Irish Driving Test A Racket?

MadYaker · 21-06-2013 12:37PM

I passed first time. I didn't think it was that hard.

General General · 21-06-2013 12:50PM

It seems some of the population would like a 'self assessment' version of the driving test.

How these people froth at the mouth when anyone dares question their driving skills.

It's as if they are brain damaged in some way that makes them really obnoxious.

Dublinwon · 21-06-2013 08:45PM

kiffer wrote: »

I failed the test with a grade 3 error.
Three times, the same error.
Took lessons, and pretests, no mention of anything wrong with my observations.

First test, grade three error, failure to observe during left turn. Thought "fair enough, I must have slipped up"... "sorry" says the tester, "I can't tell you where or when".

Test two, different guy, same testing center 2 months later... Having made a solid effort to be more vigilant and especially on left turns... Fail, single grade 3 error, observation on a left turn.
Leave totally pissed off.

Test 3, same test centre 6 months later, first tester again. Fail, grade 3 error, failure to observe on a left turn... Which I saw him mark during the test (no, I wasn't looking for it but while I was checking my blindspot to change lanes he had the board tilted towards me, and I saw a black mark in a red box). Knowing I failed I became fairly unnerved.
I was upset and really not in the mood to continue.
So I said as much... "I know you've failed me, I'd like to stop the test now and just go back to the centre"...

He wasn't happy about that, I should have been watching the road and not him.
We finished the rest of the test (for the sake of completeness, iirc there was just reversing around the corner left) and drove back to the testing centre and I was gutted.

We went back to the office and went through the pointless ritual of him telling me I'd failed and me asking why and being told "can't give you real details".

And I said that's what you failed me on last time... He was a bit shocked.
I was angry and upset and clearly didn't believe him. He tried to say I made other errors too but he hadn't bothered marking them, and that when I checked my mirrors it was obviously just so he would see me do it...
Then he basically went on to say "look you're a good driver there's no real reason for you to fail, dont leave it so long between tests next time."

That was a good while ago now.
I tried to book another test right away but the website was down and I was fairly disheartened, then stuff got moved around and I was told I wouldn't have to use of the car for awhile and then I had no full licence driver to sit with me and the whole driving thing got put on hiatus... Was also during my long unemployed stretch so money was too tight to do anything...

Back at it now, licence just expiring so will have to get a new one... which will probably mean that I'll have to pay another load of money for more driving lessons to fill that requirement.
Huzzah.

They ****ed you over and won't even admit it. Reading all these stories makes me feel a lot better. I now know the whole thing is a complete racket and they can stuff their sponsored lessons where the sun don't shine . The fact they don't even give reasons anymore makes it all the more farcical it's like "not this time but just hang on while I make up a fault on the report ill send out to you next week". Joke

Dublinwon · 21-06-2013 08:50PM

Daveysil15 wrote: »

I agree with this. I failed my test 3 times before I passed on the 4th go. The first 3 times I had different examiners and they all penalised me on different things. For example; the first examiner penalised me for not putting the car into 5th gear on the dual carriage way, (during the pre-test my instructor told me I should leave it in 4th) On the second test a different examiner, penalised me for putting it into 5th - I just couldn’t win!

On the third test when I was reversing around the corner, rather than reversing a few yards and then stopping, (which is the way it usually works) this bollix had me reversing the whole way back to the end of the estate, where I eventually clipped the curb. I managed to get a decent fella on the 4th test and thanks be the jasus, I passed it, because there was no way I was going to do it for a 5th time.

Another example of how corrupt the whole thing is

Cookie_Monster · 21-06-2013 08:53PM

Daveysil15 wrote: »

On the second test a different examiner, penalised me for putting it into 5th - I just couldn’t win![/SIZE]

there is no way you can get penalised for that unless you were only doing 20 kph when you put it in fifth.

Dublinwon · 21-06-2013 08:57PM

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

depends on the size of the ramp but you should keep a consistent speed on roads with ramps where possible.

The point of them is to slow you down over the length of the road, not just at the point of the ramp, speeding up and slowing down between them defeats the purpose.

you can, or simply stay in first with clutch depressed, either are acceptable.

See,even here people can't agree on who's right so how the hell has anyone a chance if the rsa instructors have contradictory opinions. Joke

Wompa1 · 21-06-2013 09:17PM

I have had my license for years and I will say that the Irish driving test is a load of sh1te. People who would fail in one town would go and do it in another town that didn't have roundabouts, didn't have multiple lanes or didn't have steep hills for the hill start etc.

