View Full Version : Just Want to Have a Moan
Hi Everyone
I dont need anything (for once) just want to moan. My son failed his driving test this morning for 'going too slow round a roundabout' - he drove very well, had no problems, only 5 minors (allowed 15) but the examiner failed him for not going fast enough.
His Instructor had never heard of anyone failing for this, I am just wondering, as he is 17 - if the examiner's have a secret agenda in not passing too many 17 year old boys because of their safety record on the road, or do they simply have a quota?
He took it at 0840 so he was first out. Now we have to choose between a 10 week wait in this area, or decamp up north (to his Grandmothers) for a week for him to get used to the area and take the test there as the waiting time is only 5 weeks.
Time is running out for us as our house is on the market, as soon as it is sold we are leaving (yay !!) so there wont be too many chances to take his test with the current waiting list.
Sorry for moaning, i just feel so sorry for him, i take him out most nights and he is a good driver, passing would have given him the confidence boost he needs.
Gripe over - second time lucky !!
SheilaF
jillizzy
22-08-2005, 20:13
Hi Sheila
I know just how you feel, my eldest son had to take his test 3 times before he passed. I know that there is a long wait for his next test but do you know you can put in the paperwork straight away and then call for a cancellation. There is a minimum wait period until the next test,if I remember rightly, of 2 weeks.
Call the Newcastle number and ask for a cancellation, you can ask to pay extra for Saturdays here, not sure if its the same elsewhere. I don't think it makes any difference at what time they take the test, my son eventually passed on a Saturday morning at 08.40. My second son passed first time during a week day afternoon. They were both 17 at the time. Just one more son to go (next year).
By the way I failed my test first time for going too slow although that was 24 year ago!
Jill
That's a shame for him. I didn't realise there was a minimum speed you had to go around a roundabout!!
My son is taking driving lessons at the moment - on his second leson a bus ran into the back of him. As you can imagine, that shook him up quite a bit. Instead of being reassuring, his instructor said "now you see why it's important to get your clutch control right!" Needless to say we have changed his instructor.
If your son wants to take his test on the roads he's used to - you could phone daily and ask for cancellations?
chrizzy100
22-08-2005, 20:17
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by SheilaF
Hi Everyone
I dont need anything (for once) just want to moan. My son failed his driving test this morning for "going too slow round a roundabout" - he drove very well, had no problems, only 5 minors (allowed 15) but the examiner failed him for not going fast enough.
His Instructor had never heard of anyone failing for this, I am just wondering, as he is 17 - if the examiner's have a secret agenda in not passing too many 17 year old boys because of their safety record on the road, or do they simply have a quota?
He took it at 0840 so he was first out. Now we have to choose between a 10 week wait in this area, or decamp up north (to his Grandmothers) for a week for him to get used to the area and take the test there as the waiting time is only 5 weeks.
Time is running out for us as our house is on the market, as soon as it is sold we are leaving (yay !!) so there wont be too many chances to take his test with the current waiting list.
Sorry for moaning, i just feel so sorry for him, i take him out most nights and he is a good driver, passing would have given him the confidence boost he needs.
Gripe over - second time lucky !!
SheilaF
[/quote]
I failed my bike test many moons ago for the same reason....I know when I took my car test I was told I was the first woman the guy had passed in ages.....and he'd been told about it time and time again...my uncle was an examiner for many years.....but I can't remember if he ever talked about passing so many in a day.....it rings a bell.....but I can't be sure.....it was to long ago......
Good luck for next time........
Thanks for your kind messages, i had no idea going too slow was a fail-able offence!!! We are debating wether to take it up north but he would have to get used to a strange car, or take the test in mine which isnt ideal. Its 2 litre and a litte too powerful for him
Alternatively, we can do as you suggest and call for cancellations.
The problem with a cancellation is that he works, and not sure if he would be able to get time off at a days notice.
I hadnt heard of Saturday tests, must call about that sounds interesting.
I know in years to come he will say without another thought "I passed second time around" and forget the upset.
Wow Jill, 3 sons, how do you cope? I can barely keep up with one. I just hate it when he is down.
Made his favourite banoffee pie tonight..........
thanks everyone
SheilaF
Sorry to hear your news Sheila. I too failed first time (too many years ago now) for going too slow. I have been driving for years now and never had an accident, although I don't go too slow now!!! If its any consolation to your son, I would rather more drivers like him on the road than the crazy drivers who make it dangerous for everyone. Tell him "Chin up" and he obviously is a good driver if that's all they could fail him on. We are all wishing him better luck next time.
