... don't do it.
Based on experience gained yesterday it's not a good idea to arrive late. Give yourself plenty of time even if this means that if everything goes
your way you'll end up sitting in the test centre car park hours before your allotted test.
Not going to go into the whys or wherefores, or even attempt to come up with an excuse, but I arrived with my car on a hired trailer at 08:15
yesterday for a test that was booked for 08:00 and subsequently got turned away. At £450 + the trailer hire cost + fuel + time booked off work that
was an expensive lesson to learn. The only good that might come of it is that others might learn something from my mistake.
Ouch
Harsh but thats how Vosa work
as you say get there on time
jacko
Harsh for 15 mins. Considering they usually don't start straight away.
The tester must have got out the wrong side of the bed
Id be disgusted if that was me. Anything in paperwork about keeping times?
That's not right did you try contacting them to let them know you would be late 15 mins due to traffic issues shouldn't be unreasonable I would complain to vosa .
That's sh1t!
If anything, I'd expect them to start the test even if they didn't finish it in time so had to abort it. I guess the tester wanted to put
his feet up with a brew for a couple of hours....
Seems a harsh lesson to me!
I did the SVA test some years back and although I was there ready and waiting the test started 20 mins later than the allotted start time.
Worth asking if you get a reduced rate for the next test - both you and they have already done the paperwork.
In the DVSA's Test Booking Conditions it does say-
On the day of the test you must ensure that:
... The driver and vehicle arrive punctually and follow the instructions of testing staff.
So I failed to do this by arriving 15 minutes late, but I did follow instructions well enough and left once told to.
If there's a delay to them starting the test after I've re-booked it I'm probably going to be ever so slightly annoyed. Even if it
starts on time (I'll be sure to turn up early) how the hell do I go about building up any kind of rapport with the tester? I'll just have
to hope that he appreciates one word answers and a lot of mumblings under my breath.
quote:
Originally posted by Crispy
In the DVSA's Test Booking Conditions it does say-
On the day of the test you must ensure that:
... The driver and vehicle arrive punctually and follow the instructions of testing staff.
So I failed to do this by arriving 15 minutes late, but I did follow instructions well enough and left once told to.
If there's a delay to them starting the test after I've re-booked it I'm probably going to be ever so slightly annoyed. Even if it starts on time (I'll be sure to turn up early) how the hell do I go about building up any kind of rapport with the tester? I'll just have to hope that he appreciates one word answers and a lot of mumblings under my breath.
I remember years ago I had to apply for a visa at the Afgan embassy in Mashad, Iran. I was told to arrive at 8 a.m., however I had to find the place and got there 3 minutes late. I got turned away and had to go back next morning and be there before 8 a.m. I just put it down to a bunch of shits ind a shitty place, never thought we would descend to that level here though. What's wrong with a little leeway? Use to be called give and take!
Which test centre was this?
Kidderminster.
It depends on the center I suppose. We got held up by traffic after an accident - you do not have a phone number to ring the center as they will not
give you one - so we arrived 15 mins late. Apologised. The tester got us a coffee and the test began without incident!
I really don't see what the problem was. If you ran out of time at the end (unlikely) then they could ask you to come back but as the test is
supposed to take 5 hours you are unlikely to run out. I do wonder what the tester did with his 4.75 hours of nothing.
Paper hat if you ask me!
What a bunch of A Holes i think all five cars I've tested never started on time hope all goes well on your return
Not sure if Ian is talking about his test at Norwich or mine 
(He helped me big time and came with me)
But as he says, the tester literally said to us "Got caught out by the traffic did you? Never mind, is tea or coffee for you?". That was a
massive weight of my shoulders as I hate being late to anything, especially when the instructions say don't be late!
But as said, although technically well within their right, it's super harsh and a little pathetic. Has anyone actually had a test take the full
time? Even with being late, we had almost an hour spare at the end.
Edit: Double post.
[Edited on 28/6/17 by Jamesc]
Wow.
