Driving test failed in Churchtown - unfair!

Fyza Dublin 18

I attempted a third driving test at Churchtown this morning and I was failed. I am obviously very annoyed and not happy with the unfair decision at all. The first time I took the test was more than 2 years ago in Tallaght and I know I was a beginner at the time. I made many mistakes, grade 3 ones and couldn't pass.

The second time, I took 6 or more lessons over a period of 2 months. My instructor was very professional and encouraged me to book my 2nd test as he thought I was ready. So I did buy my nerves got the best of me and towards the end of the test, I made a big blunder, a grade 3 mistake and failed. The tester specifically told me that I hardly had any grade 1 or 2 mistakes and if I hadn't made the big one, he would have passed me. He asked me to book a test asap. I did and luckily got a date in less than a month a half due to a cancellation.

This time the tester was extremely rigid and marked me on things I didn't even know I could possibly do after 3 years of driving on a learners permit in my own car, not even another new car that i wasn't used to. In total, there were 4 grade 1 mistakes, 32 grade 2 mistakes and 3 grade 3 mistakes. I am in shock!

This is a good place to vent out but I came to the forum also to seek advice. Should I appeal for a retest? Is it worth it? Are there more costs involved? I have spent over €1000 on the mandatory EDT lessons, normal lessons and booking tests thrice. Not to mention, keeping up with updating insurance, motor tax and NCT discs with or without tests. This is ludicrous at this stage and if I had the choice of not driving at all, I would but I need to get around longer distances with young kids in bad weather days. So any helpful advice will be much appreciated.

nsa0bupkd3948x

Honestly, I think the best advice is try to work out why you got the marks and what you can do to not get them again. Then forget about the test.

I always say your aim is to pass the test which isn’t necessarily the same as being a good driver.

Don’t be disheartened.

cantdecide

I feel your frustration. I certainly doubt you turned from a borderline pass to a spectacular fail - does sound a bit odd. Who knows what goes on between the ears of a driving tester sometimes and I think that there is some evidence that some have reasonable sympathy and others don't but the one thing you can be sure of is this - there's essentially nothing you can do about it if you were robbed.

All I can say is lick your wounds today and book again very soon. As above, focus on the fail sheet. The grade threes especially, as even if they've been exaggerated from glorified grade 2s, they still must be an area you can work on for next time.

Alanstrainor

You haven't mentioned any reason that would make appealing a worthwhile exercise. And it is quite an annoying process.

I would agree with the poster above. You need to go to your instructor and discuss the fail sheet it detail.

That is a substantial list of faults, there must have been something very wrong on the day that threw you off. Perhaps you weren't familiar with the area, or nerves did it. Without us having details of the sheet or seeing how the test was done, it is very hard to give answers.

Best talk to your instructor and see what they say.

Fyza Dublin 18

I know I will get over not passing the test a third time and I am a careful driver, especially because I have my kids with me in my car mostly. I always avoid going on long distances unless i have a full licence driver next to me. I try to keep good habits while driving.

The testers should not be so rigid as he was with me today. He marked me like it was my first time in a car? 32 mistakes??? Is it a joke?! I see full license drivers doing crazy things on roads and putting other car drivers and pedestrians in danger. Old people over 80 years of age drive on roads as well... it's just unfair for new drivers who take great caution. I seriously still can't believe where and how I managed a terrible score like that...when just a little over a month ago the previous tester said I hardly had any grade 1 or 2 mistakes and if it weren't for the grade 3 mistake, I would have passed. Tried my best to maintain that level of driving this time. I literally have both the test results infront of me side by side and it's very frustrating, not to mention costly!

Alanstrainor

Fyza Dublin 18 wrote: »

I know I will get over not passing the test a third time and I am a careful driver, especially because I have my kids with me in my car mostly. I always avoid going on long distances unless i have a full licence driver next to me. I try to keep good habits while driving.

The testers should not be so rigid as he was with me today. He marked me like it was my first time in a car? 32 mistakes??? Is it a joke?! I see full license drivers doing crazy things on roads and putting other car drivers and pedestrians in danger. Old people over 80 years of age drive on roads as well... it's just unfair for new drivers who take great caution. I seriously still can't believe where and how I managed a terrible score like that...when just a little over a month ago the previous tester said I hardly had any grade 1 or 2 mistakes and if it weren't for the grade 3 mistake, I would have passed. Tried my best to maintain that level of driving this time. I literally have both the test results infront of me side by side and it's very frustrating, not to mention costly!

