For me I’d definitely go out on the drive, as I like to get my moneys worth.
The test could maybe be done like the motorcycle test, on the motorcycle test you do a module off road, going round cones, emergency stop, figure of 8, swerve test thing, then you do the next module, which is the on road driving test. If the truck test was done like this and you passed the driving test, but failed the reversing module, I would hope it would be cheaper to resit the reverse only part rather than the full re-test.
Or as mentioned above, the test begins with coupling up to the trailer and driving out the yard for the test, then when returning reverse it between the cones and un couple. Would be like the real thing that way…
I once had a driver pass taking 3 shunts on the reverse.
Yes, that happens. Which is why I didn’t mention shunts in the OP. I also encourage folks to continue shunting rather than hit something for exactly that reason.
To tell someone it’s 2 shunts and out is foolish as they will try and do the impossible whereas a 3rd shunt is sometimes accepted.
2nd attempt I ballsed the reverse again but went on the drive & wasn’t bothered by it at all & wound up with 5 minors…
That’s great - but you clearly hadn’t screwed up the reverse as badly as you had judged. And I believe that’s the biggest danger. Which is why I was specific about the definite causes of a serious fault.
Pete
I forgot to mention I did fail for the reverse as I did roll over the middle cone & took 4 shunts… 3rd time was a charm thankfully though!!
I think it entirely depends on how the particular trainee is feeling. As we are all different, there probably isn’t a generic answer. Some will be hopping mad with themselves and I’d agree with Pete that it may be best to defuse and walk away. Some will be more philosophical and getting a “practise test” will be be good experience. So the current system where (generally) the candidate gets asked if they want to proceed with the road test is probably right.
My artic examiner was a gem - at end of reverse and drop and catch he said “no driving faults there”, and towards the end of the motorway section (near end of test) he said “by the way, it’s ALL still to play for”. I think he thought that I had got it into head that I failed after a nasty fight with a bus and having to crawl through the tightest of gaps, so it was welcome news that I was still ok!