During my test the guy told me to stop on the side of a road and then reverse back and around a corner onto another road. I had to do my three point turn around down a short laneway that was just off the road with a blind turn into it. If a car came down while I was turning they likely would have barrelled into me.

It doesn't help when in Ireland if you have an L plate, people will f**k with you on purpose. If you're already nervous doing the test and some boy racer starts pumping the brakes in front of you. The first time I did the test a crowd of secondary school kids kept jumping out in front of the car. Also some eejit came up a one way road driving a forklift. Fun times. I passed shortly after that.

I did a driving test in America. Much more straight forward. Also didn't have to wait 8 months to do the test. Walked in and applied to do it. Did my written exam and eye exam right away and then 30 minutes later did my driving test.

carzony · 22-06-2013 12:52AM

Reading this thread makes me feel like I got screwed over

Failed my very first attempt with only 1 x on the marking sheet :mad: Apparently I didnt stop at a stop sign but I retraced my route a couple of times after the test and couldnt find 1 stop sign on my whole route

Then my second time: The tester was an awful grumpy ****er and I could just tell by looking at him that he was in a bad humour. He sat in the car and I just felt he didnt wanna be there atall. He really pissed me off. He ended up failing me on loads of stuff that even my instructor couldnt figure out like observations, clutch control and my reverse which was always perfect in my lessons. Ignorant ****er even told my instrutor to f.off because my instructor wanted to know what he found wrong with my clutch control and reverse..

Third time I passed with just 2 x's on my sheet but I was out driving for a very long time

Faith+1 · 22-06-2013 01:54AM

Sitec wrote: »

I think the mandatory lessons is complete garbage, as well as the six months on a provisional before you can apply for a full license. If a person is competent driving a vehicle why enforce these rules? Pure money making agenda. Don't even get me started on Gay Byrne.

Then they should be good enough to have a full licence.

humbert · 22-06-2013 02:05AM

Lots of people on this thread not willing to take responsibility for their bad driving. Wish there was a test for that.

policarp · 22-06-2013 02:34AM

I wouldn't think so.
If you were driving in Spain
you would have to have far
more documtation than you
have here to drive a car.

Trebor176 · 22-06-2013 02:36AM

I failed on my first attempt. The main reason for failing was stopping in too high a gear, something which I thought was acceptable to do so. I may have stopped in fourth at times, but I don't remember. The chap who tested me was a rather unpleasant individual.

It did get off to a bad start anyway. The tester wanted to check my back lights (I had backed into the space at the test centre), but I must have moved too far forward. He came to the passenger window, and more or less ate the face off me wondering if I was driving off on him. Then, coming out of the centre, he told me to turn one way at the gates. I didn't hear, asked what way he said, and again in an unpleasant tone said "I told you to turn left."

Overall, I thought the test went rather well, so I was surprised when I was told I had failed, and was given the reason why. It was late on a Friday, which was the 13th of the month, not that I'm superstitious

But, I just thought it seemed unfair that I was marked down so much for what I thought was something fairly minor.

I passed on my second test anyway, with a pleasant female tester, who was a lot more easy going. The engine conked out on a three-point turn, which I thought I'd be marked down heavily for, but otherwise things were fine. She even gave me another go on any road signs I may have got wrong, or stumbled on. Obviously she saw I was nervous, lol.

humbert · 22-06-2013 02:46AM

Trebor176 wrote: »

I failed on my first attempt. The main reason for failing was stopping in too high a gear, something which I thought was acceptable to do so. I may have stopped in fourth at times, but I don't remember. The chap who tested me was a rather unpleasant individual.

It did get off to a bad start anyway. The tester wanted to check my back lights (I had backed into the space at the test centre), but I must have moved too far forward. He came to the passenger window, and more or less ate the face off me wondering if I was driving off on him. Then, coming out of the centre, he told me to turn one way at the gates. I didn't hear, asked what way he said, and again in an unpleasant tone said "I told you to turn left."

Overall, I thought the test went rather well, so I was surprised when I was told I had failed, and was given the reason why. It was late on a Friday, which was the 13th of the month, not that I'm superstitious But, I just thought it seemed unfair that I was marked down so much for what I thought was something fairly minor.

