I took a pupil to test today whose theory test expires next week.
When I took her on, her driving had been put on hiatus by virtue of having had a baby and some other things - hence the reason for the expiry date looming. Her driving was basically OK, and she could do the manoeuvres after a bit of refresher training. But as the test date approached it became clear the real problem was her mind.
She is one of those people who, when confronted with a simple problem, experiences the equivalent of an atomic explosion in their heads that creates the most bizarre solution imaginable.
One example. I will say to her “turn right at the roundabout, 2nd exit” and she’ll check her mirrors and indicate, drive off when it is clear, and then – and only then – give any thought as to where the 2nd exit is. Her solution to this dilemma is frequently to yank the steering wheel into full lock, accelerate, and look for somewhere to go without any consideration for the island itself, bollards, other cars, and so on. This includes aiming for the wrong carriageway on a split entry road to the roundabout.
Another example. I will say to her “follow the road ahead at the lights”. She sometimes won’t see the road markings (arrows) and will just go in the direction she is currently pointing, which means the wrong lane or straddling two of them. Then she’ll yank it over without checking. And if the junction is anything other than geometrically symmetrical then “straight ahead” again becomes a gambled choice between wherever she is pointing and what other cars in front are doing.
And one more. We’ll be driving down a straight road with side roads off it. Periodically, and for no specific reason, she will react to a car appearing at the end of one of these roads (coming to give way lines) by slamming her brakes on as if they have right of way or something.
The problem is, she CAN see the road markings and she DOES know what to do. She just doesn’t do it every time.
So, I have to admit that I knew she was going to fail. I practically told her this, and I said that I wanted to be present for the test “just in case”.
Well, she DID fail. With 4 serious and a few – only a few - driver faults (I think the examiner was being generous).
It’s the first time I have ever taken anyone to test who I knew didn’t stand a chance, and I’m not proud of it. I didn’t need the work and I honestly thought I’d be able to get her ready – but I was wrong. I’ll never do it again, no matter what story the pupil gives me, and no matter how much money they’re trying to save.