Theory Test Failure without even sitting the exam

Funfair

I booked my son in for a theory Test last week online with Prometric for today at 2pm. After booking I noticed I made a mistake with his PPS number, put in my wife’s number instead of my son. No problem I thought, my son can tell them before he sits the exam and give them the correct PPS number.

After spending the last few weeks studying and as nervous as hell he goes to the test centre at 1.40pm and explained that his oul fella made a mistake with his PPS number and proceeded to give them the correct number but NO this is like crime of the Century his number can’t be changed and the test is an automatic FAIL. The lady said it’s the same as arriving at the Driving test centre without your L Plates

So he lost his €36.30 and was not allowed to sit the test I had to reschedule another test for Saturday what a load of bull Sh*T
This is after leaving a bad taste in my mouth how can they justify taking €36.30 for a service they didn’t provide over a simple error?

Anyone any ideas about how to claim the money back or do I have to take this crap red tape on the chin?

Gumbo

Funfair wrote: »

Anyone any ideas about how to claim the money back or do I have to take this crap red tape on the chin?

i dont think its crap red tape to be honest. its a simple human mistake, but unfortunely (sp) in this case. one that will cost you.

if i did indeed turn up for a driving test with no L plates, i cant simply shoot down to the motor factors and pick up a set during the test, its a fail full stop.

government proceedure and its there to protect personal data and personal identity and cannot be avoided imho.

we learn from mistakes and all that......

Paulw

You're blaming them for your own mistake?

Once you realised that you had entered the wrong PPS number, why did you not contact them and inform them of your error? This would have saved all the hassle, as you could have re-applied right away.

Mr Benevolent

It's your fault OP, can't blame them for your error.

Aln_S

Good old Motors Forum. Where would you be without the high horse replies and mods thanking them!

FFS people... it's only a minor mistake in a PPS number. Where has common sense gone to?

Funfair

Sorry I asked... forgot boards is full of useless civil servants who justify this sort of crap… If you had a real job you might understand how customer service should work..

Andre80Johnson

That's tough for the young lad. Hope he can still be prepared for the next one.

E39MSport

Like Father like son?

If your kid went in with an attitude like you're displaying in your last post then there was going to be only one outcome.

Atomic Pineapple

Aln_S wrote: »

Good old Motors Forum. Where would you be without the high horse replies and mods thanking them!

FFS people... it's only a minor mistake in a PPS number. Where has common sense gone to?

Its the lack of common sense on behalf of the OP that created the situation, anyone with some would have contacted the theory test crowd and informed them of the mistake and they would have taken care of it then.

Funfair wrote: »

Sorry I asked... forgot boards is full of useless civil servants who justify this sort of crap… If you had a real job you might understand how customer service should work..

How can you expect any customer service when you never rang them to inform them of the mistake?

Brenireland

Funfair wrote: »

Sorry I asked... forgot boards is full of useless civil servants who justify this sort of crap… If you had a real job you might understand how customer service should work..

some load of **** down 36Euro over a simple/Fixable mistake,joke.

davehey79

pretty crappy thing to happen alright but trying to explain on the day seems to have been a bit late to change it why not have rang them after it happened or emailed to sort it out ??

Brenireland

davehey79 wrote: »

pretty crappy thing to happen alright but trying to explain on the day seems to have been a bit late to change it why not have rang them after it happened or emailed to sort it out ??

yeah good point,but for **** sake.

davehey79

i know but not really the fella/lady in the test centres fault he/she probly doesnt have the means/authority to change something like that there and then. i can still understand the frustration though.

Aln_S

davehey79 wrote: »

pretty crappy thing to happen alright but trying to explain on the day seems to have been a bit late to change it why not have rang them after it happened or emailed to sort it out ??

Fair enough, but how hard is it for some a.hole of a jobsworth to change 8 digits of a PPS Number?

Paulw

Aln_S wrote: »

Fair enough, but how hard is it for some a.hole of a jobsworth to change 8 digits of a PPS Number?

Hard when it's a pre-printed form, with the PPS number already on the page.

It's not like they just write everything in on the spot.

The OP should have had the cop on to phone in his error as soon as he realised, rather than leaving it to his son on the day. A quick call at the time would probably have corrected the problem, and saved us all from his rant here.

