LAST WEEK I ADDRESSED some aspects of the driving test that I deemed to be unfair. This week I want to continue the discussion as well as share some experiences of others.
Experience 1
Sandra was on her driving test, had just exited a secondary road and was approaching the traffic lights. The lights were on green but as she got close, they turned amber, so she decided to stop rather than try to make it before the red.
Sandra was shocked to learn she had failed because she did not comply with the amber/red light and should have driven through the amber light. A few weeks later she did her driving test again and failed for the same reason.
On this occasion, she was approaching the traffic lights which were on green, but suddenly changed to amber. Based on the advice of the last testing officer, she drove through the amber and was failed.
Experience 2
Brandon had just done his hand signals in the yard and was told by the testing officer to proceed to the exit and turn left. Brandon drove up the incline, angled his vehicle to the left and stopped. To Brandon’s surprise, he was told he failed because he broke the junction and should have stopped at the bottom of the slope. When Brandon checked, there was no white line indicating he was to stop.
There are many more examples of how students were unfairly failed on their driving tests. Normally students accept the failure, lose all their money, get a new date to redo the test and pay their money all over again. I believe that students as well as instructors should challenge any failure that wasn’t their fault.
The three-point turn has been a part of the driving test for as long as I know it and knowing how to do this manoeuvre is important. What I have an issue with is that students are failed if any of their tyres touch the sidewalk at anytime during the manoeuvre.
Let us be realistic, honest with ourselves and fair. When making a three-point turn, especially on small roads or roads which are lined in bush taller than the sidewalk, we often reverse or drive forward until our tyre slightly touches the sidewalk or pavement. This tells us we have gone either the maximum way forward or backwards, which allows us to make the maximum turning angle.
We who have licence do it all the time. Why should a student be failed for doing the same thing? It is different if the student, while making the turn, mounts the pavement or sidewalk, but a slight touch should not merit a penalty.
What is the purpose of the left turn hand signal you are asked to show before starting and while on the test? Neither the driver of the vehicle approaching nor the one behind you can see the hand signal. It isn’t a hand signal that is ever used after the test either, so why the need for it?
I believe part of the driving test should include knowledge of the correct and safe way to change a tyre. Another aspect that should be tested is how to check oil, radiator, brake, transmission, power steering, windshield and battery fluid levels where applicable.
I also see it as important for students to be tested on how to use the air pumps in the gas stations and what is the correct PSI for their tyres and where that information can be found on the car.
Many years ago, reversing and parking between poles was a part of the driving test. Having observed people reversing and touching other vehicles while trying to park in a car park, I believe this aspect of the test should be reintroduced.
I cannot remember if parallel parking is part of the test, but if it isn’t it should be. I know these two aspects may increase the time of learning, and would also come at a cost. It is better to spend the time and money to learn to do them well than to damage someone’s vehicle later and pay a heavier cost.
• Corey Worrell, a former Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, is director of C2J Foundation Inc., a project-based NGO focusing on social development. Email: [email protected]