So sorry but I would def go for a cancellation at this time of year I think you would get another test really quickly[msnwink]
LiesaAnna
22-08-2005, 21:42
i went to slowly up hill once on a main road and my instructer told me that i had to do the minmum speed which was 40 mph, so i learnt that way, i get so mad about this, we had major rows in my house last night, my daughter is seeing a nice boy, hes 18 never passed his test or have MOT or Insurance etc etc, i could go on, well she knows the rules! she is not allowed in his car, last night we found out she had been in it!! we are so mad with her! why do some kids feel that they should do the wrong thing and drive illegally, our daughter has been brought up knowing right from wrong so why does she do it???? and others feel like why should they do the right thing spend a large sum of money probably got 2 jobs for it as well in order to pass a test and become legal on the road,??????
i am fed up trying to explain it to her!!!!!!!!!!
i failed my test twice passed 3rd time! 17 years ago, lots of lads on the road today wouldnt know what insurance or mot's were if they fell and hit them on the head!
phew.............................................. .. get me started!
Fran, too true - he is a good driver, always observes the speed limit, does everything by the book. Thats what makes it so sad.
Mach 2 - We have just been discussing the cancellation issue, its the quickest way just have to get him completely 100% with my car, will start tomorrow. No point him having any more lessons as we can't guarantee the instructors car at the last minute.
Liesa - I know exactly what you mean, we have a lot of asylum seekers here and my nephew (who is a policeman) told me most of them are driving around without any insurance/tax/licence etc. How worrying for you though, is she too old to be grounded!!
Thanks again to everyone,
SheilaF
sundowner
22-08-2005, 22:01
Poor lad, I can imagine what you are both going through. Wish a few more young ones would drive slower, I would feel a lot safer for one.
Def try to get cancellation, does he have an understanding boss? Surely if he talked it over with him/her they would make allowances. Good luck to him anyway, and keep us informed.
LiesaAnna
22-08-2005, 22:41
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:
Liesa - I know exactly what you mean, we have a lot of asylum seekers here and my nephew (who is a policeman) told me most of them are driving around without any insurance/tax/licence etc. How worrying for you though, is she too old to be grounded!!
Thanks again to everyone,
SheilaF
[/quote]
no shes not to old to be grounded! she has been brought up to obey the rules of our home and of those in life generally!!! she has been grounded now , for how long, well we'll see, am so cheesed off with her for this!! what happens when a police officer wants him to pull over??? he will panic and do a "runner" so to speak!! then all hell lets loose!!!
Good Luck to your boy Sheila, am sure he will pass his test whenever he takes another one !! well done for trying!!!!!! i feel very proud of him for you!! better luck next time!
and Thank You to him for doing the right thing!!![clap][clap]
imported_n/a
22-08-2005, 23:37
Sorry to hear that your son failed for going too slow. It beats me why they do that when everywhere you look there are speed restrictions and ridiculous obstacles that force you into the path of oncoming vehicles. We have a very small roundabout near us with 16 yes 16 sets of traffic lights on it! My daughter and son are too frightened of it to take their tests in this town.
Well done to your son for trying.
H.
P.S. Can I please have the recipe for the Banoffee pie?[msntongue]
Did you not read in the papers recently about the young man who is appealing against failing his driving test for driving too slowly. He stayed behind a funeral procession rather than overtake more than one car at once or try and jump in between the cars. He said he could not believe he had been failed for that and pointed out to the examiner that he had been brought up to respect people and traditions and it was disrespectful to overtake a funeral. One of Andrew's friends also failed for going too slowly (approx 45 mph)in heavy rain (typical Floridian type) on a stretch of road that has a 70 mph speed limit - I was out on the roads at the same time and going slower than 45 so very glad I had passed my test.
When our youngest passed his test he got talking to the examiner who said he was on the point of retiring as an examiner as the test was not what it used to be since the government had switched it from Department of Transport to the DSA.
jillizzy
23-08-2005, 01:12
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by SheilaF
Thanks for your kind messages, i had no idea going too slow was a fail-able offence!!! We are debating wether to take it up north but he would have to get used to a strange car, or take the test in mine which isnt ideal. Its 2 litre and a litte too powerful for him
Alternatively, we can do as you suggest and call for cancellations.
The problem with a cancellation is that he works, and not sure if he would be able to get time off at a days notice.
I hadnt heard of Saturday tests, must call about that sounds interesting.
I know in years to come he will say without another thought "I passed second time around" and forget the upset.
Wow Jill, 3 sons, how do you cope? I can barely keep up with one. I just hate it when he is down.
