Sons driving test - no allowances given at all!!!

10 years ago I wouldn't have had much of clue about Aspergers/Autism. Son was diagnosed 4/5 years ago. Its been a very tough time for him and the family....

Good news is he's doing OK now. In 6th form doing his A-levels and, after lockdown blips, planning college.

Been learning to drive. He's OK to be honest. Bit slow and hesitant and takes things a little too literally (as with everything)
Failed his test xmas time because he was too hesitant but nearly.

Had another test today. Lasted 9 minutes!!! They got back, Examiner refused to discuss with me. He was so upset, took me a while. They use a sat nav now for the tests. The examiner said to him - "you're not capable of using the sat nav so I'm cancelling the test".

All because he got confused as to what turning the sat nav meant and went straight on instead of turning. Only twice. He's flagged as ASD when I booked the test and they're supposed to make allowances. No allowances given here!

Absolutely fuming to be honest..... NINE MINUTES (and that includes probably 5 of those driving in and out from the test centre).

I know my son - when he passes his test there is 1000% no way he's going to be doing 120mph down the M4 or doing donuts in Tesco car park. All the poor sod wants is to be able to drive to his GFs house.....

I can probably appeal. Might get my £62 back but that's not important. Its 6 month waiting list for next test and, at the moment, his confidence is shot to bits because of this. He might decided he doesn't want to bother any more.

Any employers out there - just remember - we're all different. I was lucky not to be ASD. Despite coming from a poor background I didn't have to face this and could cope with things the "normal" way. Did well at school, college etc.

My son is different, his thinking is slightly off normal. I've come to realise that in some ways, its better the way he thinks about things.

Please give those people in society who are "different" a chance and not expect everyone to be the same....

I'm STILL bomping mad.....

Parents
  • I’ve been having the same issues with my son, 3 tests now and he is getting more nervous each time. Under the current covid rules, once they have failed they go straight back to the test centre to reduce contact. His last test failure was that he went off a roundabout at an incorrect exit. He said the examiner had a very strong foreign accent and was wearing a mask. My son said I kept saying pardon and I couldn’t see his lips with the mask on. We all know the worry whilst you are driving and you can see someone writing in the corner of your eye, you know they are writing down faults.
    In the Netherlands they have a driving test for people with anxiety which is much more informal. My son was so nervous last time that he struggled to even  sign his name.

    perhaps we should adopt a similar test in the uk.

  • Yes it seems the current UK systems is not great...

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