I have not had to IVA a car yet but if I was an honest 15 mins late with a valid reason beyond my control I would expect the test to start, and take
no other answer.
If it didnt, I would of sat outside spending the next hour writing the complaint and getting the details of his manager.
What an idiot.
quote:
Originally posted by Crispy
In the DVSA's Test Booking Conditions it does say-
On the day of the test you must ensure that:
... The driver and vehicle arrive punctually and follow the instructions of testing staff.
So I failed to do this by arriving 15 minutes late, but I did follow instructions well enough and left once told to.
If there's a delay to them starting the test after I've re-booked it I'm probably going to be ever so slightly annoyed. Even if it starts on time (I'll be sure to turn up early) how the hell do I go about building up any kind of rapport with the tester? I'll just have to hope that he appreciates one word answers and a lot of mumblings under my breath.
That's shocking. Both my ivas have started with a brew and a general chat about the car. Actual testing didn't start til 830. The last one
was over within 3 hours.
Id definitely be onto dvsa and explain the circumstances. It's a lot of money to lose.
quote:
Originally posted by CosKev3
quote:
Originally posted by Crispy
In the DVSA's Test Booking Conditions it does say-
On the day of the test you must ensure that:
... The driver and vehicle arrive punctually and follow the instructions of testing staff.
So I failed to do this by arriving 15 minutes late, but I did follow instructions well enough and left once told to.
If there's a delay to them starting the test after I've re-booked it I'm probably going to be ever so slightly annoyed. Even if it starts on time (I'll be sure to turn up early) how the hell do I go about building up any kind of rapport with the tester? I'll just have to hope that he appreciates one word answers and a lot of mumblings under my breath.
From what people have said if you go there with that attitude you will be coming away with a fail!
I would be on the phone to VOSA about them turning you away and just explain the issues you had en-route and explain the fact the tests never take the full five hours going by other people's experiences.
You might have to book elsewhere for your next test though if VOSA contact Kidderminster would be the downside!
What was said between you and the tester when you arrived?
quote:
Originally posted by Jamesc
quote:
Originally posted by CosKev3
quote:
Originally posted by Crispy
In the DVSA's Test Booking Conditions it does say-
On the day of the test you must ensure that:
... The driver and vehicle arrive punctually and follow the instructions of testing staff.
So I failed to do this by arriving 15 minutes late, but I did follow instructions well enough and left once told to.
If there's a delay to them starting the test after I've re-booked it I'm probably going to be ever so slightly annoyed. Even if it starts on time (I'll be sure to turn up early) how the hell do I go about building up any kind of rapport with the tester? I'll just have to hope that he appreciates one word answers and a lot of mumblings under my breath.
From what people have said if you go there with that attitude you will be coming away with a fail!
I would be on the phone to VOSA about them turning you away and just explain the issues you had en-route and explain the fact the tests never take the full five hours going by other people's experiences.
You might have to book elsewhere for your next test though if VOSA contact Kidderminster would be the downside!
What was said between you and the tester when you arrived?
If you take it elsewhere, do you have to pay the full £450 again? Surely if you re-book, then you'll only be charged £90 at Kidderminster?
quote:
Originally posted by CosKev3
quote:
Originally posted by Jamesc
quote:
Originally posted by CosKev3
quote:
Originally posted by Crispy
In the DVSA's Test Booking Conditions it does say-
On the day of the test you must ensure that:
... The driver and vehicle arrive punctually and follow the instructions of testing staff.
So I failed to do this by arriving 15 minutes late, but I did follow instructions well enough and left once told to.
If there's a delay to them starting the test after I've re-booked it I'm probably going to be ever so slightly annoyed. Even if it starts on time (I'll be sure to turn up early) how the hell do I go about building up any kind of rapport with the tester? I'll just have to hope that he appreciates one word answers and a lot of mumblings under my breath.
From what people have said if you go there with that attitude you will be coming away with a fail!