I passed on my second test anyway, with a pleasant female tester, who was a lot more easy going. The engine conked out on a three-point turn, which I thought I'd be marked down heavily for, but otherwise things were fine. She even gave me another go on any road signs I may have got wrong, or stumbled on. Obviously she saw I was nervous, lol.

Coming to a stop in forth would almost certainly mean coasting and I can't even imagine how you thought testing your lights required you to start the engine, let alone drive the car anywhere without the tester (you're not allowed to drive unaccompanied, remember). Sounds more like you shouldn't have passed the second time rather than being unfairly failed the first.

Manic Moran · 22-06-2013 07:45AM

PizzamanIRL wrote: »

Most of the things I had to do in the driving test go out the window when I get into the car.

If only the instructor could see how I drive now.

I suspect that's why there are so many responses reflecting things like confidence. Every examiner knows that a monkey can follow every road sign and painted line on the road, and that as soon as they get out, they'll revert to 'normal, no-instructor' mode. Confidence, control, judgement. All far more important than a tick box for 'signaled at lane change', and far, far harder to demonstrate convincingly.

CruelCoin · 22-06-2013 10:41AM

maintown34 wrote: »

Yet the test lacks basic skills such as an emergency handbrake stop.

Thats not meant to be used to stop a moving vehicle.

It's not a basic manouvere in the slightest. Your handbrake lacks any type of ABS and at speed only puts you into a skid, which has been proven many times to take longer to stop that porper use of the brakes with ABS.

Who told you that was important?

Cantona's Collars · 22-06-2013 10:50AM

CruelCoin wrote: »

Thats not meant to be used to stop a moving vehicle.

Who told you that was important?

The local boy racers who think leaving tyre rubber on the tarmac is cool.

lazygal · 22-06-2013 10:58AM

The only people who call it a racket are those who didn't pass. I was a very nervous driver and had three learner permits, kept putting off the test and making excuses. Then I copped on, found a good instructor, had lessons and passed first time. If you can't pass a test, you're not meeting the criteria to be a fully licensed driver. This thing about 'nerves' is bull, if you buckle under pressure while driving, you shouldn't be driving alone because you'll encounter stressful situations after you pass the test too.

Driving is not a basic human right, like some think, if you can't do it well enough to pass a test, you have to remain as a learner and abide by those rules.

CruelCoin · 22-06-2013 11:00AM

corkgsxr wrote: »

They do fail for no reason.

I was failed for being half the car over the line at the lights by cuh

At that lights I was behind 2 cars.

Its none of your business what the other drivers are doing.

The onus is on you to drive safely, regardless of what the other roads users are doing.

They may be over the line, but that doesn't mean you should have been.

CruelCoin · 22-06-2013 11:04AM

lukesmom wrote: »

Op I'm sorry you failed your test. I know too well how devastating it can be. I did my test 4 times.
1st time I drove about half a mile with the handbrake up - instant fail Jesus I nearly melted into the seat with embarrassment. 'eh ye mite wanta let yeor handbrake down. Cringe!
2nd time I had a few lessons and failed by only one bloody grade 2.
3rd time I was sure I'd pass! Even saw my parents car in front of me towards the end of test and said 'that's my mam and dad on front'. Got back to test centre and has failed miserably by about 4 grade 2's!!!
I roared crying
4th time I passed!!!! Had to get him to tell me again I'd passed because I couldn't believe I'd finally got it this time.
Keep applying for test, observation is key. Not good enough moving eyes left and right you have to actually move your head, exaggerate a little.
My driving instructor told me everywhere junction, crossroads, roundabout I come to, pretend I've lost someone and I'm looking for them.
Don't give up trying, never give up

This i have a problem with.

You proved three times unfit for the road, and on the fourth time you passed and got a free pass for life. Based on one good day out of four?

I would advocate anyone who fails their first test be made to pass two consecutive tests before being given a license. That'll help weed out the "today was a good day".

If you cannot prove to be a consistently good driver, you shouldn't be certified as one.

humbert · 22-06-2013 11:08AM

CruelCoin wrote: »

This i have a problem with.

You proved three times unfit for the road, and on the fourth time you passed and got a free pass for life. Based on one good day out of four?

I would advocate anyone who fails their first test be made to pass two consecutive tests before being given a license. That'll help weed out the "today was a good day".

I've said it before and firmly believe it, there should be a test about every five years.

