Driving Test Examiners

[herbie]

Have failed another test this morning (my 4th) again on speed apparently i go to slow.When driving with hubby and freinds i keep to speed of road but my driving instructer is always telling me to slow down i think he dosent want me to knacker his car he also dosent want to take me on raod were the speed limit is high and seems to spend most of my lesson either on the phone or just chatting so am going to sack him my question is do you think i would be penalised by examiner if i took my next test in my own car? which i am used to and feel confident in? Thanks

[Reverandfunk]

As long as u drive a car which is road worthy there is no problem. The examiner only want you to use theirs because you pay for it lol.


I was always told (rightly or wrongly) to always drive as close to the speed limit as it is safe to do so.

If you dont do 30 on a normal road u'll end up with a massive q behind u lol

[Reverandfunk]

sorry your driving instructor not examiner lol

[McNoodle]

No offence and nothing personal, but seriously, if you've failed 4 times then you shouldn't be allowed to resit the test. Just accept driving isn't for you. You are putting yourself and others at risk.

[Panic Button]

When does your instructor tell you to slow down?

You should make good progress when you can, but slow down sufficiently to safely manoeuvre obstacles and junctions.

Perhaps he means you are bowling up to things too fast?

[zipadeedodah]

Firstly, get rid of him - if he just sits there chatting, and particularly on his mobile phone, he is not worth having. His total concentration should be on you, your driving, and what's going on on the roads.

I had one driving instructor who was absolutely obsessed with his car - he'd yell at me if there was the slightest chance I might brush the hedge etc and would reel off a list of what each part of the car would cost to get fixed. I got rid of his as soon as I could.

You wouldn't get penalised for taking a test in your own car - many people do. It's important you feel happy and confident in what you're driving. If you're only failing on driving too slow, and this is caused by you being nervous in your instructor's car, then have a go in your own.

If there are several other minors that contribute to a fail, or it's doing the wrong speed at the wrong time (such as coming up to junctions etc) then I'd probably find a different instructor to have a few lessons with before you have another test. They may be more aware of small things that you may be doing wrong, and can hopefully help you put them right. Learning to drive can be very frustrating - good luck!

[herbie]

Thanks for all constructive answers im gonna have a go in my car

[kempie]

If you elect to use your own car the examiner will ask you to sign a declaration stating that your insurance is in order.

The vehicle needs an interior mirror for the examiner's use. Other minimum requirements are listed here...

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAn dNewDrivers/PracticalTest/DG_4022543

[trebla113]

You would not be penalised by using your own car. To fail a test you have to make a errors, unless you make the errors you cannot be failed, as examiners cannot invent mistakes you have never made, however undue hesitation and/or driving at an imprper speed are faults.

[Toureman]

You should report your Driving instructer to the police, at least one driving instructer has been given 6 points and a �60 fine for using a mobile phone whilst instructing because he was deemed to be in charge of the car.

[boojp]

McNoodle I know many folk who passed on their fifth attempt and they are excellent drivers. I think only when it gets into double figures one should reassess the situation. Don't bring people down and encourage folk to give up. You should telling her never to give up!
Herbie, you'll get it next time.

[hedgehog661]

Hi I am a driving instructor in fact I train instructors solely now.
Do not give up.
It is ileagal for your instructor to use his mobile when on a lesson
If you are failing on progress then he should be concentrting on that and getting you up to speed after all when you pass your test you should be able to drive competently and safely at 70 if the conditions prevail.

Sack your instructor and tell him you will report him to the police and DSA for his misconduct. Find a new instructor by recomendation or failing that find a driving instructor whi is a Dip,DI (advance qualification)
Good luch with your next test

[McNoodle]

Like I say, nothing personal but if you're still driving 'too slow' etc after 4 attempts and the number of lessons it would take to get there, you're just not getting it and like I also said, are a risk.

[Panic Button]

No McNoodle, more like he should have sacked the instructor earlier and got a decent one.

[boojp]

McNoodie,But there are many people that drive quite well who didn't get it until their fifth attempt. I know it is hard to comprehend but herbie probably is a competent driver but there are few things needing ironed out. I mean, they can fail you on the smallest of things can't they. You don't really know if she is a dangerous driver becuase of the failed tests! It's quite judgmental of you methinks.

[herbie]

I think i should explain my instructer seem to be very nervous about me going faster than about 50 and wont take me on the main dual carrageways and when i insisted i was putting my foot down and nothing seemed to happen he has an automatic c3 so that has made me a little nervous of his car which is why i want to take it in my own 206 which i am confident in and have no problm keeping to the road speeds i know i should have sacked him ages ago but there are not many automatic schools near me thanks for your comments and encouagment

[trevHCS]

Just one thing however - do you really have to learn in an automatic? If it's for medical reasons then fine, but otherwise it's a heck of a restriction on your licence.

Just build your confidence back up with someone better and then go for it. Treat this as the first time.

[herbie]

Yes have got a dodgey knee and cant do clutch which is why i gave up on lessons in my youth,but now i need to drive as have elderly Dad who lives 200 miles away and refuses to move nearer to me.

[McNoodle]

An automatic driver who has failed 4 times? I take on board your critique of my comments - and my names not McNoodie boojp(!) - but please, don't drive around me or my children if someone ever passes you.