Do driving test examiners prefer driving schools?

Voltaire7

Spicy_McHaggis wrote: »

He's also on as Voltaire7.

Wrong.

I think you have problems, or maybe you're just very lonely.

Spicy_McHaggis

Voltaire7 wrote: »

Wrong.

I think you have problems, or maybe you're just very lonely.

Hello darkmatter :wave:

cajef

bod1467 wrote: »

That is almost certainly true. The same applies for driving instructors ... if their pupil/pass ratio gets too high (or too low) they may be subject to scrutiny from regulators.

Contrary to what a lot of people believe there are no limits or percentages that the DSA examiners are restricted to, if a pupil is up to the required standard they will pass the test.

As far as ADI's are concerned they are graded according to ability, grade six being the highest and are re-assessed every two or four years according to their grade. I have never known any instructors being recalled for a high pass rate, why would they do that when it means they are doing their job correctly, but they can certainly be recalled for a lower than average or poor pass rate and if not up to standard can have their licence to instruct revoked.

Car_54

For as long as I can remember, there have been conspiracy theories about driving examiners having quotas to meet.

It just isn't true.

Apart from anything else, if it was true it would have to be the best-kept government secret ever. There are about 1,000 examiners at any one time, so since the test started in 1935 many thousands have left, yet not one of them has ever revealed evidence of this conspiracy. Does that sound likely, if there really was a secret?

Especially when you consider that during the same period most of our really important secrets went straight to the Russians.

fivetide

I didn't say they would have a set limit but do you not think that a 100% pass rate would raise some suspicions? Best to be extra harsh on a couple once in a while and play it safe.


One day a borderline case might make it, one day they might not. I don't think it is any big conspiracy theory, just logic.

daivid

In reference to the OP I took and passed my test in my parents Car, which was the same as the instructors car but with a bigger engine (and no dual controls...). The examiner didnt seem at all suprised it wasnt a driving school car and as my instructor had gone away to give another lesson he didn't walk in to the test centre with me either, it was my Dad that did as he thought it best he drove home whatever the outcome.
My Cousin took her test in her Dads company car, a Volvo Estate, she said the examiner seemed a little suprised of the car to be used but she passed no problem. I thought it was pretty normal to use you own car if you had one and it was as easy or easier to drive as to use the driving schools you have to pay for the lesson they can't provide.

[Deleted User]

He wouldn't have failed for missing an exit as long as the driving was fine. At least not when I was learning to drive, could have changed now.

lister

Some good replies from a couple of people who clearly know what they are talking about and the usual tosh about driving tests from those who don't

It seems clear the OP wasn't sat in on the test, so is going by the candidate's recollection. The human brain is very good at remembering what it wants to, and then filling in the gaps - then the part made up account becomes established as the 'memory' and so is 'true' in the eyes of the person in question. We all do it, and it is almost impossible to know that it is happening.

[EDIT - it would be fascinating to know if the OP listened to the debrief. If they had, I bet some of the reasons for the serious faults would be clearer]

Regarding the parking. Full use of mirrors? I can almost guarantee that if I could see a recording of the bay park we would see the two door mirrors being used, but not the internal mirror. Even with a single glance in the internal mirror halfway through you would only get a driver fault for obs as a rule. They bays being empty is no never mind - you have to demonstrate that you could reverse safely in a normal busier environment (as it is the only manoeuvre which isn't done 'live' - except at a few DTCs).

Regarding the speed. Concur with DaveF - I would bet my bottom dollar that whilst 45mph was reached, it wasn't maintained consistently. 45mph in a 50 limit would not normally incur even a driver fault, and certainly no more - there were aggravating factors at play.

For the record - please, please anyone who thinks you have to move your head around like a nodding dog in your driving test, just keep it to yourself. Wrong!

Any decent examiner or ADI can tell if you are checking mirrors without you moving your head at all (although a slight head movement is actually a good idea, but not so it can be seen, it's so that the observation is more effective, especially with door mirrors).

If you have been told by an instructor in the past you have to move your head in the test, it was simply a ruse to cover their own deficiencies in observing you.

Deleted_User wrote: »

He wouldn't have failed for missing an exit as long as the driving was fine. At least not when I was learning to drive, could have changed now.

Wasn't clear from the OP, but I don't think they got a serious for missing the exit.

almillar

For the record - please, please anyone who thinks you have to move your head around like a nodding dog in your driving test, just keep it to yourself. Wrong!

'have to'
You're right, most examiners will be able to tell, but I'll bet most people, like me, were told to make it really obvious by their instructors, yes, you look like a nodding dog, just to remove any doubt.

cajef

fivetide wrote: »

I didn't say they would have a set limit but do you not think that a 100% pass rate would raise some suspicions? Best to be extra harsh on a couple once in a while and play it safe.

One day a borderline case might make it, one day they might not. I don't think it is any big conspiracy theory, just logic.

Do your really think an examiner or ADI would have a 100% pass rate.

The test is marked on the number of minor faults or major faults there is no such thing as a borderline, if a candidate has below the maximum number of minors allowed and no majors they will pass.