What is it rains on the test

Emperor Tomato Ketchup

As it seems pretty likely tomorrow in Dublin. Rain seems to make people driver really badly. When I was out practicing last night I encountered some of the worst driving I've seen all year.

So as a rule should you drive a bit more slowly or just go with whatever the other traffic is doing (subject to the speed limit obviously). Leaving a greater distance between you and the vehicle in front seems like standard advice in rain and that may mean going slower but is there a risk of lack of progress?

Doing manouveres, esp reverse was harder as the side windows weren't clear.

But the biggest worry with rain is my rear windscreen wiper stopped working. It had been repaired a month ago by tightening the main nut but the hyundai supplier said if it needed to be replaced would take 10 days to order a new one. So I'm worried that if it can't be easily repaired it won't work. The RSA pre-test checklist doesn't actually mention the wipers but does mention the windscreen being clear. So I can imagine me being refused the test. I suppose I could hire a school car but that'd probably cost nearly as much as the test and I wouldn't be familair with it. So fingers crossed.

Blisterman

I passed my test first time around during what I can only describe as a monsoon!

But I can imagine they wouldn't let you take the test if the wipers aren't working.

Edit: And if you do take the test don't go too slow. I was one error away from failing due to driving too slowly.

Emperor Tomato Ketchup

Blisterman wrote: »

I passed my test first time around during what I can only describe as a monsoon!

But I can imagine they wouldn't let you take the test if the wipers aren't working.

Front wipers are definitly essential but I was wondering how standard back wipers are? I remember at some point them being a novelty on my parents new car in the 80s. Though even if they are not legally required and some cars don't have them if they are present but not working I'd probably be refused as "the cars safety equipment is faulty".

Do you think you drove differently because of the rain? I suppose it counts as a "hazard" and means a little more cution.

stargazer 68

I took my test in the pouring rain too. One tip my instructor gave was to make sure you put your demisters on (whatever they are called :rolleyes:) to clear the inside of the windows.

On my pre test with him he pointed to a car in front and said she was doing her test and the guy was going to make her do the reverse around the corner bit. He did and she couldnt see out the back window as she hadnt 'demisted' them!!

Emperor Tomato Ketchup

Dovies wrote: »

I took my test in the pouring rain too. One tip my instructor gave was to make sure you put your demisters on (whatever they are called :rolleyes:) to clear the inside of the windows.

On my pre test with him he pointed to a car in front and said she was doing her test and the guy was going to make her do the reverse around the corner bit. He did and she couldnt see out the back window as she hadnt 'demisted' them!!

You are definitly right about them. After last night I reckoned running them for a good while beforehand will be essential. Even though I find the warm air dry and unpleasant I think I'll just have to deal with it.

The problem of the rear side window being covered in rain remains. I use that a bit to line up when to start turning when doing a reverse corner as obviously the rear window looks straight back.

Gulliver

Don't worry about the other drivers either. If something does happen and the tester is fair, s/he'll judge your reaction to whatever hazard rainy-day-nutcase-drivers can throw at you.

As Dovies said, use demisters, but have them on well before you arrive for maximum clearance. Wipe the rain off your wing mirrors before taking off (or on the way into the centre, if you prefer).

murphhy

Well not all cars have rear wipers so it shouldn't be a reason to not let you do the test.

And if you cant drive aswel in the rain as in the dry you dont deserve to pass....thats just my opinion

Emperor Tomato Ketchup

murphhy wrote: »

Well not all cars have rear wipers so it shouldn't be a reason to not let you do the test.

And if you cant drive aswel in the rain as in the dry you dont deserve to pass....thats just my opinion

In this country driving in the rain is definitly a nessecary skill.

I don't have any particular problem with it and i'm not thinking there should be special dispensation I'm just wondering about the specifics of the test.

Emperor Tomato Ketchup

The missus was just on the phone. Some mechanic redid it so it covers about 80% of the rear window is centred (was doing about 50% on pasenger side last night). Reckoned it needs replacing but ti should get me through tomorrow anyway.