I know you are frustrated. But the examiners should absolutely be rigid in testing. How is it fair otherwise? And how is it safe? They need to test according to the process outlined. Being black and white about the process is the best practise here.

You are right, there are terrible drivers that have licenses, perhaps they have become complacent over the years but that doesn't mean that the test should be relaxed.

One of the biggest things to learn when driving is to adapt your driving to the conditions. Perhaps lots of things happened today that didn't happen a month ago? Every time you get behind a wheel will be different. There are so many variables to navigate. And thinking you are a 'careful driver' is meaningless, plenty of careful drivers drive poorly.

You just need to focus on passing the test. Forget today and move forward. Bitterness and frustration won't help you now.

Wishbone Ash

OP - sorry for your troubles but don't beat yourself up about it. It's not worth the time and effort required appealing for a retest considering that you're unlikely to win and you'd just be annoying yourself. Move on and apply for a test again. At least you only found out at the end of the test. It's much worse when you know you've blown it early on in the test and have to continue with a sunken heart.

Fyza Dublin 18 wrote: »

... I see full license drivers doing crazy things on roads and putting other car drivers and pedestrians in danger. Old people over 80 years of age drive on roads as well... it's just unfair for new drivers who take great caution....

I know that there are many careful young drivers out there but statistically younger drivers are much more likely to be involved in an accident. Hence the reason why motor insurance is much higher in this group as the claims are more expensive to settle. (The figures are even skewed as older drivers are much more likely to make a claim than younger drivers as younger drivers don't wish to have there no claims bonus affected. Therefore there are probably even a lot more accidents involving younger drivers which go unrecorded.)

Needles73

The tester can be as rigid as they want. In their opinion you made 39 errors. Even if only 30% of those were genuine that's still 13 mistakes in probably less than 30mins.
"Being careful" does not qualify anyone too drive. People can be careful and be piss poor drivers.
Suck it up and rebook

amcalester

The solution to there being terrible drivers on the road is not to let more terrible drivers on the road.

Mark Henderson

Tester sounds lie a right asshat.

machiavellianme

Fyza Dublin 18 wrote: »

I know I will get over not passing the test a third time and I am a careful driver, especially because I have my kids with me in my car mostly. I always avoid going on long distances unless i have a full licence driver next to me. I try to keep good habits while driving.

The testers should not be so rigid as he was with me today. He marked me like it was my first time in a car? 32 mistakes??? Is it a joke?! I see full license drivers doing crazy things on roads and putting other car drivers and pedestrians in danger. Old people over 80 years of age drive on roads as well... it's just unfair for new drivers who take great caution. I seriously still can't believe where and how I managed a terrible score like that...when just a little over a month ago the previous tester said I hardly had any grade 1 or 2 mistakes and if it weren't for the grade 3 mistake, I would have passed. Tried my best to maintain that level of driving this time. I literally have both the test results infront of me side by side and it's very frustrating, not to mention costly!

Shouldn't you be avoiding short distances unless you have a full licence driver next to you too? It is the law after all to be accompanied at all times.

Having your kids in your car or going slowly doesn't necessarily mean that you are a careful or competent driver either. You have done the test 3 times with at least one grade 3 each time. You seem to have a chip on your shoulder regarding the test but it is the last time you will be assessed as a competent driver so it should be difficult to pass if you are prone to serious mistakes. Even 1 is one too many. Ignore what errors other drivers make. You are responsible for your own along with your own safety and that of those around you. If others make mistakes then you should be prepared to take action but you are clearly making quite a few yourself.
I would suggest doing more lessons over a number of months (and different driving conditions - day, night, rain, ice, sun etc.). Don't just keep rebooking the test and hoping that you fluke your way through. 32 even minor mistakes doesn't inspire confidence, but it really is for your own good and that of those around you that you work hard on fixing them. If you are prone to flustering and making mistakes just because it's a test, that is not a valid excuse. Every time you take the car out is a real life test. It sounds like you need more confidence and that comes with experience. Practice, practice, practice.
Also, do your lessons in the car you intend to use for the test.

beauf

Be interesting if they start using dash cams if the testing and pass rate becomes more consistent.

