The bus and bike lanes also proved an issue for those taking the test, he said.
Despite the higher fail rate of first time restricted drivers in Tauranga, he predicted "a better generation of drivers" to be coming through.
"In the statistics we're seeing a change in the demographics."
He put it down to the increase in students taking driving lessons and taking defensive driving courses which had led to improved general driving abilities.
It was people aged in their 40s and 50s who were the "worst" demographic, Mr Spence said.
Experienced drivers also made it hard for those who were sitting their tests.
"What I find from doing lessons, and I've sat in about 14 to 15 tests, a lot of students are caught out by other drivers either over indicating or not indicating through round-abouts."
He found one of the worst driving habits of Tauranga drivers was not knowing how to correctly indicate when confronted with round-abouts, or not bothering to indicate at all.
NZ Transport Agency's national manager Robyn Elston said there were several factors which influenced pass rates, which included the individuals preparedness for the test.
"The most important determining factor for each individual driver's likelihood of passing the test is how much that driver has practised and prepared for the test."
She said the national pass rate for the "more challenging" restricted license practical test had increased from 40 per cent, after its introduction in 2012, to more than 60 per cent.
"The Transport Agency's focus is on quality and consistency in testing (and therefore on ensuring safe drivers), not on pass rates."
VTNZ pointed the Bay of Plenty Times to their website when asked for comment.
Restricted licence fail rates
AA Tauranga
2015 - 46 per cent
2014 - 49 per cent
VTNZ Mount Maunganui
2015 - 33 per cent
2014 - 36 per cent
Full licence fail rates for 2015
AA Tauranga - 32 per cent
VTNZ Mount Maunganui - 29 per cent
For more information of common mistakes, go to:
drive.govt.nz/learn-to-drive/common-restricted-test-mistakes/
drive.govt.nz/learn-to-drive/critical-and-immediate-fail-errors
Don't know what to do at roundabouts? Go to: www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/know-your-way-around-roundabouts/docs/know-your-way-around-roundabouts.pdf