A father-of-three who embarked on a 285-mile journey to take his driving test was left stunned and out of pocket after the examiner refused to proceed because of a few raindrops on the passenger seat.
The Epic Journey for a Test Slot
Jacob Caroll, a 27-year-old shift supervisor from Chichester, West Sussex, had spent months trying to book a practical driving test near his home. With no luck securing a local slot, he expanded his search and managed to book an appointment in Scarborough, North Yorkshire—close to his wife's grandparents. The lengthy trek meant he and his wife's grandfather had to travel almost 300 miles north for the test scheduled for December 15.
Determined to make everything perfect, Jacob paid for a professional valet for the car the day before the long journey. He hoped this would ensure the vehicle met all the required standards for the crucial examination.
'It's Literally a Joke': The Damp Seat Drama
Upon arrival at the Scarborough Driving Test Centre on a wet day, a small amount of rainwater had landed on the passenger seat as the pair exited the car. Jacob claims the examiner immediately refused to sit in the seat due to the damp upholstery.
"It was just a few raindrops and she patted it and said she couldn't do it. It's literally a joke," Jacob stated. He offered a blanket for the examiner to sit on, but says this was also rejected because it was "all creased up." After a brief attempt to persuade the official, Jacob was informed the test was cancelled and he would need to rebook and pay again.
"I didn't even get the car moving," he lamented. Witnesses, including other waiting driving instructors, were reportedly "flabbergasted" by the decision.
Financial and Emotional Fallout
The cancellation has had significant consequences for Jacob and his family. The next available test slot he could find is in April, perilously close to when his theory test certificate expires. The wasted trip also meant losing money on fuel, a hotel stay, and the test fee itself.
Jacob's mother-in-law, Vicky Bagshaw, 46, highlighted the family's frustration. "They have three small kids and him being able to drive would take a massive load off my daughter," she said. "He was so upset. They'd paid for a hotel, gone all the way up there and paid for a test he's never got to do."
The experience has left Jacob feeling "anxious" about attempting another test. He also expressed dismay that he was not allowed to speak to anyone at the centre to dispute the examiner's decision on the spot.
Official Response and Next Steps
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) 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 incident raises questions about the consistency of test centre rulings and the substantial hurdles learner drivers face in securing test appointments, often forcing them to travel great distances at considerable personal expense.
