NEW data has revealed the most common reasons why learner drivers fail their test in Bradford.

The figures, obtained via a Freedom of Information request, have identified the "dangerous and serious faults" committed by learners during their tests between April 2019 and April 2020.

Use of mirrors for changing direction and observation of the road at junctions were the most common reasons for failing tests in Bradford, where the testing centre is based in Thornbury.

It has also revealed the most common reasons for failed tests at other centres used by drivers in the district in Steeton, Horsforth and Heckmondwike.

The research has been compiled by car sales company Lookers, which said it hopes the research will help learners “brush up” on key elements of driving.

In 2019-2020, the pass rate at Thornbury was 45.9 per cent.

In Bradford, the most common ‘dangerous or serious fault’ noted during driving tests was not checking the wing and rear-view mirrors when changing direction, committed by 645 people.

Second, was poor observation at junctions, committed by 631 drivers. These were by far the most common faults, as in third was a lack of control of steering, with 370 drivers struggling with this.

Also in the top five was control while moving off (350), and response to traffic lights (343).

At Steeton, where the pass rate was 45.6 per cent, the most common faults were observation at junctions (145), checking mirrors when changing direction (139), control when moving off (96), positioning during normal driving (54) and response to signs and road markings (53).

Observation at junctions was the most common fault at Heckmondwike (328) and Horsforth (384). At Heckmondwike, second was judgement (203), and moving off control (189) was third.

For Horsforth, second was using mirrors when changing direction (273) and third was response to traffic lights (240).

West Yorkshire was ranked as the area with the second worst learner drivers, behind only the West Midlands.

A spokesperson for Lookers said: “Passing your driving test is a rite of passage for many of us.

“I think we can all relate to having manoeuvres we hoped wouldn’t come up in our test, the research is a good insight into what learner drivers struggle most with under pressure.

“Hopefully, those looking to take their test this year will be able to brush up on those manoeuvres causing the most issues!”