Made his favourite banoffee pie tonight..........
thanks everyone
SheilaF
[/quote]
Sheila just to make it a bit clearer - a cancellation is not necessarily one days notice. You can call everyday - I suggest around 11am. What happens is that they have people cancelling every day, and if you ring at the right time you could get one for the following day or week. You keep the original one booked for say 10 weeks time but keep trying to change it - there's no obligation unless you say yes. Bear in mind you'll need to say yes or no whilst on the 'phone as by the time you ring back it could have changed again.
Three boys is a challenge and hard work but I wouldn't change a thing - now pass the leftover banoffee pie;)
Jill
I am so touched by all your support, the Instructor rang tonight and said he was gutted my son failed. Apparently, when he walked in the test centre this morning he didnt recognise any of the examiners. They had brought in "holiday cover" and were from another area.
He said my son is a very good driver, and feels that its a bit of a lottery on the day. Apparently no-one passed this morning at the test centre.
Seemingly you are allowed 15 minor mistakes and my son got 5 which is extremely good.
I dont know if that makes me feel better or worse. On one hand i know he is a safe driver, but then if its a lottery what happens next time;
Anyway, his instructor said to ring often (daily?) for a cancellation and he will make his car available, as long as he doesnt have tests booked he can move lessons which i thought was very kind.
I guess thats the best option, in the meantime we will go back to the roundabout in question and practice "speeding up" !!
Liesa - dont you just wish they were five years old again and tucked up in bed by 7.30pm ? its sooo tough being a parent, especially when you have a teenager.
BigBear - will DM you the recipe if you like, it was delicious !!
Thanks a bunch everyone, i do feel better now, lots of hugs
SheilaF
Sorry to hear your news. My 17 y.o. daughter passed on the 3rd attempt this week.
It's all down to practice and confidence on the day. She had the same examiner as 6 months ago and instantly thought he would fail her again, but he passed her with only a few comments.
There is a big waiting list here (S.E. London) so she went for cancellations until the right date came up. Try every day - it is very fluid.
The look on their face once they've passed is priceless - hope it comes to you soon.
Derek
djdigitald
23-08-2005, 11:37
I failed first time round for going too slow :(
LiesaAnna
23-08-2005, 12:23
my husband passed first time! many moons ago and i swear i am the better driver cos i had to do it 3 times!! i think it makes you a better driver!!! not a cocky one!!![clap]
am sure he'll do it soon, will be looking out for your posting saying "hes passed"
Morning All,
Called the test centre this morning, no cancellations yet, i guess i am going to be a regular on that number. Best hide the phone bill from hubby...
Derek, Congratulations to your daughter, as Liesa pointed out, she is probably a better driver than most. I can't wait to see the look on his face when he passes, he needs that confidence boost.
I am determined to get him passed before we leave, many thanks for all your support,
SheilaF
Sheila, aren't you moving to Florida shortly? If so, your son will need to take another driving test there within a month of arrival and the test there is much easier than it is here. So perhaps he'd be better waiting until you get there rather than taking two tests?
he will need to do the whole learners permit thing here then though, wheras with a uk licence, he can just do the florida test.
Hi Blott and Julie
Yes we are moving to Florida as soon as we sell our house (where have you heard that one before ! - so far not a single viewer) but my son thought he would pass his test here, then if he ever returned to the UK he already has a licence, plus it seems to be easier in Florida to take the test if you hold a full UK driving licence.
What does a learner's permit entail?
At least there isn't the 9 weeks waiting list over there, i heard that the test can be re-taken the next day. What bliss.....
SheilaF
Sorry to hear this, I failed my bike test for putting my foot down on a turn in the road. Was fuming as I did not think this was a major fault.
When I passed my car test they said I had a good drive, I even drove slow. So can sympathise with your son.
Seems some examiners have good days others bad. Maybe his wife gave him grief when he left home and it put him in a bad mood!!!!!
Hi Domster,
The Examiner was a woman, and not terribly friendly!!! It gets worse, i have called the DSA 6 times today for a cancellation only to be told at 17-50 they had one for the end of September. I was jumping for joy but just as she was booking it, the battery on the handset went dead !!
By the time i got through again - no more than 3 minutes later, the appointment had gone, i am devastated. I asked for a Supervisor because they being very unhelpful and she more or less said there was nothing she could do.
Tomorrow morning 0800 i shall be back on the phone !!!
Thanks to all
SheilaF
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by SheilaF
Hi Blott and Julie
Yes we are moving to Florida as soon as we sell our house (where have you heard that one before ! - so far not a single viewer) but my son thought he would pass his test here, then if he ever returned to the UK he already has a licence, plus it seems to be easier in Florida to take the test if you hold a full UK driving licence.
What does a learner's permit entail?
