Short answer:
👉 Not always — but it can cause you to fail depending on the situation
⚠️ What Examiners Look At
During your driving test, examiners are assessing:
- Control of the car
- Awareness
- Safety
👉 Hitting the kerb is seen as a control issue
But whether you fail depends on:
- How hard you hit it
- When it happens
- How you react
🚨 When Hitting the Kerb CAN Cause You To Fail
You are likely to fail if:
- You hit the kerb hard
- You mount the kerb (go up onto it)
- It happens during a manoeuvre (like reverse around the corner or turnabout)
- You show poor control or awareness
👉 This can result in:
- A Grade 3 fault (fail)
✅ When You Might Still Pass
You may still pass if:
- You lightly touch the kerb
- It happens once
- You remain in control
- You continue safely
👉 This may be marked as a minor fault (Grade 2)
❌ Why Kerb Contact Happens
Most learners hit the kerb because of:
- Poor positioning
- Looking too late or not enough
- Rushing manoeuvres
- Lack of steering control
👉 It’s usually not a big issue — but under test pressure, it shows up
🎯 Key Situations Where It Matters Most
Hitting the kerb is more serious during:
- Reverse around the corner
- Turnabout
- Pulling in or moving off
- Tight junctions
👉 These are areas where examiners expect good control and accuracy
🧠 How To Avoid Hitting the Kerb
Simple tips that make a big difference:
- Slow down during manoeuvres
- Look where you want the car to go
- Keep steering smooth and controlled
- Don’t rush — take your time
👉 Control is more important than speed
⚠️ What To Do If It Happens In Your Test
If you hit the kerb:
- Stay calm
- Don’t panic or rush
- Regain control
- Continue safely
👉 One mistake doesn’t fail you
👉 How you react matters more
💬 Real Insight
Many learners think:
“I touched the kerb — that’s it, I’ve failed”
Not true.
👉 People hit the kerb and still pass
The difference is:
- Light contact + control = possible pass
- Poor control + repeat mistakes = fail
🚗 Want To Improve Your Control Before Test Day?
Kerb contact is usually linked to:
- Positioning issues
- Observation timing
- Steering control
👉 These can be fixed quickly with the right guidance
📲 Need Help Before Your Test?
If you’re worried about manoeuvres or control:
- We identify the issue fast
- Show you exactly how to fix it
- Help you drive with confidence and precision
💡 Final Thought
Hitting the kerb doesn’t automatically fail you.
👉 Losing control does
Stay calm, stay in control — and you can still pass.