Will I Fail My Driving Test for Hitting the Kerb?
Not automatically. The outcome depends on what happened, how much control was lost, whether you recovered safely and whether another road user was put at risk.
One moment does not always decide the test
Many learners feel a wheel touch the kerb and immediately assume the test is over. That panic can cause the next mistake. Keep the car controlled, check your surroundings, correct the position safely and continue driving normally.
Touching, striking and mounting are not equal
No website can guarantee the mark from one detail alone. Context, control and risk matter.
Light contact
A gentle brush at very low speed, followed by a calm and safe correction, may be treated very differently from a loss of control.
Forceful strike
A hard impact can show poor judgement of distance, steering or speed—especially if the car rebounds or control is disrupted.
Mounting the kerb
Driving onto the kerb can create serious risk to pedestrians, damage the vehicle or demonstrate a significant loss of control.
Four kerb-contact situations
Understanding why it happened is more useful than simply trying to “stay farther away.”
1Reverse around a corner
Looking too long in one direction, steering late or failing to pause and reassess can allow the rear wheel to close in on the kerb.
2Pulling in to stop
Turning sharply towards the kerb or judging the bonnet rather than the vehicle’s position can result in a front-wheel touch.
3Left turns
Turning too early can cause the rear wheel to cut the corner. Give the vehicle enough space before completing the turn.
4Narrow roads
Fixating on an oncoming vehicle can draw you towards the kerb. Reduce speed, keep scanning and maintain a safe position.
A better kerb-control routine
Slow first
Give yourself time. Steering accuracy deteriorates when the car is moving too quickly for the situation.
Look around
Use mirrors and all-round observation. Do not stare continuously at the kerb or one reference point.
Use small inputs
Make measured steering corrections and allow the vehicle time to respond before adding more.
Pause if needed
During a manoeuvre, stopping safely to reassess is better than continuing when the position is clearly wrong.
Worried about manoeuvres before your test?
A focused pre-test lesson can identify whether the issue is steering, speed, observation or reference points—and fix the real cause.
Do not decide that you have failed
You do not know how the examiner has assessed the incident. Mentally ending the test can turn one possible fault into several definite ones.
Your immediate response
- Keep control and avoid a sudden overcorrection.
- Stop if continuing would be unsafe.
- Check mirrors and surroundings before repositioning.
- Move away from the kerb smoothly and safely.
- Continue the test without apologising repeatedly or asking the examiner for your result.
Kerb contact FAQ
Is touching the kerb an automatic fail?
No. A minor touch does not automatically mean an unsuccessful result. The examiner considers the circumstances, level of control, observation and risk created.
What if I mount the kerb?
Mounting the kerb is more serious because it may demonstrate loss of control and may endanger pedestrians or damage the vehicle. The final assessment still depends on the full circumstances.
Can I correct my position during a manoeuvre?
Yes. A safe correction is usually better than continuing with a poor position. Maintain observation, move slowly and avoid repeated uncontrolled attempts.
Should I ask the examiner if I failed?
No. Keep concentrating on safe driving. The result and explanation will be given after the test.
How close should I be when pulling in?
You should finish reasonably close and parallel without striking the kerb. The exact safe position depends on the road, available space and surrounding hazards.
Related driving test guides
Fix the cause—not just the kerb contact
Book a focused lesson with Tony and work on vehicle position, observation, steering control and the decisions that matter on your driving test.