(NON) Critical Errors at Regitra: Possible Error Types 2026

Most future drivers fear not the driving itself before the practical exam, but the unknown. Some worry about parking, others about complex intersections or heavy traffic, but the most common question arises: how many mistakes can be made, and which ones mean automatic failure of the exam?

During the practical exam, "Regitra" examiners assess not only whether you can control the car. Equally important is the ability to participate safely in traffic, make appropriate decisions, and follow traffic rules in real situations. For this reason, all mistakes recorded during the exam are categorized, and their significance to the final result is not the same.

In this article, we will discuss the differences between non-critical, specific recurring, and critical mistakes, which are most common during the practical driving exam, and how to prepare so that on exam day you can focus on driving rather than the fear of making mistakes.

What types of mistakes can be recorded during the practical exam?

During the practical exam, the following mistakes can be recorded:

• non-critical (NK) – an action that shows an insufficient level of the examinee's skills but does not pose a threat to any traffic participant or hinder the safe control of the vehicle, i.e., does not create a potentially dangerous situation;

• specific recurring (SPK) – six non-critical mistakes made while performing the same assessed action;

• critical (KK) – an action that shows an inappropriate level of the examinee's skills, abilities, or disrespect, carelessness towards other traffic participants. It can also pose or poses a threat to any traffic participant, can hinder or hinders the safe control of the vehicle, i.e., creates a potentially dangerous situation.

To pass the exam, no more than 8 non-critical mistakes can be made, and no critical or specific recurring mistakes.

To better prepare for the "Regitra" practical exam and avoid mistakes, it is useful to start by strengthening theoretical knowledge. Free KET tests are an excellent way to familiarize yourself with traffic rules and better prepare for the theory exam. This will help gain the confidence needed to successfully pass the practical exam, during which you must demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in real traffic conditions.

What are the driving assessment methods?

During the practical driving exam at "Regitra", various driving nuances and knowledge that must be possessed by the examinee are considered. This includes the application of theoretical knowledge while driving and the ability to drive properly in real traffic conditions.

The knowledge required during the practical exam can be categorized and described as follows:

• pre-drive check questions – just before the practical driving exam, the examiner will ask you 3 questions related to traffic safety and vehicle operation. All possible questions can be found in the Register of Legal Acts.

• general and critical driving mistakes – these are the most strictly assessed mistakes during the exam, as they indicate the future driver's ability to ensure their own and other drivers' safety and to drive according to traffic rules. When assessing critical driving mistakes, aspects such as maintaining a safe distance, adhering to the allowed driving speed, and the ability to independently control the vehicle are considered.

• non-critical and specific recurring driving mistakes. When assessing these mistakes, the driver's ability to choose the appropriate gear in a given situation, properly control the accelerator, and clutch pedal is considered. These types of mistakes do not pose a critical threat on the roads by themselves, but they must still be avoided to ensure maximum safety on the road.

• special driving maneuvers – finally, the driver's ability to properly perform turning maneuvers, move in acceleration and deceleration lanes, and properly park the car at 45-degree, 90-degree angles, and parallel is considered. Special driving maneuvers are the basics of driving, without which it would be impossible or extremely difficult to drive in real traffic.

Non-critical mistakes in the driving exam

During the exam, a maximum of 8 non-critical mistakes can be made. Making the 9th non-critical mistake results in failing the driving exam.

Although at first glance 8 possible mistakes may seem like a lot, one should not relax too much, as even the slightest infraction can be counted as a mistake. Some mistakes can be made simply due to anxiety during the exam, so it is very important to remain vigilant while driving.

What are the most common non-critical driving exam mistakes?

• Failure to demonstrate proper knowledge when locating examiner-specified devices, showing how they work, operate. Not knowing how to check their condition, incorrectly answering theoretical questions about the car. This can be checked before starting to drive. 

• Improperly fastened seatbelt, engine start with the wrong gear selected or restarting it when it is already running.

• Improper clutch control. The candidate releases the clutch pedal too quickly or too slowly when shifting gears, controls it improperly – keeps the clutch pedal pressed without engaging a gear.

• Improper accelerator control. The accelerator pedal is pressed too much or not enough when the clutch is fully depressed or disengaged. The candidate allows the vehicle to move by inertia both when starting and stopping.

• Poor gear selection. An improperly selected gear that does not match the situation. Driving at too high revs when the situation does not require it. Driving in too low or too high a gear when the traffic does not require it. Ideally, one should drive at 50km/h – not lower than 4th gear, 70km/h – not lower than 5th gear.

What are the most common critical mistakes in the exam?

• Mistakes that require the examiner's intervention verbally or physically to avoid a traffic accident or dangerous situation.

• Failure to follow the examiner's instructions. This includes driving in a different direction, prohibited driving actions according to KET.

• Collision, getting into a dangerous situation (for example, hitting/overrunning an obstacle).

• Improper gear selection when it can pose a danger to traffic.

• Improper use of devices or failure to use essential ones, such as not fastening the seatbelt before starting to drive or performing a maneuver.

Tips for easier preparation for the practical exam

• Familiarize yourself with the exam criteria. By thoroughly understanding the "Regitra" practical driving criteria, you will better understand what is expected of you and what to focus on while driving. 

• Choose the right time to take the exam. It is best to choose a time when there is not much traffic in the city, such as early Saturday mornings or during the day on weekdays. Avoid times when everyone is rushing to work or hurrying home after work. During these times, many drivers do not follow the rules.

• Opt for additional drives with an instructor. If you feel uncertain before taking the driving exam at "Regitra", arrange for additional lessons with a driving instructor.

• Practice with family members. If possible, practice driving in safer traffic with a family member. You can do this after passing the theory exam at "Regitra". Try driving with a family member on "Regitra" routes. A family member may not remember the exact exam assessment criteria, but they will help you understand vehicle control on the road. 

By considering all the tips, successfully passing the school driving exam, and feeling confident in your abilities, boldly proceed to take the practical exam at "Regitra"!

Continue reading:

• Most future drivers aim to obtain a category B driving license for passenger cars. What is category B, what is its cost, and more can be read in the article "B, B1, BE categories".

• How to obtain, change a driver's license, and how long is it valid? More about this in the article "Driver's License".

• After obtaining a license, it is useful to know the fines for traffic rule violations. More about this in the entry "Traffic Fines: for Speeding, Driving Without Technical Inspection, etc. 2026".