Failure is not the end

A little while ago one of my students sat his driving test. He logged the required number of kilometres, practised his three-point turns and parking and rolled up ready to pass. He failed.

Being able to drive the car and park it are not the only considerations when it comes to a test. Points are taking off for things like failing to check the mirrors often enough, forgetting to put on your indicator when turning left at the traffic lights, failing to use the handbrake on a hill start, speeding or mounting the kerb (eg on a roundabout).

The learner's handbook (which all learners need!) states that:

The Driving Assessor will explain to you which areas of your driving did not meet the standard.  The assessment form will clearly show you and your supervisory driver where your performance needs to improve.

The Driving Assessor will give you some specific information on how you can improve your driving before you take the assessment again.

The Driving Assessors don't want people to fail the test but neither do they want incompetent drivers on the road. They are experienced in the requirements for passing the assessment and want to ensure that all who pass are both confident and proficient.  Failure is not the end, but a springboard to better performance.

My student went for his test again yesterday. He passed with flying colours, scoring 100%.  :)