Can I complain about Daughter's Driving Test?

beachbeth

My daughter has today failed her driving test. As far as Im concerned its just one of those things and you have to move on. However, her instructor told her afterwards that someone at the centre said to him "Oh no, she's got Mary" (name changed). "and I think she's on her period". The instructor also told her afterwards that this Mary always fails people on their first test and is the the worst examiner for failing people at that centre.

My complaint is that when we booked the test the lady on the phone put her down as special needs (which she is because she needs clear, concise instructions. She has a condition similar to dyslexia). However, the centre knew nothing of this. My daughter told the examiner she had special needs and asked that she make her instructions clear. Mary simply said curtly "I don't know anything about that!"

Can I complain that they didn't take her special needs into account?

Conor_3

I think it's worth a punt but beware it won't reverse the decision, she'll still have to take a retest. And when I took my HGV test, I got the same comment from my instructor about my examiner. I was the only person to pass that day and TBH, I found the comments from the instructor unjustified - I did a downhill start (HGV test specific) as a normal start and made a comment about screwing it up. The so called bad examiner said "Don't worry, it wasn't much of a downhill". I sometimes wonder if they use them to cover up their own shortfalls.

emmiemac

I would definately complain.

Even though the decision will remain the same perhaps you could get the next test for free as compensation

hewhoisnotintheknow

surely she should be the same standard of anyother driver, i can imagine how instructions could be any clearer

jackieb

If I was 'Mary' i'd be quite upset if I thought that some collegues were speculating if I was on my period or not.

cajef

What did she fail her test on?

The DSA would state that all driving examiners are trained to give clear and concise instructions, special needs is usually for disabled or adapted cars for some disabilities.

Having sat in the back of cars when pupils where taking tests I can honestly say that I could very rarely disagree with an examiners decision at the end of a test, and it is an old wives tale that some examiners will not pass a pupil on a first test, if the pupil is up to the required standard they will pass the test.

LandyAndy

Perhaps the instructor is covering his @rse because he knew your DD was a likely fail.

scubaangel

When I did my test my instructor said something similar, but TBH I would be much happier to sit my test with a strict examiner than one known to be more relaxed. If you pass then you know without a doubt that you are good enough rather than a more relaxed examiner whos standards are clearly lower.
As a parent I think I'd feel the same - far too many things for parents to worry about as it is without worrying about your childs safety on the road as well.

McKneff

your daughter must be at least 17, what does she think SHE should do

espresso

beachbeth wrote: »

Can I complain that they didn't take her special needs into account?

Did she not get clear concise instructions then? If she did not understand the instructions given, did she ask for clarification? Was the failure anything to do with the instructions given by the examiner?

Classy_Chick06

My daughter too is taking her test right now as i type... fingers crossed..
My daughter failed her test first time around, but i am sure the examiner in your daughters case did give clear instructions as this is what they are learnt to do as an examiner, are you a driver yourself? maybe you could go to the area where she failed and try to point out to her where she went wrong.
Good luck for next time. x