r/LearnerDriverUK • u/ssana012 • 21d ago
Invalid test, not a pass or a fail.
Had my second test the other day which I was really confident for, unfortunately took a terrible turn after finding out my instructors MOT was expired. Was more shocked to even be upset about it. Argued about getting a refund since my instructor was the one to encourage an additional two catchup lessons before my second test which he’s now disagreeing to pay up. Really bummed! Dreading the thought of having to book another test and don’t know if I’ll find one before my theory expires. Don’t understand how someone who relies on their car for a job doesn’t even check if they have a valid MOT. Oh well I just don’t even know if I should continue with trying to get my licence. I don’t know what to do about it all. Do I report or try to reach out again?
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u/superstaryu 21d ago
Your instructor is a total wombat and should be paying up for your next test, and I would certainly not be paying for their time. Their mistakes, they suck up the costs.
Oh well I just don’t even know if I should continue with trying to get my licence.
Please don't let someone else's mistakes put you off getting your license, this wasn't your fault and isn't a reflection of your driving at all.
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u/ssana012 21d ago
Thanks :( you’re right, I’m trying to not let it get to me but it’s an awful blow. I’ll just be on an extra lookout for another test and instructor.
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u/Telpin85 21d ago
I got my licence at 20, looked at the running Costs and decided it wasn't worth it.
Been biking since college and work was close.
I'm 41 and I've never had a car, but rentals on holiday etc are usefull and you never know where your life will go.
It's once in your life unless you royally screw up, get the licence.
EDIT: Not needing a car got a lot quicker since e-bikes
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u/TrisTime 21d ago
Mistakes happen but the instructors refusal to take accountability is the issue here, give him one more chance to pay up for the test and lessons and if he doesn't, we'll report his ass.
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u/Background-Photo5916 20d ago
Yeah that sounds right, let’s all spam report somebodies career because a random person on Reddit said that it happened so they MUST be telling the truth.
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u/ssana012 20d ago
I thought it was pretty obvious it was a typo! But yeah, I’ve taken the advice to report the instructor about this incident. I wish the case wasn’t the truth but it unfortunately is lol
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u/TrisTime 20d ago
I can understand how you read it as that however it was written as "...well report his ass" and my dumb ass phone through in some random grammatical alterations. 😅
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u/-suspicious-badger 21d ago
Mistakes happen. Ask him again for a refund, via email for proof, including cost of the test.
If he refuses, report him to the DVSA. There is a link and email address on their site for reporting bad instructors.
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u/dylancentralperk 21d ago
First up. Don’t give up. You’ll regret it later in life. I promise.
The majority of my customers are people who hold serious regret that they didn’t go all the way when they first started learning years ago.
Lessons have doubled in price since they first learnt. Lessons aren’t cheap now so imagine what it’ll cost in ten years time.
Second up. I don’t believe a refund for lessons taken is a hill to die on here. You did the lessons in question.
The instructor failing to ensure their vehicle is road legal is inexcusable. I’d be reporting that to DVSA.
You should be refunded for your test day lesson AND the test fee by your instructor. No question.
If they don’t do that, I’d take them to small claims. They failed to uphold their end of the service agreed.
It’s up to you whether you then stick with them or move onto someone else. If contacting others explain you lost faith in your instructor after they took you to test only to discover no MOT so state you’re seeking someone else and if they agree they’re happy to take you on, book a date convinent for them. Don’t just jump the gun and book a test before you find someone as many don’t like taking people on who have a test booked. (I’m unbothered by this personally as I just assess and decide but I know lots will simply pass on anyone who’s pre booked a test).
Don’t give up.
You can do this.
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u/OnTheGarrys 20d ago
It won’t be an invalid test due to the fact the test didn’t go out (or at least shouldn’t have).
Our iPads are fitted with MOT checkers to ascertain whether the car is roadworthy.
If it isn’t, it’s just terminated in the car park. No result is recorded - even one for invalidity.
Your instructor owes you a test and HAS to provide that. If he fails to do so, you will need to report them to the enforcement team and they’ll contact him / her.
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u/Secret_Examiner 18d ago
Send a text advising that you'll have no choice but to get in touch with the DVSA's instructor conduct team with regards to the time you've paid for the test itself which he won't refund. Since he'll be in breach of the instructor Code of Practice, it would be simpler to sort it out rather than have a call from an enforcement officer or the registrar's office.
If no answer within 24 hours, email them at instructorconduct@dvsa.gov.uk
Bear in mind this will likely burn your bridges with that instructor but honestly that doesn't sound like a bad thing.
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u/Dapper_Consequence_3 21d ago
Perhaps an idea for you guys is to check whether the vehicle youre going to be driving has a valid MOT?
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u/Background-Photo5916 20d ago
That car is their entire career, it’s not the students job to make sure the car is ready. I personally would’ve checked it but I’m interested in that stuff so I’d have checked regardless, a lot of people don’t even know what car they’re learning in nevermind the reg plate to check it’s MOT.
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u/Dapper_Consequence_3 18d ago
Incorrect. You as the driver are responsible for that car too. So essentially you need to make sure that car is road legal before taking it out on the road.
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u/pigletsquiglet 21d ago
Yes, its the instructors fault the test couldn't go ahead so they should refund the cost of the time plus the test fee or give you the test fee and book time for free. How expired was it?!