A WOMAN who passed her driving test at the fourth attempt has questioned the standard of examiners in Guernsey. Graphic designer Andrea Guilbert was failed three times by the island’s only examiner. She retook her test this week with a UK expert – and passed.

‘I am worried because there is only one person here to take the test,’ said the 31-year-old.

‘I didn’t drive any differently compared to when I failed the third time. It doesn’t make sense.’

Environment used to employ two full-time examiners but a reduction in demand for tests meant only one was required.

‘The department did look to employ a part-time examiner but had difficulties in recruiting, bearing in mind the extensive training someone would have to undertake for such a position,’ said minister David De Lisle.

‘However, it is a matter that the board is planning to review again in the near future.’

Mrs Guilbert began driving in October. After failing her test twice, she changed schools. The new instructor, from Highway, helped to improve her technique and entered her for a third test.

‘I felt more confident,’ she said.

‘But the examiner failed me for several more reasons than the first two times.

‘He would lean forward every time I just touched the brake, as if I was braking very sharply.’

She added that the same thing had happened to two of her friends.

‘I was surprised when I failed and my instructor was surprised as well,’ she said.

‘You begin to think, ﾓI will never get my driving licenceﾔ.’

Environment confirmed that the UK examiner was brought over for about one week per month.

‘This helps to keep the waiting

list at an acceptable level and provides an alternative examiner, particularly for retests,’ said Deputy De Lisle.

He was confident the standard of testing between the two examiners was consistent.

Last year, they conducted more than 1,700 tests between them. The pass rate differed by 2% in favour of the local one.

Examiners are also tested annually by an assistant chief examiner from the UK Driving Standards Agency.

In the case of Mrs Guilbert, Deputy De Lisle said: ‘The candidate had already undertaken her test three times and therefore it is reasonable to expect that she was

better prepared and had more driving experience for her fourth test conducted by the UK driving examiner.

‘Similarly, there are external reasons that affect a driver’s ability on the day, such as traffic and weather conditions.

‘For candidates who undertake multiple tests with one examiner, it is often the case for them to be booked in with another.’