Some of the most best and careful drivers I know failed their driving test at least once. Whereas some of the most technically able drivers who past their test first time are brutal because they are not careful at all.

But none of that matters. Because they all had to pass their test at some point. We've all gone through it.

Some days it's just goes badly, that's life.

bucketybuck

The real problem in this country is that somebody who failed the test repeatedly and with major mistakes every time is allowed to drive around with children in the car. You couldn't make it up.

Mongfinder General

beauf wrote: »

Be interesting if they start using dash cams if the testing and pass rate becomes more consistent.

Some of the most best and careful drivers I know failed their driving test at least once. Whereas some of the most technically able drivers who past their test first time are brutal because they are not careful at all.

But none of that matters. Because they all had to pass their test at some point. We've all gone through it.

Some days it's just goes badly, that's life.

Cameras? Are you joking? The pass rate would shoot up over night.

Needles73

Mark Henderson wrote: »

Tester sounds lie a right asshat.

You don't know the op. They could be a brutal driver but youll take their side and assume tester is at fault......everyone wants to blame someone else rather than look in the mirror

Mongfinder General

bucketybuck wrote: »

The real problem in this country is that somebody who failed the test repeatedly and with major mistakes every time is allowed to drive around with children in the car. You couldn't make it up.

I think you’ll find that they’re are not allowed.

FrostyJack

bucketybuck wrote: »

The real problem in this country is that somebody who failed the test repeatedly and with major mistakes every time is allowed to drive around with children in the car. You couldn't make it up.

Exactly, being nervous can't be an excuse when driving a car, what if someone tail gates you or cuts you off? Are you allowed panic then and mount the kerb or something. A driving test is a technical exam, there some parts that are slightly subjective but any major faults should be understood and worked on and never repeated.

Johngoose

No point in appealingthe failure. Unfortunately you will just have to get more lessons (from a really good instructor) and keep doing the test. Just don’t get down about it.

everlast75

When I took my test, I had a completed application form for another test in an envelope with postage paid ready.

If I failed, I would have just posted off the application form on the way home and forgotten about it.

Thankfully I passed but it was good for my mind to know I could just go again.

noinc

Well it looks you are happy to break the law on short journeys and expect the rest of us to have sympathy for you. You are masking multi mistakes and it you thinks everyone else's fault, cop on!

FrostyJack

Johngoose wrote: »

No point in appealingthe failure. Unfortunately you will just have to get more lessons (from a really good instructor) and keep doing the test. Just don’t get down about it.

I had 3 instructors, the 1st just let me drive around, the 2nd told me I was amazing, the 3rd almost screamed at me and went to grab the wheel at one stage. If I had taken test after 1st 2 I would not have passed my test first time with zero faults. The instructor is very important.

beauf

Mongfinder General wrote: »

Cameras? Are you joking? The pass rate would shoot up over night.

They will be slow to adopt it but it will happen at some point

Idbatterim

just apply again as quickly as you can? can you apply for another centre? there is a guy in that centre with an awful rep, I believe <SNIP>, is his surname...

MOD: PLEASE DO NOT NAME TESTERS IN THREADS.

TheChizler

Have you had the same instructor all this time? If so it might be useful to get another professional's perspective.

NickNickleby

I've seen people who are learning and their instructor (allegedly) tells them they're brilliant and will pass the test no problem. Then I get in the car and within minutes I know this person will NOT be passing the test anytime soon.

So either the learner has misinterpreted the instructor's appraisal (strangely always in their own favour) or the instructor is happy to let them fail knowing they'll have to come back for more money lessons(kaching) or no such appraisal was given.

To my mind, if you fail twice with the same instructor, its time to get another instructor.

somefeen

I felt the same way when I failed my truck test a a few years ago.
Look, its very easy to blame the examiner. Especially when you feel like you are a good driver, but the examiner can only judge your driving in that small window.
Do something they consider to be dangerous and that's it. You just have to accept you made a mistake or misjudged something. Even experienced drivers will catch themselves doing something that will be an instant fail on the test. Its a continuous learning process.

There is no point in appealing, you still have to sit the test again even if your successful.

Best thing to do is swallow your pride, work on the problem areas and try again.

jacob2

steer clear of churchtown broomhill tallaght is better

Bandana boy

I think you need to look at this dispassionately

We have an instructor trained in testing new drivers who has assessed that you are not fit to drive.

