driving test location

Car_54

cajef wrote: »

As an ex instructor, I would never have agreed to allowing someone to use my car for a pre booked test before finding out whether they were up to test standard.

Instructors pass rates are monitored by the DSA and as an instructor I would want know if the candidate stood a good chance of passing as failures go on record and can be a reason for being recalled for checks on instructors ability by the DSA.

I agree. As an instructor in the London area I used to get requests almost weekly for the use of my car for a test, and possibly one lesson beforehand. There were always reasons such as "my instructor isn't available" or "his car has broken down", seldom very convincing.

For an instructor, the possible minimal gain is far outweighed by the risk of being involved in some sort of scam, either impersonation or identity theft.

The OP may well find that instructors in Ballater are more receptive, but as explained above isn't worth the bother - do it locally!

Car_54

cajef wrote: »

As an ex instructor, I would never have agreed to allowing someone to use my car for a pre booked test before finding out whether they were up to test standard.

Instructors pass rates are monitored by the DSA and as an instructor I would want know if the candidate stood a good chance of passing as failures go on record and can be a reason for being recalled for checks on instructors ability by the DSA.

I agree. As an instructor in the London area I used to get requests almost weekly for the use of my car for a test, and possibly one lesson beforehand. There were always reasons such as "my instructor isn't available" or "his car has broken down", seldom very convincing.

For an instructor, the possible minimal gain is far outweighed by the risk of being involved in some sort of scam, either impersonation or identity theft.

The OP may well find that instructors in Ballater are more receptive, but as explained above it isn't worth the bother - do it locally!

GaleSF63

I'd recommend staying in the area that you know. The test is stressful enough without the additional problem of not having any idea what is round the next corner.

There might be less traffic in Ballater and I'm not sure if they have any traffic lights but can you deal with sheep on the road or a tractor that you couldn't decide whether to pass or not? Stick with what you know.

I took my test in London (Palmers Green) and at the time - a while ago now - London was actually reputed to be easier because the amount of traffic meant you couldn't cover quite so much ground in the allotted time.