Text mix-up is passed a joke for driver Clara

11 September 2009

Cara Griffiths

A WANNABE motorist has been driven to despair after passing her driving exam, only to be told four hours later she had failed - because examiners didn't test her properly!

Cara Griffiths, 28, from Romford, cruised through her test first time with only five minor faults, observed by two examiners from the Hornchurch Test Centre, in Station Lane

She was presented with her driving certificate, and riding high phoned family and friends to tell them the happy news.

But her celebrations hit the skids when examiners contacted the mum-of-one four hours later to tell her that her certificate was invalid because they had botched a vital part of the test.

"I got home chuffed to bits as I've wanted to do this for years, only to be told I had failed," said revved-up Cara, who had spent more than £600 on lessons and testing.

"I drove exactly how I was instructed, but the examiner had only done one manoeuvre and forgotten to do a second one. Now I'm being penalised and have failed the test!"

The test centre, which is managed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), has told Cara she can re-sit the exam free-of-charge, but the frazzled housewife is still in shock.

She said: "I want to know how two examiners could let me walk away for four hours without realising they had messed up - I could have been out on the road illegally."

After exhausting all her options - including seeking legal advice - Cara concedes she will probably have to retake her test: "No-one expects to have to sit their driving test after passing it. It was nerve-wracking enough the first time, but doing it again is going to be a nightmare," she said.

A spokesman for the DSA said: "We apologise for what was a genuine mistake. The examiner missed out one of the manoeuvres which made the test illegal.

"We have offered a free re-test and will bring someone in especially for this so the candidate is not waiting weeks.

"We would like her to get in touch as soon as possible. We are very sorry and understand how disappointed she must be.