Automatic Fail: 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your Manitoba Road Test

You've put in the practice hours, you know the rules of the road, and your MPI road test appointment is finally here. While you're focused on performing every maneuver perfectly, it's just as important to know which specific mistakes can result in an immediate end to your test.

MPI driver examiners are trained to identify "critical errors"—mistakes that demonstrate a significant lack of skill or a disregard for safety. If you commit one of these, you will automatically fail, regardless of how well you performed on the rest of the test. By understanding these common pitfalls, you can be extra mindful and significantly boost your chances of success.

Here are the seven most common mistakes that can lead to an automatic fail on your Manitoba road test.

Mistake #1: Failing to Scan at Uncontrolled Intersections

This is one of the most common and dangerous errors. Uncontrolled intersections (those without stop signs or traffic lights) require active decision-making.

The Error: Proceeding through an uncontrolled intersection without slowing down and without turning your head to look left and right. The examiner must see you actively scanning for cross-traffic. Another critical error is failing to yield to the vehicle on the right when you are required to.
How to Avoid It: As you approach any uncontrolled intersection, slow down and cover your brake. Make a clear, deliberate head movement to scan left, then right. Be prepared to yield if necessary. Never assume it's clear.

Mistake #2: Speeding, Especially in a School Zone

This is a straightforward violation and an easy way to fail. Examiners have zero tolerance for exceeding the speed limit.

The Error: Driving faster than the posted speed limit. This is particularly critical in school zones, where the limit is 30 km/h during specified times.
How to Avoid It: Constantly be aware of your speed by checking your speedometer. When you see a school zone sign, slow down before you enter the zone. A single kilometre over the limit can be enough to fail you.

Mistake #3: Missing Shoulder Checks

Relying only on your mirrors is not enough and is a major red flag for examiners. This is a fundamental safety habit.

The Error: Failing to look over your shoulder into your blind spot before making any lateral movement. This includes changing lanes, merging, turning, or pulling away from the curb.
How to Avoid It: Make it an unbreakable habit. Every time you plan to move sideways, it's a three-step process: Check your mirrors, signal your intention, and then turn your head for a shoulder check. The examiner needs to see your head physically move.

Mistake #4: Making an Incomplete Stop (A "Rolling Stop")

A stop sign means a complete cessation of movement.

The Error: Not bringing your vehicle to a full and complete stop before the white stop line (or before the crosswalk/edge of the road if there's no line). If your wheels are still moving, even slightly, it is considered running the stop sign.
How to Avoid It: Be deliberate. Press the brake pedal firmly until the vehicle is completely still. For a count of one, feel the vehicle settle. Then proceed when safe.

Mistake #5: Unsafe Left Turns

Left turns require you to judge gaps in oncoming traffic, making them a high-stakes maneuver.

The Error: Turning in front of an oncoming vehicle that is too close, forcing them to brake or swerve. Another common error is turning into the wrong lane (e.g., turning into the curb lane instead of the lane closest to the centre line on a multi-lane road).
How to Avoid It: Be patient. It is better to wait for an undeniably safe gap than to risk it. While waiting to turn, keep your front wheels pointing straight ahead. When you do turn, follow the curve of the intersection into the correct corresponding lane.

Mistake #6: Poor Vehicle Control (Hitting the Curb)

The examiner needs to see that you are in full control of the vehicle's position on the road.

The Error: During a maneuver, particularly parallel parking or a three-point turn, striking the curb with your tires with significant force. A light touch might only lose you points, but a hard bump or climbing the curb is an automatic fail.
How to Avoid It: Practice, practice, practice. Get comfortable with the dimensions of your vehicle. During parking maneuvers, use your mirrors effectively and go slowly. Slow speed gives you time to correct your steering.

Mistake #7: Any Action That Forces Examiner Intervention

If the examiner has to do or say something to prevent an accident, your test is over immediately.

The Error: The examiner gives a loud verbal warning (like "Stop!" or "Watch out for that car!") or, in a true emergency, grabs the steering wheel or gestures for you to brake.
How to Avoid It: This is the ultimate consequence of another dangerous action. By driving defensively, maintaining constant observation, and following the rules of the road, you will prevent any situation where an examiner would feel the need to intervene.

Passing your road test is about demonstrating consistent safety and control. By being acutely aware of these critical errors, you can show the examiner that you are a responsible driver ready for the next stage of licensing.