Brenireland

for **** sake these things reck my craic

Aln_S

Paulw wrote: »

Hard when it's a pre-printed form, with the PPS number already on the page.

It's not like they just write everything in on the spot.

The OP should have had the cop on to phone in his error as soon as he realised, rather than leaving it to his son on the day. A quick call at the time would probably have corrected the problem, and saved us all from his rant here.

Ok, maybe so but you would get the distinct feeling that they wouldn't have changed it even if they could.

What annoyed me was that everyone decided to flame the OP and jump on their high horses.

Greenmachine

This situation could have been totally avoided if the Op had just made contact as soon as the mistake was noticed. Seems a little unfair to be blaming the theory testing crowd when the op sat back and down nothing to correct the error. Assuming everything would be alright on the day, and then getting mad when the problem could not be rectified. Yeah it's a pain in the ass but when people refuse to take any kind of responsibility these things happen.

Brenireland

Greenmachine wrote: »

This situation could have been totally avoided if the Op had just made contact as soon as the mistake was noticed. Seems a little unfair to be blaming the theory testing crowd when the op sat back and down nothing to correct the error. Assuming everything would be alright on the day, and then getting mad when the problem could not be rectified. Yeah it's a pain in the ass but when people refuse to take any kind of responsibility these things happen.

that's correct but for **** sake that would reck the buzz

Mr. Presentable

Aln_S wrote: »

Good old Motors Forum. Where would you be without the high horse replies and mods thanking them!

FFS people... it's only a minor mistake in a PPS number. Where has common sense gone to?

It's not minor. This is where identity theft can happen. Personation. OP made a mistake and had to pay for it. Lesson learned. Not someone else's fault.

Atomic Pineapple

Aln_S wrote: »

Ok, maybe so but you would get the distinct feeling that they wouldn't have changed it even if they could.

No because if the OP had rang they would have changed it or canceled that booking and re-booked a new one, when it was possible to do so, so if they could, they would have.

Stheno

OSI wrote: »

I doubt that the testers on the day have the ability to change personal details, this would be stop potential fraud/bribery etc...

I'd say fraud/identity theft had something to do with it, with a name, a birth cert and PPS number you can then get a learner permit, which you can then use to open a bank account/claim benefits etc. If they checked the wrong PPS against any other national database they'd have a non person

Looks like they've cracked down on it since Oct 1st last:

From

Identification Requirements

With effect from 1st October 2010 you must bring ONE form of acceptable proof of identification from the list below with you, PLUS Two Passport Type Photographs that conform to the standards detailed below.

Identification Documents:



Category A and Category B Candidates:

The following are acceptable:

* passport
* a national ID card issued by : Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden or Switzerland
* an employee or student identity card
* a Garda National Age Card
* a Convention travel document with the name and photo of the holder
* a bank or Savings Bank book
* a cheque book
* a cheque card
* a credit card
* a credit union membership card
* a book issued for payment of social welfare allowances, benefits or pensions, a free travel card or a signing on card by the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs
* a medical card issued in the State
* a birth certificate
* a marriage certificate
* an Immigration Certificate of Registration issued by the GNIB

Funfair

draffodx wrote: »

Its the lack of common sense on behalf of the OP that created the situation, anyone with some would have contacted the theory test crowd and informed them of the mistake and they would have taken care of it then.



How can you expect any customer service when you never rang them to inform them of the mistake?

You can't make changes with online bookings within 7 days of your test.. as I booked it last Tuesday that left 6 days so I said no point in contacting them online, I told the son just explain to the person and show him how I made the mistake by bringing the drugs payment scheme card ( credit card type) I got the number off.. where it had his name on it and the Wife's number in bold (for some reason)but his number was in smaller font on the end of the card that looked like a serial number rather then a pps number.

28064212

Funfair wrote: »

You can't make changes with online bookings within 7 days of your test.. as I booked it last Tuesday that left 6 days so I said no point in contacting them online, I told the son just explain to the person and show him how I made the mistake by bringing the drugs payment scheme card ( credit card type) I got the number off.. where it had his name on it and the Wife's number in bold (for some reason)but his number was in smaller font on the end of the card that looked like a serial number rather then a pps number.

So you thought 20 minutes time would be sufficient, but 6 days wouldn't?

