Should I complain about my driving examiner?

tl:dr

But to sum up.

You can only complain if the test was conducted in an improper manner, you cannot appeal the result of a driving test and the best you will ever get by winning a case of an improperly conducted test is a free retest.

Face it, your driving, on the day, is not up to scratch, end of.

First, sorry you didn't pass - you probably feel pretty crap at the moment.

Second, well done for realising that your original instructor was milking you for cash! There are some good instructors around, but we get a lot of questions here where learners are milked of hundreds of pounds rather than taught to pass their tests in the most efficient manner possible.

Third, at last! Someone who appreciates the need to practice in between lessons & use their own car to do the test for familiarity.

On to your question - Don't get hung up on 'major' and 'minor' faults, the examiner is assessing your overall driving standard to give an overall pass or fail. Clipping a kerb is pretty bad - especially in a car you should be used to. Missing the pedestrian means you looked without paying attention: Don't listen to people who tell you that just making exaggerated use of your mirrors is sufficient - you need to react to what you're seeing in them.

Examiners have a big problem with 'maintaining good progress' and not causing other road users to have to slow, stop or deviate - you should be showing the examiner that you know the speed limit of the road you're on and are quickly reaching somewhere close to that speed if it's safe to do so: If you haven't heard an instruction, ask the examiner to repeat or ask for their direction. The rule is that if you come to a junction and the examiner doesn't give direction, you should turn left, but you won't get marked down for asking them to repeat every instruction.

Asking for a diferent examiner may make you feel better, but contrary to popular belief they don't hold grudges, or have a 'target' of people to pass or fail. If you're good enough on the day, you'll pass. Book again and if you get the same examiner, break the ice by telling him you're nervous (which he'll expect anyway) and that he's failed you on several occasions. Discuss any issues BEFORE you start out and you may be surprised to find he's a human being too...

You have the right to complain about an examiner and you will find how to do so on the forms given to you at the end of the test.

Be aware though that it will not alter the result of the test.

You cannot specify which driving test examiner you have.

"I only know I've failed the test because it's him who is testing me" . From your description of your driving I think any examiner will fail you.

You appear confused as to what is a 'driving fault', 'serious fault' and 'dangerous fault'.

For instance you seem to think that going the wrong way in the independent drive section should be considered. It is not and certainly will not be the cause of a test fail. You need a professional driving instructor who knows these things.

One candidates minor fault may well be more serious for another candidate in the overall drive.

The DSA publish the guidelines their examiners must follow. It would benefit you to have a read - http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/dsa-operatio...

Is it possible to take your next test at another test centre.

I think this examiner will fail you the moment he sees you- just from his past experience.

You may need to consider intensive lessons from a highly experienced driving instructor, who specialises in those who are having severe problems passing.

Also an assessment of whether you may be, and please don't be offended, just one of those people who are such bad drivers they should give up and use the bus and train.

A complaint will get you nowhere.

Good luck.

What a hoot no wonder you failed. Any Examiner in the UK would fail you. The examiner cannot intervene in your test ,his job is to sit there and watch what you are doing. The fault lies with your driving Instructor for not telling you that these faults (and they are not minor) will fail you your test.

By all means ask for another examiner.

UK

You cannot protest the result. You can complain if you believe the test was not properly conducted. Be aware that examiners are regularly monitored, both by their results and in practice. Sounds like you weren't properly prepared for the test.

Dsa Complaints

Driving Examiners will make a judgement as to your competence and if they feel that you are not up to driving will fail you and then give reasons. It is not as simple as just having a check list.