Critical vs. Immediate Failure Errors

Critical Errors

A critical error is a serious driving error that does not meet the threshold for an immediate failure error. Critical errors are recorded at any time they occur during either stage of the test, whether or not the applicant was undertaking an assessable task at the time of the error. Most illegal driving actions are classified as critical errors (except errors that endanger any road user, which are classified as immediate failure errors). Critical errors are more important than the errors assessed by task assessment items, so critical errors have a greater influence on the outcome of the test. 

Critical errors include: 

• Too slow 
  
• Mounting a kerb 
  
• Too fast 
  
• Stalling the vehicle 
  
• Failing to look 
  
• Incomplete stop at a Stop sign 
  
• Failing to signal 
  
• Other illegal action 
  
• Blocking a pedestrian crossing 
  

Immediate Failure Errors 

Immediate failure errors are recorded at any time they occur during either stage of the test regardless of whether or not the applicant was undertaking an assessable task at the time of the error. All driving actions resulting in immediate danger to any road user or to property are classified as immediate failure errors and would usually be when the applicant is operating the vehicle carelessly, dangerously or recklessly. Immediate failure errors are the most dangerous errors of all, and result in immediate failure of the test.

Immediate failure errors include: 

• Testing Officer intervention 
  
• Excessive speed 
  
• Failing to carry out an instruction 
  
• Stopping at dangerous position 
  
• Collision 
  
• Failing to stop 
  
• Failing to give way 
  
• Other dangerous action 
  

Are you ready to sit your test?


Check out the test guides in the links below to get up to speed on what you will be assessed on.

• http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/photo/docs/restricted-test-guide.pdf
  
• http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/photo/docs/full-test-guide.pdf