Aln_S

Mr. Presentable wrote: »

It's not minor. This is where identity theft can happen. Personation. OP made a mistake and had to pay for it. Lesson learned. Not someone else's fault.

How the hell can identity theft happen when he had proof of his identity and correct PPS number with him?

Funfair

draffodx wrote: »

No because if the OP had rang they would have changed it or canceled that booking and re-booked a new one, when it was possible to do so, so if they could, they would have.

you obviously never had to do a theory test... if you cancel/amend/adjust within 7 days of the test you lose your money I booked 6 days before the test and was left with no options to do anything other then admit the mistake before the exam...

Eoin

<high horse>
Moved to "learning to drive" forum
</high horse>

Mr. Presentable

Aln_S wrote: »

How the hell can identity theft happen when he had proof of his identity and correct PPS number with him?

Basically the person for whom the appointment was made (pps aaaaaaaa) did not turn up, but another person (pps bbbbbbb) did and wanted to take the appointment and use the other details on the form. The details are not just on the sheet of paper.

Funfair

28064212 wrote: »

So you thought 20 minutes time would be sufficient, but 6 days wouldn't?

No I thought I would be dealing with a person and not a machine... Fair enough don't allow the test but why take the payment?

Its not the 30 odd quid its the principle of the matter..

Kensington

Funfair wrote: »

Sorry I asked... forgot boards is full of useless civil servants who justify this sort of crap… If you had a real job you might understand how customer service should work..

If you think losing €36 over something entirely your own fault due to it being entirely your own mistake is bad, then for god's sake don't make a mistake if you ever go to book a Ryanair or Aer Lingus flight, you won't be let fly. And if you think losing €36 over making a mistake when booking is bad, it'll be pocket change compared to what they'd charge to change your flight booking...

Funfair

E39MSport wrote: »

Like Father like son?

If your kid went in with an attitude like you're displaying in your last post then there was going to be only one outcome.

Attitude?

Your trying to read something that is not there...

28064212

Funfair wrote: »

No I thought I would be dealing with a person and not a machine... Fair enough don't allow the test but why take the payment?

Its not the 30 odd quid its the principle of the matter..

No-one suggested dealing with a machine, why didn't you ring them?

Funfair

Kensington wrote: »

If you think losing €36 over something entirely your own fault due to it being entirely your own mistake is bad, then for god's sake don't make a mistake if you ever go to book a Ryanair or Aer Lingus flight, you won't be let fly. And if you think losing €36 over making a mistake when booking is bad, it'll be pocket change compared to what they'd charge to change your flight booking...

Some day.. I'd love a go off that O'Leary cnut

Fighting Irish

Aln_S wrote: »

Good old Motors Forum. Where would you be without the high horse replies and mods thanking them!

FFS people... it's only a minor mistake in a PPS number. Where has common sense gone to?

So what's the cut off for these "minor" mistakes?

It's a simple thing, either do it properly or deal with the consequences!

BanzaiBk

Similar thing happened to my brother. Booked test but used my mother's PPS number. Rang them the day before the test (he only noticed it then :rolleyes:) and they amended it.

Funfair

BanzaiBk wrote: »

Similar thing happened to my brother. Booked test but used my mother's PPS number. Rang them the day before the test (he only noticed it then :rolleyes:) and they amended it.

You booked by phone then ? because the lady told me when you book online you can't ammend and it was all the same if I rang.

I think they use some International web company that handles the online bookings..

January

The reason they didn't refund the money was because the appointment slot could not have been rebooked and they lost out on money because of it.

Funfair

January wrote: »

The reason they didn't refund the money was because the appointment slot could not have been rebooked and they lost out on money because of it.

How? This is not concert tickets we're talking about, this is something you have to have, you don't sell today you sell tomorrow, you fail today you have to sit again so they don't lose money that way ever..

J_R

Funfair wrote: »

You can't make changes with online bookings within 7 days of your test.. as I booked it last Tuesday that left 6 days so I said no point in contacting them online,.

Hi,

Sorry, that is incorrect, from Prometric _ New Appointment page

Cancellation/Reschedule Policy
You must cancel or reschedule a booking no later than 3 complete business days prior to the appointment date. An example of this is a booking on a Friday, you would need to contact us by the previous Monday. This can be done online or by contacting our Contact Centre on 1890 606 106 (Lo-call rate) they are open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm.