At least there isn't the 9 weeks waiting list over there, i heard that the test can be re-taken the next day. What bliss.....
SheilaF[/quote]Try here Sheila http://www.123driving.com/learners-permit.shtml but there are lots of others if you have an internet search.
Thanks for that Blott,
Is it like the theory test we have over here, interesting you can do it online....
That gives him another option.
SheilaF
S&VEdwards
24-08-2005, 01:22
Hi Shiela,
We know exactly how you feel our son took his test today and was taken on a dual carriage way for the first time, he stayed at 30 not realising it was 40 and was failed for going too slow also. His instructor whom we think was not too impressed as he only had 10 lessons (we taught him first) and wanted more money out of him replied "I can't be expected to know every road they might take you on" surely if he was familiar with the test centre as it is on his ground and he has been there numerous times before he must have know it was a possibility but he made no allowances whatso ever. He is going to put in for a cancellation and the instructor is not getting a penny out of him until the day of his new test. Well that's my moan over also. You feel so sorry for them don't you. We were all really gutted 'cause he also is a very good driver.
Sandra and Victor
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/2251.aspx
Sandra and Victor
I am soooo sorry about your son. Maybe some will say Its only a driving test, they will pass eventually but I didnt realise how upsetting it is for all the family.
Your son was, like ours, unlucky on the day. I find it hard to believe your son's Instructor does not know the test-route, how insensitive. My son's Instructor is a really nice guy and for the last six weeks he has been taking him on the test-route, having advised me to book the first appt of the day which is the "easy route".
The fact is, some roads dont have the speed limit signs, also in my opinion doing 30 in a 40 zone has got to be much safer than 50 in a 40 zone. Poor lamb, my son is still very down and theres 9 weeks waiting list around these parts, whats it like where you are?
My mum reminded me today that years ago for something minor like that they would have said "you've passed but try and speed up a little" - now they seem to fail you for every little thing. Or, is it simply because they dont like 17 year olds passing first time?
Hope he gets a cancellation soon and passes with flying colours, we need more drivers like him on our roads.
All the best
SheilaF
In my opinion its because they dont like 17 year old BOYS on the road. You only have to look at the price of insurance! I know there are a lot of boy racers around but I also know that there are a lot of girl racers. When we were looking at quotes for our son the price for a years insurance was £800 CHEAPER if he had been a girl[msnmad]!
Karen
Hi Kazzie,
Blatant Sexism !!! You are right there are Girl Racer's too.
I can't believe that every single 17 year boy is a bad driver. My son tells me off if i drive too fast, and always observes the speed limit. His cousin on the other hand is a complete nutter !! very scary....... we are all hoping he doesnt pass too quickly as he is completely fearless.
SheilaF
Its not ncie when you fail on something like that but hey,you have to be perfect for the whole test.
I was 18 when i passed on my second attempt,my first fail was becuase when checking my mirrors i ddint turn my head all the way around to look through the back window !!!!
CarolAnn
24-08-2005, 12:49
Chin-Up Sheila, I remember well the round of driving tests when I was 17...Phew! It was a big day when I passed too!! So it does mean alot! I certainly agree with others comments about go for cancellations, and even out of area if you have to. My step daughter took 3 in the end, 2 here in Milton Keynes, then in the end went to Weymouth had a lesson with a local instructor there and used his car to take her test, and PASSED!! (her mum lives in Weymouth BTW)She certainly didn't wait long for her test in Weymouth, so areas do differ greatly. After the first fail, she didn't tell anyone she was doing subsequent tests either, I think that took some of the pressure off for her!!
Good Luck with next test!! [msnwink]
LiesaAnna
24-08-2005, 15:31
i am so fed up with this driving tests in this country!, we all want these "kids" to do the right thing but nobody makes it easy for them, so when they pass their tests they then charge absolutely astronomical prices for insurances!
i can see why some dont bother (but it makes me so mad that they dont bother)
i do feel sorry for these "kids" that fail their tests but hope they dont give up!! i for one am very proud of anylads and lasses that try to do this!! its so expensive for them, we are having this problem in november when our daughter will be 17,
good luck to all those trying again!! dont give up, we know you can do it!![lucky][lucky]
Hi Everyone
I looked at the possibility of going out of the area, but was advised by a local Instructor that a different car/route will be a step backwards for him. Well done to your daughter for achieving it!!!
That may have to be the last resort if we run out of time.
The problem is his confidence has taken a dip and is now talking about taking a test for automatic cars which upsets me because there is no problem with his driving and gears etc. I guess as time goes on he will cheer up......