CruelCoin · 22-06-2013 11:09AM

TwoShedsJackson wrote: »

Where was that - mine was twice as long and I got up to 100 kph on it.

I was in the car for 40mins, dual carriageway and all.

CruelCoin · 22-06-2013 11:11AM

Akrasia wrote: »

My girlfriend failed her test because she didn't look over her shoulder every time she was taking off from a start (including stopping at traffic lights and in stop start traffic.

I don't know anyone who physically looks over their shoulder every time the car takes off. I check my mirrors, but expecting you to look over your shoulder is a but ridiculous

Mirrors leave blind spots. Bikes can easily sit in those blindspots, and the whole looking over your shoulder thing is to ensure you don't mow someone out of it.....
We should all be doing it. (I don't by the way, but i know i should).

Mr. Nice · 22-06-2013 11:15AM

Dublinwon wrote: »

Another example of how corrupt the whole thing is

If the tester had asked for a bribe, it would be corrupt. This just sounds like another sour grapes story.
"Shure I know I can drive grand, the reason I failed is because the test is a racket..." :rolleyes:

KillerShamrock · 22-06-2013 11:22AM

humbert wrote: »

Coming to a stop in forth would almost certainly mean coasting.

I don't get this part of your post how is stopping in 4th coasting?. Keeping the clutch in while moving with no intention to change gear or putting it in neutral while going down hill would be coasting not stopping in gear!

humbert · 22-06-2013 11:33AM

Richie6904 wrote: »

I don't get this part of your post how is stopping in 4th coasting?. Keeping the clutch in while moving with no intention to change gear or putting it in neutral while going down hill would be coasting not stopping in gear!

Fair point, it's probably not as black and white as I made out. But if you stop in 2nd or 3rd you can let your foot off the clutch and the engine will bring you to your desired stopping point, whereas in 4th at low speed it will stall so if you stop a bit short you'll basically be letting the car roll forward. You have far less control over the manoeuvre which I think is legitimately fault-worthy. It's a different situation if you're stopping abruptly at a light change.

doriansmith · 22-06-2013 11:58AM

humbert wrote: »

Fair point, it's probably not as black and white as I made out. But if you stop in 2nd or 3rd you can let your foot off the clutch and the engine will bring you to your desired stopping point, whereas in 4th at low speed it will stall so if you stop a bit short you'll basically be letting the car roll forward. You have far less control over the manoeuvre which I think is legitimately fault-worthy. It's a different situation if you're stopping abruptly at a light change.

I learned to drive last year & was taught to stop in whatever gear you were driving in, so regularly stop in 4th. Passed my driving test on the first go a few months ago & got no faults for stopping in 4th gear.

humbert · 22-06-2013 12:04PM

doriansmith wrote: »

I learned to drive last year & was taught to stop in whatever gear you were driving in, so regularly stop in 4th. Passed my driving test on the first go a few months ago & got no faults for stopping in 4th gear.

If the other poster is to be believed that would make you fortunate. I was told not to and the reasoning behind it made sense to me.

doriansmith · 22-06-2013 12:17PM

humbert wrote: »

If the other poster is to be believed that would make you fortunate. I was told not to and the reasoning behind it made sense to me.

How long ago were you told not to? Maybe in the past it was taught that way but these days it's taught that it's fine to stop in 4th. I would've failed my test otherwise as I would've been constantly stopping in 4th during it. Another friend of mine learnt to drive last year too and was taught the same way & passed first time too.

humbert · 22-06-2013 12:24PM

doriansmith wrote: »

How long ago were you told not to? Maybe in the past it was taught that way but these days it's taught that it's fine to stop in 4th. I would've failed my test otherwise as I would've been constantly stopping in 4th during it. Another friend of mine learnt to drive last year too and was taught the same way & passed first time too.

Within the last year. I can't say that I've heard of anyone getting faulted for it other than the poster in this thread but, having said that, I can't see it as good practice so I'd change down regardless (where there is time to do it comfortably).

TwoShedsJackson · 22-06-2013 12:36PM

humbert wrote: »

Within the last year. I can't say that I've heard of anyone getting faulted for it other than the poster in this thread but, having said that, I can't see it as good practice so I'd change down regardless (where there is time to do it comfortably).

Totally unnecesary. People were told to change down the gears in Ye Olden Dayes when the brakes on the car were nowhere near as good as they are now, so changing down provided extra braking force from the engine being in a lower gear.

Irish Driving Test A Racket?

Comments