Does the examiner know which test we’re taking? Lauto Driving School in Warsaw answers students’ questions.
Does the examiner know which test we’re taking? Lauto Driving School in Warsaw answers students’ questions.
In one of the clubs, four students from a driving school in Warsaw were sitting at a table, discussing Monday’s exam, which they were scheduled to take in three days.
Suddenly a guy approached them and said bluntly:
— I was just passing by your table and heard that you had an exam at WORD https://www.word.waw.pl/…
The boys looked at each other and one of them replied:
— That’s true, but why are you interested in that?
—Because it’s hard to pass the exam, and I can help you with that. I’m an examiner…
— OK, but how much will it cost?
— Two and a half thousand per person…
The students asked the man many questions and when they were sure that he actually had the appropriate knowledge and a document confirming his profession, they bought the exam.
How did their story unfold? More on that in a moment. First, let’s answer students’ questions about contacting the examiner.
Here are the most frequently asked questions by students regarding WORD examiners:
Does the examiner know which exam we are taking?
The examiner doesn’t know how many times we’re taking the exam. They don’t even know who they’ll be examining until the last minute. The procedure is as follows: just before the exam, they go to the computer and draw a number for the candidate. Only after drawing the number will they learn their identity. However, they may ask after the exam how many times they’ve taken the exam. We can tell them, but we don’t have to… It’s worth mentioning that you can’t change the examiner.
What does the examiner know about the candidate?
During the random number drawing, the examiner learns the candidate’s name, surname, PESEL number, and any restrictions (for example, vision impairment and the requirement to wear glasses). While the WORD database contains information about how many times someone has passed their driving test or for what reason they lost their license, the examiner doesn’t have access to this information. At best, they can guess who’s license was revoked and whether they’re dealing with a rally driver (a driver whose license was revoked due to excessive points) or a taster (a driver who lost their license for drunk driving).
Do examiners intentionally fail?
Not really, at least we haven’t encountered anything like that. However, we’ve noticed a pattern. In Bemowo, the last attempt at the exam is at 2:00 PM. The driving test center (WORD) closes at 3:00 PM. It’s possible, therefore, that an examiner will quickly fail a student on the square, only to—after completing the paperwork—go home at 2:30 PM. So, what’s the conclusion? Don’t register for the exam during the last hour of the WORD’s operation, either in Bemowo or on Odlewnicza Street.
What if the examiner doesn’t say anything?
Then nothing bad happens. Typically, aside from route instructions, the examiner remains silent most of the time. They provide the most information before the test, when they explain how they will communicate. For example, they might say, „If we’re going straight, I won’t say anything.” Another might say, „Turn right or left.” Another might phrase it differently: „At the next possible intersection, turn right or left.” Sometimes their statement will be short, other times long. For example, instead of instructing, „At the roundabout, take the third exit,” they might say, „Turn left at the next intersection.” In conclusion, it’s crucial to listen carefully to the examiner’s initial words to easily decipher their communication style.
Why is it so difficult to pass a driving test?
We’ll answer the question with a question: „Why don’t students commit to practical training and purchase additional driving hours when necessary?” This negligence is precisely why they lack the necessary experience, and we rarely encounter unusual situations during the exam. Typically, what happens is what we might have encountered during the driving lessons. If we don’t commit to training or purchase the appropriate number of driving hours, we’ll be in for an unpleasant surprise during the exam…
In addition to the above, there’s something else. The maneuvering area is a real challenge. In Europe, this type of task is only found in Poland and Lithuania. It would definitely be better for the student if the maneuvering area were excluded from the exam. Firstly, because as much as 30% of the basic driving course time must be spent on the area instead of practicing city driving. Secondly, it’s very easy to fail the exam here. It’s enough for the candidate not to look out the rear window when reversing around a curve. Even if they were looking in their mirrors, they’d still fail… It must be admitted that the maneuvering area is convenient for the examiners, as they can quickly complete the exam without having to drive out into the city. Besides, it’s more enjoyable to take the exam outdoors than sitting in a car.
Does OSK see the student’s exam results?
No. GDPR prohibits WORD from sharing such data with Warsaw driving schools. Typically, students who have a good relationship with their school will report their exam performance.
Can I talk to the examiner?
Can you talk during the final exam? Probably not. It’s similar here, but you can definitely ask for a question to be repeated if you didn’t understand it. Previously, examiners would engage in pleasant conversations. However, when it turned out they had to interrupt the exam abruptly, they were accused of chatting with the examinee, which allegedly contributed to the student failing. For this reason, they prudently avoid engaging in conversation, but they’ll gladly repeat instructions or explain what they mean.
How to make a good impression on the examiner?
We arrive for the exam fifteen minutes early, well-rested and relaxed. We dress respectably rather than casually, but we don’t overdo it either way (nude or tailcoat). We are well-prepared and, from the very beginning of the exam, starting with the check under the hood, we have a command of everything. At the same time, we don’t argue, but rather humbly and calmly follow instructions. Our driving is smooth, and we always have a smile on our faces. We demonstrate high courtesy („please,” „thank you”) and don’t chew gum. In a situation where our fate hangs in the balance, these traits can tip the scales in our favor.
What types of examiners are there?
You can encounter formalists or laid-back types among both men and women. The former have every word carefully considered and quote the highway code by heart. The latter are human, behave naturally, and even smile at us.
However, it’s worth noting that it’s just as easy to pass with a formalist as it is to fail with a laid-back one. Personality doesn’t affect the exam’s outcome. It’s our skills that count. It’s also worth remembering that female examiners are just as good behind the wheel as male ones.
Summary. How did the story of the Warsaw driving school students end?
Let’s return to the story of the students from the first paragraph. They thought they had purchased the exam from a WORD examiner. However, on the day they took it, they discovered they had been deceived. The man who took 10,000 złoty from them did not work at the Warsaw WORD.
„Gentlemen,” said the head of the OSK, „since we joined the European Union, you can’t buy a driving license because cameras are installed in cars and the person taking the test is randomly selected. The only way to pass is through excellent training and learning to drive smoothly, which is what my driving school „Lauto” in Warsaw offers.”