Automatic Fails on the NY Driving Test & How to Avoid Them

Mar 18

Written By vmare .

Taking your road test can feel nerve-wracking, but knowing what mistakes can lead to an automatic fail will help you feel more prepared. The test covers a variety of real-world driving situations—school zones, intersections, four-way stops, and more—so it's important to be confident in your skills. Here are the most common mistakes that can immediately cost you your license and how to avoid them.

1. Not Being Familiar with Your Vehicle

Before your test, get comfortable with the car you’ll be driving. Know where the headlights, turn signals, wipers, and emergency brake are. Forgetting to signal, not wearing your seatbelt, or struggling with basic controls can lead to an automatic fail. The more familiar you are with the vehicle, the smoother your test will go.

2. Poor Steering Control

There’s no one "correct" way to hold the wheel, but you do need to stay in control at all times. Letting the wheel slip, oversteering, or turning too late can be dangerous. Use the push-pull steering method and keep your hands on the wheel as much as possible.

3. Messy Parking Skills

Parallel parking is a key part of the test, and hitting another car, rolling over the curb, or parking too far from the curb can result in a fail. Other mistakes like excessive acceleration, stalling, or taking too long to park also count against you. Practice parallel parking until it feels natural.

4. Forgetting to Check Mirrors

Your examiner wants to see that you’re aware of your surroundings. Failing to check mirrors when pulling out, slowing down, or changing lanes is a major red flag. Always glance at your rearview mirror when approaching hazards and use your side mirrors before switching lanes.

5. Misusing Turn Signals

Turn signals are there for a reason—use them! If your signal doesn’t turn off automatically, cancel it yourself to avoid confusing other drivers. Forgetting to signal or leaving it on too long can be an instant fail.

6. Ignoring Traffic Signs

Rolling through a stop sign? Instant fail. Speeding in a school zone? Also a fail. You need to follow every traffic sign carefully. Stop completely at stop signs, obey speed limits, and always yield when required.

7. Speeding or Driving Too Slowly

Driving too fast is dangerous, but driving too slowly can be just as bad. You need to keep up with traffic and adjust your speed for road conditions. If you're too hesitant, it could cost you your license.

8. Poor Judgment in Traffic

A big part of the test is proving you can make smart decisions on the road. Failing to yield, hesitating when you have the right of way, or stopping unnecessarily at green lights can lead to points off—or an automatic fail. Stay confident and follow the flow of traffic.

9. Unsafe Intersection Behavior

Never change lanes in the middle of an intersection—it’s a guaranteed fail. Also, be sure to slow down and check for hazards when approaching an uncontrolled intersection. Stay alert and cautious.

10. Hitting Objects

Whether it’s a curb, cone, or another car—hitting anything during your test means an automatic fail. Practice maneuvering in tight spaces so you can park, turn, and reverse with confidence.

11. Unsafe Lane Changes

Lane changes should be smooth and controlled. Follow these steps every time:
✔️ Signal early
✔️ Check mirrors
✔️ Look over your shoulder for blind spots
✔️ Make sure there’s enough space
✔️ Change lanes smoothly and at a steady speed

12. Hard Braking

Slamming on the brakes unnecessarily makes you look unsure of your driving. Get familiar with the brake sensitivity of your test vehicle and practice making smooth stops.

vmare .