Driving Test Tomorrow & Windscreen Washers Just Broke

Mr.Applepie

Hi,

I have my driving test tomorrow but my windscreen washers have just broken and I wont have time to bring it to a garage. No sound coming from the pump and I can't see a blown fuse.

Is my car still considered to be in road worthy condition or will I have to do my test in a different car?

tba

I don't think they get you to check the wipers, at least not when I did it.

Make sure your windows are clean

cdb

and hope it doesn't rain...

Permabear

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Mr.Applepie

the wipers work fine - it's just the jets that aren't working (stupid peugeots with their stupid electrics!)

Rain would be a good thing as I won't need to wash my screen mid-test then

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

brian076

donegalfella wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

This may not be the case. When the tester sits into the car he'll ask you to demonstrate 3 secondary controls, 1 of which could be your windscreen washers. If they don't work he may not take you out if he deems it could be unsafe. e.g. if the roads on the test route are mucky and the wipers wouldn't be sufficient to clear the window.

Permabear

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timmywex

If you pretended you didnt know how to use that secondary control or didnt know where it was........would you just pick up a fault then and he/she would be none the wiser!?

Burtchaell

I was only asked for the intermediate speed setting for my wipers. He never asked about the washer. Clean your windscreen and you should be fine.

jhegarty

I don't think there is any legal requirement to have window washer jets on a car.

brian076

jhegarty wrote: »

I don't think there is any legal requirement to have window washer jets on a car.

That doesn't mean the tester won't take you out. There's no legal requirement to have airbags on a car but if there's a warning light on, you probably won't be taken out, it's at the testers discretion.
It's certainly worth a gamble to plead ignorance but if you're half way around and suddenly find that you can't see out the window because of spray from a truck there's going to be a problem.
It also depends where the test is conducted. An SGS tester is more likely to let it go, whereas the RSA will be strictly by the book.

personaltrainer

I did my driving test two months ago and when I got into the car the first thing he asked my to do to use the front and back window washer! My car was spotless so wasn't because it was dirty!!

NukaCola

personaltrainer wrote: »

I did my driving test two months ago and when I got into the car the first thing he asked my to do to use the front and back window washer! My car was spotless so wasn't because it was dirty!!

I was also asked to use them and my car was also spotless

ergonomics

OP when I did my first driving test the washers in my car were also broken. Everyone kept telling me it wouldn't matter as the wipers still worked - basically the exact same as you have been advised here. I didn't want to risk it though so I did my test in another car. Got into it for my test and the first thing the tester says is 'Show me how would clean your screen if it was obstructed by dirt'.

You CAN get asked to use the washers and I advise you to try and get insurance on a parents car or start ringing instructors pronto.

fiona-f

In one of my two tests, I was asked that as part of the secondary controls. If there is no other car that you are used to and comfortable to do your test in, then you might as well go ahead with the test and take your chances on not being asked that one.

Are you sure you don't have time for the garage before the test? They can sort things out really quickly sometimes if you explain the situation!

Very very very silly question - have you checked that there's water in the washer thingy?

DRice

fiona-f wrote: »

Are you sure you don't have time for the garage before the test? They can sort things out really quickly sometimes if you explain the situation!

Very very very silly question - have you checked that there's water in the washer thingy?

I was thinking both these points. advance pitstop is open at 8:30 they might sort you out , ring them first thing

Mr.Applepie

It's in the local garage at the moment so if it's a quick fix (here's hoping) I should be ok.

And yes there is water in the tank... if only it were that simple

Edit: I just got a call from the garage "I don't see your problem, the horn is working!" confidence building...

Edit: Washers fixed - now all I need to do is pass my test!

Mr.Applepie

Just passed - woooowww! In the end he didn't ask me about the washers but I did tell him about them before we begun. Glad I managed to get them fixed now as I don't think he would have taken me out if they were broken and he found out. Plus who know how many bad habits I would have picked up if hade to wait another 2 months!

.....performs victory dance!

happyoutscan

Don't think it will be a problem as long as you're windscreen is clean. Best of luck, you'll be grand!:D

tba

Mr.Applepie wrote: »

Just passed - woooowww! In the end he didn't ask me about the washers but I did tell him about them before we begun. Glad I managed to get them fixed now as I don't think he would have taken me out if they were broken and he found out. Plus who know how many bad habits I would have picked up if hade to wait another 2 months!

.....performs victory dance!

well done.

Damomayo

Yeah well done ....... would have sucked to fail on something as stupid as a broken windscreen washer.

SeanW

Congratulations.

toplinestreamli

Re Windscreen washer not working, under section 6, paragraph 3 on the final checks for your driving test, it states (Quote) The windscreen should be clean and free from visual obstructions, including excessive cracks. Your windscreen may be clean before the test, but if it gets dirty during the test, your test may be abandoned for Health and Safety reasons. If you can, you're better getting another car just to be on the safe side....Also, it doesn't matter which centre it is, if the tester can't see out the window, it won't be to your advantage..... Good luck in the test. Remember, the tester had to do their test too and they were probably nervous too so just try and relax....

Burtchaell

Nice!

Posy

Well done Applepie.