Denied driving test

Tisoy

Hi all, I've just been denied my driving test as one of my brake lights wasn't working. It was so sad that I lose my fee, €85 is huge! I checked the indicator lights, they're excellent. I don't know why I forgot the brake lights. The issue is, both the middle brake light and the right brake light are working. Shouldn't I be given a chance for that? I thought I could use hand signals. It's my fault, I know. Has someone in here experienced this?

travelledpengy

There really strict, it's like there looking fir an excuse not to test you! everything needs to be in order, no exceptions!

Tisoy

Thank you for the reply,appreciate it!

The blame was on me. It was written on the booklet that I should ensure everything is in order prior to the test. But I would have loved a second chance. My mind was all focused on the driving itself. It's unbelievable that the brake light which was working before failed me on my d-day!

travelledpengy

bad luck, my brother realised his provisional was out of date by a day on the day of his test a few years back, it's a really 'by the book' thing!

Wishbone Ash

I'm sorry about your situation but t's nothing to do with strictness or "by the book". A Government agency can't be expected to conduct driving tests in vehicles which do not not meet basic legal requirements for use a public road. To do so would undermine their credibility and the rules are consistent for all. It happens to lots of people. My wife turned up with an untaxed car!

Tisoy wrote: »

? I thought I could use hand signals

If a pedestrian steps out in front of you during the test you would have time to roll down the window and stick your arm out to indicate that you are going to brake? :eek:

Boom_Bap

is there a hand signal for breaking?

**Timbuk2**

Boom_Bap wrote: »

is there a hand signal for breaking?

Yes, right arm out the window, palm parallel to road surface, waving extended arm slowly up and down, but as Wishbone Ash has said, it's not a suitable alternative to brakelights!

brian076

Up until recently they'd conduct the test if any 2 out of the 3 bake lights were working, but they changed it a few months ago and now both left and right have to work. If the centre one is broken it doesn't matter.

starlit

It would be as strict as taking your car for the NCT everything needs to be in order and be road worthy even if its a small thing like brake lights!

Maybe write out a check list op to be sure everything is sorted. Maybe get your car serviced to be sure its working to a tee.

Best of luck with your next test.

Wishbone Ash

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

Yes, right arm out the window, palm parallel to road surface, waving extended arm slowly up and down, but as Wishbone Ash has said, it's not a suitable alternative to brakelights!

It used to be a common signal years ago for bicycles and agricultural vehicles towing large loads which tended to block lights. It seems to have fallen into disuse in recent years as well as the left turn hand signal (extended arm turning anti-clockwise from drivers side window).

brian076 wrote: »

If the centre one is broken it doesn't matter.

Presumably because a centre brake light isn't a legal requirement.

doovdela wrote: »

It would be as strict as taking your car for the NCT

The NCT test would be stricter. For example, foglights are not a legal requirement here but if they are fitted to your vehicle, they must be alligned correctly to pass.

It is a good idea to carry a few spare bulbs just in case a light goes on the way to the test (or even for general driving - a requirement in many countries).

travelledpengy

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I'm sorry about your situation but t's nothing to do with strictness or "by the book". A Government agency can't be expected to conduct driving tests in vehicles which do not not meet basic legal requirements for use a public road. To do so would undermine their credibility and the rules are consistent for all.

That is basically 'by the book'

K4t

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7llLFbV97bs

I wonder if McBain has his full license..

Del2005

They should have given you the opportunity to fix it. Which is a reason why you should carry spares, but it should be mandatory.

When I was doing the D test the front left indicator wasn't working. The tester said we had 5 min to get it sorted or else it was a forfeit. There where spare bulbs on the bus but no correct screwdriver, managed to get it changed in time with a the use of a Swiss card:D

MangoLime

your vehicle has to be what they call "roadworthy". Lights can blow at any time, you just had bad luck sucks, but it's your voice against the RSA's. No choice really but to apply for another test.