It was only necessary to cancel immediately, then re-book.

Skuxx

J_R wrote: »

Hi,

Sorry, that is incorrect, from Prometric _ New Appointment page

Cancellation/Reschedule Policy
You must cancel or reschedule a booking no later than 3 complete business days prior to the appointment date. An example of this is a booking on a Friday, you would need to contact us by the previous Monday. This can be done online or by contacting our Contact Centre on 1890 606 106 (Lo-call rate) they are open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm.

It was only necessary to cancel immediately, then re-book.

Haha fu*kin delighted!!

Cavehill Red

Funfair wrote: »

No I thought I would be dealing with a person and not a machine... Fair enough don't allow the test but why take the payment?

Its not the 30 odd quid its the principle of the matter..

Actually, it is the 30 odd quid. That's what the state is all about - taxing the sh!t out of you at every twist and turn.

Remember when roads were free to drive on? When they didn't change speed limits every 100 yards along them with a cop hiding behind a hedge with a speed gun to catch you out? Remember when the theory test was PART of the practical test and not a separate thing you had to shell out separately for?

Those were the halcyon days before the government decided that taxing motorists was a great oul wheeze altogether.

All those on-the-spot fines (where's the appeal or justice in threatening to punish someone MORE for the same offence if they have the audacity to appeal the decision of some Garda?) are a handy earner for the state, along with motor tax, the illegal VRT, some of the highest fuel duty in Europe, etc.

Sorry, didn't mean to rant. But you must understand when it comes to anything to do with motoring, the state has it's hand in your pocket for as much as it can get as often as it can get away with.

This scenario is no different. Sure they could've changed the PPS no. But then they wouldn't get the extra 36 yos from poor muggins having to apply all over again.

stoneill

Sounds like a "computer says no" situation

BanzaiBk

Funfair wrote: »

You booked by phone then ? because the lady told me when you book online you can't ammend and it was all the same if I rang.

I think they use some International web company that handles the online bookings..

He booked it via that prometric website. Tbh I only remember the whole thing because of the panic he had over trying to change it. When he tried to amend it online and couldn't he nearly lost the plot. First he rang the testing centre (Cork county) who told him it wasn't anything to do with them, they just get forwarded the info, so they told him to ring another number. Now as I said he only did this the day before the test, less than 24 hours to the test, and they just amended it for him. There was no canceling and rebooking or anything like that.

Those testing centres are like cattle marts regardless, I work near the one in Penrose Wharf and there is constantly people in and out of the place.

Eoin

Cavehill Red wrote: »

Actually, it is the 30 odd quid. That's what the state is all about - taxing the sh!t out of you at every twist and turn.

Remember when roads were free to drive on? When they didn't change speed limits every 100 yards along them with a cop hiding behind a hedge with a speed gun to catch you out? Remember when the theory test was PART of the practical test and not a separate thing you had to shell out separately for?

Those were the halcyon days before the government decided that taxing motorists was a great oul wheeze altogether.

All those on-the-spot fines (where's the appeal or justice in threatening to punish someone MORE for the same offence if they have the audacity to appeal the decision of some Garda?) are a handy earner for the state, along with motor tax, the illegal VRT, some of the highest fuel duty in Europe, etc.

Sorry, didn't mean to rant. But you must understand when it comes to anything to do with motoring, the state has it's hand in your pocket for as much as it can get as often as it can get away with.

This scenario is no different. Sure they could've changed the PPS no. But then they wouldn't get the extra 36 yos from poor muggins having to apply all over again.

The same good old days when it was perfectly legal to drive on the road unsupervised without having to demonstrate any sort of knowledge of the ROTR whatsoever?

Have they removed the theory test from the main exam itself, or just made learner drivers demonstrate at least some sort of competence before they can control a ton of moving metal?

And VRT is not illegal - please don't start that up here. There's a massive thread in the motors forum for that whole can of worms; you'll see that not one person has been able to back that up with any reputable links.