I would be on the phone to VOSA about them turning you away and just explain the issues you had en-route and explain the fact the tests never take the full five hours going by other people's experiences.
You might have to book elsewhere for your next test though if VOSA contact Kidderminster would be the downside!
What was said between you and the tester when you arrived?
If you take it elsewhere, do you have to pay the full £450 again? Surely if you re-book, then you'll only be charged £90 at Kidderminster?
It's not a retest though?
From what the OP posted to start with he's lost the test fee?
I wouldn't think the £90 retest slots are 5 hours long like a first test?
[Edited on 28/6/17 by CosKev3]
I have my test at Kidderminster next Wednesday at 8....Gulp!
quote:
Originally posted by Ianboom
I have my test at Kidderminster next Wednesday at 8....Gulp!
quote:
Originally posted by Ianboom
I have my test at Kidderminster next Wednesday at 8....Gulp!
Happened at my first SVA test in 2002, so not a new thing 10 minutes late due to accident on the M1.
Nottingham offer PM test. I had a 1pm at Nottingham in 2013.
I was very late to my IVA retest. I broke down with a rear half shaft come loose. I phoned the station and the guy was most sympathetic and said no
worries - just ring to rebook and there will be no extra charge. Had my retest a few weeks later.
The two testers at Nottingham are amazing, I would recommend that centre without a doubt. Failed me on about 5 points and explained why and what to
do to get it through. He was a bit stern but very fair.
I might be devils advocate here, and I'm sure you had no intention of being late and are reasonable... but if you turn up late to anything like
this I think you can expect this. They have fixed times to work to, they don't want to be rushed because people will always take a mile if they
give an inch. And assuming he's planning to use the full allotted time, you've now wasted a slot. Waste of time starting if you can't
finish (in his view). I dunno. I get sick of people being late to meetings, especially if they don't call to let me know.
That said, I'm usually late. I just don't expect to be treated well because of it!
quote:
Originally posted by coyoteboy
I might be devils advocate here, and I'm sure you had no intention of being late and are reasonable... but if you turn up late to anything like this I think you can expect this. They have fixed times to work to, they don't want to be rushed because people will always take a mile if they give an inch. And assuming he's planning to use the full allotted time, you've now wasted a slot. Waste of time starting if you can't finish (in his view). I dunno. I get sick of people being late to meetings, especially if they don't call to let me know.
That said, I'm usually late. I just don't expect to be treated well because of it!
quote:
Originally posted by coyoteboy
I might be devils advocate here, and I'm sure you had no intention of being late and are reasonable... but if you turn up late to anything like this I think you can expect this. They have fixed times to work to, they don't want to be rushed because people will always take a mile if they give an inch. And assuming he's planning to use the full allotted time, you've now wasted a slot. Waste of time starting if you can't finish (in his view). I dunno. I get sick of people being late to meetings, especially if they don't call to let me know.
That said, I'm usually late. I just don't expect to be treated well because of it!
Indeed, I'm not excusing it - it sounds totally unnecessary. I just think it works both ways and it's easy to take the OP's stand on it without considering the chap at the other end who's planned his day and maybe intended to get other vital things done that afternoon.
quote:
Originally posted by coyoteboy
Indeed, I'm not excusing it - it sounds totally unnecessary. I just think it works both ways and it's easy to take the OP's stand on it without considering the chap at the other end who's planned his day and maybe intended to get other vital things done that afternoon.
quote:
Originally posted by Crispy
... don't do it.
Based on experience gained yesterday it's not a good idea to arrive late. Give yourself plenty of time even if this means that if everything goes your way you'll end up sitting in the test center car park hours before your allotted test.
Not going to go into the whys or wherefores, or even attempt to come up with an excuse, but I arrived with my car on a hired trailer at 08:15 yesterday for a test that was booked for 08:00 and subsequently got turned away. At £450 + the trailer hire cost + fuel + time booked off work that was an expensive lesson to learn. The only good that might come of it is that others might learn something from my mistake.