A learner driver's 285-mile journey to take his driving test ended in frustration and a wasted trip after the examiner refused to sit on a slightly damp passenger seat.
A Long-Awaited Test Appointment
Jacob Caroll, a 27-year-old shift manager and father of three from Chichester, had struggled for months to book a practical test near his home in West Sussex. With no local slots available, he expanded his search and managed to secure one in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, close to where his wife's grandparents live.
Eager to make a good impression, Jacob had his car professionally cleaned before setting off on the long trek on 15th December. He made the journey with his wife's grandfather, hopeful that the test would be a success.
The Test That Never Started
Upon arrival at the Scarborough Driving Test Centre, it was raining heavily. As Jacob got out of the car to meet the examiner, a few raindrops landed on the front passenger seat. He alleges that the examiner immediately stated she could not sit there due to the dampness.
"It was just a few raindrops, and she patted it and said she couldn't do it," Jacob explained. In an attempt to salvage the situation, he reached for a blanket to cover the seat, but claims the examiner refused this too, saying the blanket was "all creased up."
Despite his protests and offers to resolve the issue, the test was terminated before Jacob had even started the engine. He was informed the test was cancelled and he would need to pay to rebook.
Frustration and Financial Fallout
The cancellation has left Jacob feeling "anxious" about future tests and out of pocket. The next available test slot in Scarborough is not until April, dangerously close to when his theory test certificate expires. The family also incurred costs for a hotel and fuel for the round trip.
Jacob's mother-in-law, Vicky Bagshaw, 46, said she was "flabbergasted" by the incident. "They have three small kids and him being able to drive would take a massive load off my daughter," she stated, adding that other instructors at the test centre were equally shocked.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) declined to comment on the specific case. A spokesperson said: "DVSA cannot comment on individual complaints. We would encourage any learner driver who feels they have been mistreated to report it to us at the earliest opportunity."
The experience highlights the immense pressure on the UK's driving test system, where learners often travel hundreds of miles and pay significant sums for a chance to take their test, only for it to be derailed by unexpected circumstances.
