructor.
• Examiner-Standard Feedback: Our instructors provide immediate, specific feedback aligned with the official DOL scoring criteria throughout the six hours of in-car training. They point out actions that would lead to minor deductions or major fails, explaining why and reinforcing the correct technique. This continuous evaluation process helps students understand examiner expectations long before test day.
• Interactive Learning: Our online learning isn’t passive. Tools like Kahoot keep students engaged, helping them master the rules of the road (like right-of-way and signaling laws) that are critical for avoiding major errors.
• Building Confidence: By providing extensive practice and constructive feedback in a supportive environment, WMST helps build the competence and confidence needed to perform well under the pressure of the Skills Test, reducing the likelihood of anxiety-induced errors.
• Warm-Up Drive: You can sign up for a 30 minute or 1 hour practice test with your examiner prior to your skills test to go over all the procedures and practice the maneuvers.

By focusing on building ingrained safe driving habits through comprehensive, hands-on training, WMST prepares students not just to pass the test, but to be safe, responsible drivers who inherently avoid the types of errors—both minor and major—that examiners are looking for.

Conclusion: Strive for Consistency, Not Perfection

Understanding the difference between minor vs major driving test mistakes WA defines is key to managing test-day nerves. While major errors leading to an automatic fail driving exam WA must be avoided at all costs, the road test scoring WA uses allows room for minor imperfections. Focus on demonstrating consistent observation, smooth control, adherence to traffic laws, and safe decision-making throughout the entire test. If you make a small error, recover calmly and refocus. Quality preparation, like the comprehensive, real-world training provided by ВМСТ, is the most effective way to build the skills and confidence needed to minimize errors and meet the examiner’s expectations for safe driving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What counts as a minor error on the WA road test? 

Minor errors are typically flaws in technique or consistency that don’t pose an immediate danger. Examples include slight hesitation, minor steering or braking imperfections, signaling slightly less than 100 feet (but still before the maneuver), forgetting a single mirror check, or minor inaccuracies in parking maneuvers (like being slightly too far from the curb but still safe).

Can you still pass with minor mistakes? 

Yes, absolutely. The Washington Skills Test allows for up to 20 points in deductions for minor errors. As long as you don’t commit any major (automatic fail) errors and your accumulated minor deductions don’t exceed 20 points, you will pass.

What’s considered a major mistake? 

Major mistakes (automatic fails) are actions that are illegal, unsafe, or show a critical lack of control. This includes running stop signs/red lights (including rolling stops), speeding, dangerous actions forcing others to react, causing a collision, hitting the curb hard, failing to yield right-of-way, causing a hazard, or requiring examiner intervention.

How does WMST train students to reduce errors? WMST focuses on building consistent, safe habits through its guaranteed six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, superior curriculum, and interactive online learning. Instructors provide continuous feedback aligned with DOL scoring criteria, correcting both minor technical flaws and addressing potential major errors before they become ingrained habits. This real-world practice minimizes mistakes by building strong foundational skills and confidence.