🚗 Will I Fail My Driving Test For Not Checking Blind Spots?
One of the most common questions learners ask is:
“Will I fail if I forget a blind spot check?”
The short answer is:
Yes — but not always.
It depends on when you missed it and whether it created a danger.
Many learners lose marks because they either:
❌ Never check blind spots
❌ Check them too late
❌ Move the car before checking
❌ Perform tiny head movements the examiner cannot clearly see
Understanding when blind spot checks are required can prevent an unnecessary fail.
👀 When Does The Examiner Expect A Blind Spot Check?
During your Irish driving test you should normally check your blind spot before:
✅ Moving off from the kerb
✅ Pulling away after stopping
✅ Leaving a parking space
✅ Changing lanes
✅ Overtaking parked vehicles where appropriate
✅ Merging into traffic
These are situations where another road user could be hidden beside your vehicle.
❌ What Happens If You Forget?
The examiner looks at two things.
Was anyone affected?
If there was no cyclist, pedestrian or vehicle nearby, you may receive a driving fault.
Did your action create danger?
If moving without checking caused another road user to brake, change direction or created a dangerous situation, the fault becomes much more serious and may result in failure.
🚲 Why Blind Spots Matter
Mirrors never show everything.
Small road users can disappear beside your vehicle, including:
🚴 Cyclists
🛴 E-scooters
🚶 Pedestrians
🏍️ Motorcyclists
Another car
A quick shoulder check only takes a second but confirms the area is clear.
❌ Common Mistakes Learners Make
Looking with your eyes only
The examiner needs to clearly see a shoulder check.
Checking after moving
Always check first.
Observe.
Then move.
Checking too quickly
Make the movement deliberate.
A rushed glance can look like no observation at all.
Only checking mirrors
Mirrors are important but they do not replace a blind spot check.
✅ How To Make Your Blind Spot Check Obvious
A good routine is:
🪞 Mirrors
➡️ Signal (if needed)
👀 Shoulder check
🚗 Move smoothly
Keep your head movement natural.
Don’t exaggerate it—but make it visible.
💡 Test Day Tip
If you forget a blind spot check once, don’t panic.
Continue driving normally.
Many learners become distracted after one mistake and make several more.
Stay calm and focus on the next situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one missed blind spot check fail the driving test?
Sometimes. If it creates danger or shows poor observation during an important manoeuvre, it can contribute to a fail.
Do I need a blind spot check every time I signal?
No.
Only when your movement could place you into the path of another road user.
Do I need one before moving off?
Yes.
This is one of the most important blind spot checks in the entire driving test.
Does the RSA expect shoulder checks?
Yes.
Observation is one of the key competencies assessed during the Irish driving test.
Related Guides
Help improve your observation skills with these guides:
➡️ How To Perform A Proper Blind Spot Check (Irish Driving Test Guide 2026)
➡️ Moving Off Safely During The Irish Driving Test
➡️ Observation Faults Explained
➡️ How Examiners Assess Observation During Your Driving Test
🚗 Give Yourself The Best Chance Of Passing
Observation faults are among the easiest to fix once you know exactly what the examiner expects.
At Pretest Driving Lessons, we’ll show you where blind spot checks are required on real Tallaght test routes, help you build the habit naturally, and make sure your observations are clear and confident before test day.
Book your pretest lesson today and turn observation into one of your strongest skills.