And we have op frustrated at failing a third time and suggesting that they were fine and the instructor was vindictive for some unknown reason.

While it is possible that the instructor was wrong , it is surely far more likely that they were just doing the job they are paid to and that the OP is not being honest with themselves and us .


I say this as somebody who ended up taking the test 5 times to pass and felt hard done by at the time on 3 of those occasions , but years later with more experience I can admit there was no conspiracy beyond my over confidence and lack of practice in preparation.

MascotDec85

MOD: PLEASE DO NOT NAME TESTERS IN THREADS.

Sleeper12

I know it's annoying and I feel your pain.

Best way to look at it is that this tester was very heavy with the marking so you could ignore the 32 grade 1 or 2. I doubt that you can go from almost passing to a terrible driver. Big but here you most likely deserve at least one of the grade 3. In other words you would have most likely have failed even with a different tester.

It's a tough process. Shrug it off & put in for another test. Maybe one or two lessons with the instructor you got on with. I'm bet you pass next time.

Best of luck

Achasanai

I get how frustrating it is to be so close the previous time, and then fail it worse the next time, as it happened to me. But 32 grade 2s is something that surely can't be ignored. It would probably help if the OP came back to us and went into a bit of detail as to what the grade 2s were.

The only thing that I can think that would happen (bar the tester out-and-out lying) was the nerves that you mentioned got to you to such an extent that you made the same mistakes over and over. But 32 grade 2s on a half hour drive (if that) would mean that you would have had to be doing a grade 2 every minute or so.

fritzelly

This is probably more down to driving illegally, picking up bad habits, then blaming the instructor because you don't know how to drive.

Seriously no sympathy no matter how good a driver you think you are (usual excuse) because the instructors think otherwise and probably for good reason

Henry Ford III

39 total mistakes is a very high number regardless of how severely the test was conducted. Do more lessons OP, and don't drive solo even for short distances. If you get pulled for that you'll be in right trouble.

NewApproach

It sounds like you need to seriously improve your driving OP

gct

Its not a very fair test as drivers are facing different road conditions depending what time they take the test. I remember taking My first driving test. I got a right grumpy old git for a tester. He was marking me down for a minor mistake before We had gone out the gate. I knew I wasn't going to pass. I was right! At the end I had one more minor mistake than I needed to pass. I was gutted. At the same time a Woman who had started her test after me was celebrating passing as I got back from the test. She obviously had a shorter route as I didn't see any Learner drivers overtaking me on the way round. This meant she had less time to be making mistakes. I thought that was incredibly unfair. I passed next time. I put it down to a different tester.

stanley1980

You are not permitted to drive AT ALL unless accompanied by a licenced driver. The fact that you are doing so with your kids in the back too is genuinely scary. The length of your journey is irrelevant. Come up with all the conspiracy theories you like but you failed 3 tests because you couldn't demonstrate you were competent. The irony of someone bemoaning the driving test, other drivers etc while driving around illegally and potentially uninsured with young children in tow! People like you are why we desparately need more gardai on the roads enforcing the law.

Alanstrainor

gct wrote: »

Its not a very fair test as drivers are facing different road conditions depending what time they take the test. I remember taking My first driving test. I got a right grumpy old git for a tester. He was marking me down for a minor mistake before We had gone out the gate. I knew I wasn't going to pass. I was right! At the end I had one more minor mistake than I needed to pass. I was gutted. At the same time a Woman who had started her test after me was celebrating passing as I got back from the test. She obviously had a shorter route as I didn't see any Learner drivers overtaking me on the way round. This meant she had less time to be making mistakes. I thought that was incredibly unfair. I passed next time. I put it down to a different tester.

It is not possible to compare your drive with that of someone else who started shortly after. They may have used a different route, and perhaps they just performed better on the day.

You say the test is not fair due to the difference in conditions at different times. I'm sorry, but this is part of driving. To be able to drive at any time of day and in all normal conditions. When you get your appointment for your test it would be advisable to practice at the same time in the lead up with your instructor, starting from the test centre.

DPolo

OP , having seen my sister go through the same with her driving test in recent months, they don't give grade 3 faults out for no reason, and to get at least one in each of the three tests is actually worrying, there is something systematic wrong with your driving or the way you were taught to drive and approach a situation/hazard.

It might be time to seek the opinion of another driving instructor to root it out before going for another driving test.