Also there's the money issue, he doesnt really need any more lessons but has to keep going with the Instructor (not as regularly as before) to get the experience in the car he will take his test in. Thats more money, and when its a 9 week wait.
Sorry I am moaning again, it just seems so unfair. I am calling 6 times a day there is nothing else i can do. One thing i did notice, on the DSA website you can print out or simply view the test routes (very helpful for Sandra and Victor's son).
SheilaF
S&VEdwards
29-08-2005, 23:31
Hi Shiela
Thanks for that advise, we have told him to go where we took our tests even though it was a long time ago. His instructor told him to pick the test centre he went to as it was easy and they had a good pass rate. What rubbish, the instructor just wanted more money. Our son is not a boy racer and if we thought he was going to be we wouldn't let him drive. Unlike a lot of 18 year olds he still has to do what he is told. He isn't of the sort that says I am 18 I can do what I like. He lives under our roof and by our rules - like it or lump it. He is putting in for his test again, just better luck next time we hope. He has got a new girlfriend so she has taken his mind off things but he can't let things slip and needs to get back in there. GOOD LUCK to your son and tell him not to be put off, We are sure he will pass next time.
Regards
Sandra and Victor.
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/2251.aspx
Hi Sandra and Victor
I have been calling for cancellations and managed to get one a month earlier (booking for end Oct/beg Nov round here in the Midlands). Instructor called me last week and said "I had a girl pass today who isnt half as good as driver as my son", that made me feel worse because i am thinking now its a lottery and maybe biased against boys !!!! No proof of course.
Lots of luck to your son, luckily mine doesnt have a female distraction !!! They will both get there in the end and probably end up safer drivers than the rest of us.
SheilaF
steph_goodrum
01-09-2005, 01:43
Sheila
My daughter passed at her 2nd attempt at 18 last year, the first test when she went we didn't expect her to pass because it was at the end of September, we were on holiday in Florida for 3 weeks, so she hadnt driven for that time, got back on Friday, took her to freshers week at uni on Sun and then she came home thurs for her test on friday so we thought with the lack of driving, jet lag and uni it would be a bit much. She almost cancelled but decided it would be good experience and failed on quite a few things, when she retook it 6 weeks later she passed with just one minor. Apparently if you get 100% you get an extra certificate her instructor told her afterwards.
Her friend has just failed her 7th test, but perhaps best not mention that to your son, so its not just a case of any female passes.
With the minors, although you can have 15 and pass, they are in certain groups and if you get the same minor a certain no of times (I thinkg it is 5) then that is an automatic fail. So it is possible to fail with less than 15 minors.
Hi Steph
Congrats to your daughter. My son is having a 2 week break because his Instructor is on holiday but he goes out in my car (with me) most nights, so hopefully he wont get too "rusty".
Second time around will be easier, he knows the route and the procedure at the test centre so hopefully he will do it this time.
His cousin (also 17) just failed the theory so he's in a strop, why is it always the parents fault. He passed the first part but failed on the second - hazard perception.
Have booked my sons second test for end September on a Sat morning first thing so roads should be quiet,in the meantime he is getting loads of experience and road sense, which has to be a good thing.
Its one crisis after another with teenagers, and to think we have to go through this all over again when we get to Florida !!
SheilaF
philsueh
04-09-2005, 00:39
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by DreamStay
Hi Shiela,
We know exactly how you feel our son took his test today and was taken on a dual carriage way for the first time, he stayed at 30 not realising it was 40 and was failed for going too slow also. His instructor whom we think was not too impressed as he only had 10 lessons (we taught him first) and wanted more money out of him replied "I can't be expected to know every road they might take you on" surely if he was familiar with the test centre as it is on his ground and he has been there numerous times before he must have know it was a possibility but he made no allowances whatso ever. He is going to put in for a cancellation and the instructor is not getting a penny out of him until the day of his new test. Well that's my moan over also. You feel so sorry for them don't you. We were all really gutted 'cause he also is a very good driver.
Sandra and Victor
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/2251.aspx
[/quote]
Sorry Sandra and Victor but how can he be a very good driver when he does not look at the road signs.
The stretch of road where he failed his test would have been well sign posted with a 40 sign every 6 lamposts.
Maybe his driving instructor wanted to give him a better chance of passing not as you say get more money out of him. 99% of Driving instructors are only interested in improving the standard of driving on the roads.
I am a driving instructor and nobody is more pleased than me when one of my pupils pass no matter how many lessons they have had.
We do not need more money out of individual pupils as most good driving instructors have a waiting list.
I would not be happy to let my son on the roads if he could not recognise the speed limit on each road he used.
Sorry in advance for the rant, Phil