Yes, I did.
Full stop.
END OF STORY
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…
????
Pardon me, I’m still recovering from the heartbreak of failing the test. Me, a very qualified and cautious driver in all of Nigeria? One who went to a driving school in Lagos? I’m the only person I know who actually performed a driving test at FRSC (Federal Road Safety Corps) before my Nigerian Driver’s license was issued? How can I now arrive here and fail a G2 drive test (Intermediate stage)? Can you imagine that my driving experience in gridlock Third Mainland bridge didn’t count?
Even me sef, I don’t know how it happened, but I’ll try and relay how the day played out.
It was a hot and sunny day on that fateful day. The weather was at least 32 degrees Celsius. My Drive-Instructor had advised against me taking my road test in Brampton because the area is jam-packed with people, cars, and unsmiling driving examiners. He then advised I register at Kitchener, a town about an hour and a half ride from Mississauga. We got to Kitchener on the day of my road test and shockingly, the crowd we were running away from in Brampton was waiting for us there. My road test was scheduled for 1.30pm, but it didn’t happen until 3pm because of the backlog. People started complaining, the driving examiners were neck deep in work and everyone was generally cranky.
At 1.30pm (the scheduled time for my test) I was already in the car waiting for our turn. After about 45 minutes, when it didn’t look like anyone was paying us any attention, I had to quickly dash to the washroom to pee and dash back to my car. Apparently, once you have collected a tag, and you walk away from your car at any point, you may miss your turn, and also say goodbye to your road test fee. When it finally came to my turn, I was tired and hungry. Do you know that entire road test didn’t even take up to 10 minutes? Afterward, the driving examiner said I failed because I was driving too slow on the fast lane. Brethren, I didn’t know driving 40km on a road with a maximum of 50km was a problem. What a wawu!!. I couldn’t even cry when I received the news. I was too hungry to think.
We solemnly returned to Mississauga and I had to shell out $260 to this instructor of mine as payment for transporting me to the drive test centre in Kitchener, for the use of his car, and for 2 previous driving classes (at 30 dollars an hour). Note this is a separate cost from the actual road test. In order to kick off the driver’s license process from Nigeria, you will need the following: Your original driver’s license from Nigeria showing a minimum of 2 years driving history, an introduction letter from FRSC Abuja, and payment of $158.25. The $158.25 sum is made up of your knowledge test, license fee, and Road test fee.
Now, I have to make a fresh payment of $52.50 and schedule a new date for the road test. As it is summer time, the calendar is packed full of people registering for the test. Fingers crossed though that I can secure a date as soon as next month before Fall officially kicks in. From now, I’ll begin to practice using online resources so I am ready for that date. Please pray for success for me the second time around ?
17 comments
What a wawu! Sorry about that Akata. Look on the bright side, at least you have some minor experience and know what to expect next time. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Chin up, you’ll excel next time.
xoxo
Sorry about it dear. I have my Nigerian drivers license too but with the way people have been talking about failing the test, I’m scared of attempting and wasting my money.
And about the speed, I heard they don’t want you too slow, like stay on the maximum. Also, the driver might have been stressed out and wasn’t thinking straight
I genuinely believe that driving examiner was unfair to me. I wish there was a way to appeal the test failure. It was clear they were under pressure that day…
Gosh! I failed my first road test too many years ago. It is normal. I hope you are able to do better next time. Those things are nerve wrecking.
Thank you Sunmi. I appreciate the encouragement. It really is nerve racking. I was sooooo nervous ehn..
We actually do no follow rules in Nigeria … I remembered my ivetsavi friend then had to do drivers test in the UK four times. Lol.. you will be fine . Let’s go get them
Apologies for the typo, I remember my oversabi friend
No worries
I hear you DDD sisi, but did you see the part where I mentioned doing my drive test in Lagos before getting here? I also took 4 driving classes here as well with a registered driving instructor. It was just an unlucky day in my opinion.
Nonetheless, thanks a lot for your good wishes and sorry oooh to your friend in the UK.
Aww
You’ll ace it next time.
I wouldn’t have thought 40km on a road with 50km as max is slow.
Maybe the examiner was having a bad day.
Pls how does one get the FRSC letter.
My driving experience is 18months, will it count?
Me too I was weak. I genuinely believe they were under pressure because of the crowd. Unfortunately, this is one of the processes you cannot appeal the decision here.
On FRSC letter, best to go to Abuja yourself or ask someone to go to the Abuja office to process it for you. They will need all your personal information & your Driver’s license number. The letter is free of charge, but you may have to oil the wheel of efficiency, if you know what I mean…
I hear folks also go through the Nigerian High Commission to Canada in Abuja to process their driving records as well. I’m not sure about that process.
Alright, thank you!
Like we say over here, ‘dis one na set-up!’ LOL. All the way from Brampton to Kitchener and you still end up with the crowd?! Conspiracy!
OK, let me get out of my head for a bit. It’s just one of those things. Once you’ve seen the crowd and the pressure on the examiners you just know anything can go wrong. Hopefully, you’ll have a calmer test environment next time around and we know you’ll make us proud. ?
Go get ’em!
See ehn, this was so painful that my brain has done an excellent job of blocking out the experience. I am optimistic for the next one. Thanks a lot
I remember when I took the test in Aberdeen so I could drive my teammates to our games back in Uni. After having driven in Lagos for about 7 years and with the crazy traffic, I was sure I’d pass with flying colours. Alas, by the time the test was over the instructor was white (emphasis that he’s a white person before). Of course I failed. He asked where I’d learnt to drive and I told him Africa. His response was “it shows” Lol!
Trust sharp Lagos boy, I retook the test 2 weeks after (with a lot of YouTube watching and reading) and aced it.
See ehn, I actually am a really good driver, if I do say so myself. I also took driving lessons here in Mississauga before I took the test. It was just an off day that day jare. I’m also hoping to ace my 2nd test schedule early next month