Top Mistakes That Lead to an Instant Disqualification on the NY Driving Test (and How to Avoid Them)
Written by Mary Salatino
Passing the New York driving test requires more than just knowing the rules of the road — you also need to avoid key mistakes that could lead to an automatic failure. Many test-takers fail due to simple, avoidable errors.
Understanding these common mistakes and practicing safe driving habits can increase your chances of passing the NY road test and earning your driver’s license on your first try.
Here are the most common reasons for automatic fails on test day and how to avoid them.
Instant Disqualification Mistakes to Avoid
Making even one major mistake during your NY driving test can result in an automatic fail. Whether you're driving a manual or automatic transmission, understanding these common errors — and how to avoid them — can help you pass on the first try.
Rolling Stops
One of the most frequent reasons for failure is not coming to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights. A “rolling stop” means slowing down without fully stopping, which is a traffic violation.
How to avoid this mistake:
- When stopping, ensure your car comes to a complete halt.
- Count “one Mississippi” before proceeding.
- Check for pedestrians and other vehicles before moving forward.
Failing to Yield Right of Way
Ignoring right-of-way rules can result in immediate failure because it puts you and others at risk.
Common situations include:
- Not yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Failing to let other vehicles go at uncontrolled intersections.
- Ignoring yield signs when merging onto highways.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Always slow down and assess the situation before proceeding.
- If you’re unsure, let the other driver or pedestrian go first.
Speeding or Driving Too Slowly
We all know that moving too quickly is a violation. But did you know that moving too slowly is also an offense? Both disrupt traffic flow and can result in an automatic fail on your test.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Follow posted speed limits.
- Adjust your speed based on road and weather conditions.
- Stay within 5 mph of the speed limit unless conditions — such as snow or rain — require a slower pace.
Improper Lane Changes
Switching lanes without checking blind spots or signaling is a serious safety issue and a leading cause of collisions.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
- Always use your turn signal at least five seconds in advance.
- Change lanes smoothly without abrupt movements.
Failure to Observe Traffic Signs and Signals
Ignoring traffic signs, such as stop signs, no-turn signs or school zones, can result in a failing grade.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Always scan for signs while driving.
- Read the sign aloud to stay focused.
- Slow down in areas where signs indicate special conditions (e.g., school zones or construction zones).
- Learn the difference between No Stopping, No Standing and No Parking signs to avoid improper stops or parking violations.
Not Checking Mirrors and Blind Spots
Failing to check your mirrors or blind spots can be dangerous, especially when merging or changing lanes.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Check your mirrors frequently, especially before turns, lane changes and stops.
- Turn your head to check blind spots before merging or switching lanes.
Poor Steering Control
Excessive steering corrections or improper hand placement can make you a dangerously unpredictable hazard for other motorists.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Keep your hands at 9 and 3 o’clock.
- Avoid one-handed steering except when backing up.
- Steer with smooth, controlled movements.
Improper Turns (Wide or Sharp Turns)
Turning too widely or too sharply can cause you to drift into the wrong lane — a serious mistake that can result in a collision.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Slow down before the turn and accelerate gently while exiting.
- Stay within your lane throughout the turn.
- Follow lane markings to guide your positioning.
Parallel Parking Mistakes
Parallel parking is one of the most challenging parts of the test. Critical errors like hitting the curb or parking too far from it can leave your vehicle in a vulnerable position.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Practice in different conditions before the test.
- Use reference points, like the back of the driver’s seat, to gauge when to turn the wheel.
- Take your time and adjust if necessary.
Failure to Use Turn Signals
Not using turn signals when required is dangerous because it doesn’t give other motorists enough time to respond to your maneuvers.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Signal at least 100 feet before a turn or lane change.
- Make sure the signal turns off after the maneuver.
Not Stopping for Pedestrians
Ignoring pedestrians at crosswalks, especially in urban areas, is a serious violation.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Always scan for pedestrians when approaching crosswalks.
- Yield even if they haven’t fully stepped into the street yet.
Unsafe Following Distance (Tailgating)
Following too closely increases the risk of rear-end collisions and is a common reason for failing.
How to avoid this mistake:
Use the “three-second rule” to maintain a safe following distance. Pick a fixed point on the road, and when the car ahead passes it, count “one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three.” If you reach the point before finishing, you're too close and should increase your distance.
Increase your distance in poor weather conditions.
Failing to Follow Examiner’s Instructions
Pay close attention to what your driving instructor says. Not listening to the examiner’s directions can lead to critical mistakes.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Listen carefully to each instruction.
- If you don’t understand, ask for clarification.
- Stay calm and focused on the road.
How to Prepare for Your NY Driving Test
Preparing properly can help you avoid common mistakes and feel more confident on test day.
- Take a practice test: Simulate the road test experience with a licensed driver acting as your examiner.
- Familiarize yourself with the testing environment: While exact routes vary, practicing in areas near your NYS DMV testing site can familiarize you with the kinds of traffic, roads and conditions you may encounter.
- Get comfortable with parallel parking: This is one of the most failed portions of the test.
- Review the New York State Driver’s Manual: Understanding road signs, signals and traffic laws will help reinforce safe driving habits.
- Get plenty of rest before test day: Being alert and focused will help you react quickly to road conditions and examiner instructions.
How Driver’s Ed Can Help You Succeed
In New York, driver’s education is required for new drivers under 18 before taking the road test. A state-approved course teaches key defensive driving techniques, such as how to anticipate hazards, react quickly and make safe decisions behind the wheel.
Additionally, new drivers of all ages must complete a state-approved 5-Hour Pre-Licensing course, which will help you improve your awareness, follow traffic laws and maintain safe distances — all of which help you avoid mistakes that can lead to an instant disqualification.
For added convenience, these courses are available online. Complete them at your own pace from the comfort of your home to ensure you're ready for the road test.
How Understanding Driverless Technology Can Make You a Safer Driver
Driverless cars are transforming transportation with automatic systems that enhance safety and efficiency. Understanding how they work not only deepens your knowledge of auto innovation but also helps you pass your NY driving test by reinforcing essential road rules and safety concepts.
By integrating real-time data with automated systems, these vehicles improve hazard awareness, making your driving experience safer and more reliable. Whether you're a seasoned driver or just starting out, staying informed about new technology makes sure that you don’t get left behind.
Learning about these innovations strengthens your road awareness and confidence, ensuring you are prepared for any driving scenario. Don’t fail to keep up — embrace driverless technology as a gateway to safer and smarter driving.
For even greater road knowledge and the confidence to pass any NY test, check out the New York Safety Council’s online driving courses today.
Enroll in a New York Safety Council Driver’s Ed Course Today
Don’t let automatic fails keep you from getting your license! Enroll in our driver’s education course to get the expert instruction you need to pass your driving test in New York.
Our course covers everything from right-of-way rules to parallel parking and defensive driving techniques, ensuring you have the driving skills needed for test day.
Experience a curriculum built on robust data that makes sure you meet compliance requirements. This course will teach you the safety skills required for any driving event, helping you pass and become a licensed motorist.
Sign up today and take the first step toward becoming a safe, licensed driver in New York.