Funfair

BanzaiBk wrote: »

He booked it via that prometric website. Tbh I only remember the whole thing because of the panic he had over trying to change it. When he tried to amend it online and couldn't he nearly lost the plot. First he rang the testing centre (Cork county) who told him it wasn't anything to do with them, they just get forwarded the info, so they told him to ring another number. Now as I said he only did this the day before the test, less than 24 hours to the test, and they just amended it for him. There was no canceling and rebooking or anything like that.

Those testing centres are like cattle marts regardless, I work near the one in Penrose Wharf and there is constantly people in and out of the place.

Thanks Banzaibk, I noticed you couldn't change by the website too and took it because the Prometric company was an International testing website, I took it you can't actually contact them. I didn't know they had a phone service untill it was pointed out to me yesterday.

Delighted for your brother and hope he passed the test

Funfair

J_R wrote: »

Hi,

Sorry, that is incorrect, from Prometric _ New Appointment page

Cancellation/Reschedule Policy
You must cancel or reschedule a booking no later than 3 complete business days prior to the appointment date. An example of this is a booking on a Friday, you would need to contact us by the previous Monday. This can be done online or by contacting our Contact Centre on 1890 606 106 (Lo-call rate) they are open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm.

It was only necessary to cancel immediately, then re-book.

They actually changed the 5 to a 3 only yesterday (I'm serious) NO joke!! I know this sounds retarded but that read 5 full working days yesterday.

They forgot to change the line under it though where it says.."An example of this is a booking on a Friday, you would need to contact us by the previous Monday" which is 5 days...

Funfair

alan1990 wrote: »

Haha fu*kin delighted!!

Wow!! Another Civil Servant happy to see the working man being screwed for more cash, so he can keep his cushy job..:rolleyes:

cosmic

OP, how old is your son that he could not have booked this himself, thus ruling out the possibility that the wrong PPS number would be entered?

Funfair

17 with no Credit card...

Funfair

Cavehill Red wrote: »

Actually, it is the 30 odd quid. That's what the state is all about - taxing the sh!t out of you at every twist and turn.

Remember when roads were free to drive on? When they didn't change speed limits every 100 yards along them with a cop hiding behind a hedge with a speed gun to catch you out? Remember when the theory test was PART of the practical test and not a separate thing you had to shell out separately for?

Those were the halcyon days before the government decided that taxing motorists was a great oul wheeze altogether.

All those on-the-spot fines (where's the appeal or justice in threatening to punish someone MORE for the same offence if they have the audacity to appeal the decision of some Garda?) are a handy earner for the state, along with motor tax, the illegal VRT, some of the highest fuel duty in Europe, etc.

Sorry, didn't mean to rant. But you must understand when it comes to anything to do with motoring, the state has it's hand in your pocket for as much as it can get as often as it can get away with.

This scenario is no different. Sure they could've changed the PPS no. But then they wouldn't get the extra 36 yos from poor muggins having to apply all over again.

Cavehill red, Excellent Post that should be in the running for Post of the Day..

Skuxx

Funfair wrote: »

Wow!! Another Civil Servant happy to see the working man being screwed for more cash, so he can keep his cushy job..:rolleyes:

Actually no your wrong again! A 20 year old aircraft mechanic apprentice with feck all money so for me loosing the 30 odd quid wood be really felt, I'm certainly no cival servent!! But I do realise that coming on hear bitching about this won't sort out your problem!!

First you say you can't change it within 7 days

Funfair wrote: »

You can't make changes with online bookings within 7 days of your test. as I booked it last Tuesday that left 6 days so I said no point in contacting them online, I told the son just explain to the person and show him how I made the mistake by bringing the drugs payment scheme card ( credit card type) I got the number off.. where it had his name on it and the Wife's number in bold (for some reason)but his number was in smaller font on the end of the card that looked like a serial number rather then a pps number.

Then you say

Funfair wrote: »

They actually changed the 5 to a 3 only yesterday (I'm serious) NO joke!! I know this sounds retarded but that read 5 full working days yesterday.

Either way, if it was a 5 or a 3 yesterday, it shows you made no effort to follow up on your mistake and check how long before the test you are entitled to cancel it, as you thought it was a 7!!

I'm sorry but your attitude stinks, if someone disagrees with your view on the situation you automatically think cival service cúnt out to get the poor working man again!! You filled in the form wrong. You didn't bother to do anything about fixing it. Deal with it!!