A frustrated father faces a four-month wait to retake his driving test after an examiner cancelled his appointment over what he describes as 'a few raindrops' on the passenger seat, following a 285-mile journey to the test centre.
A Marathon Journey for a Test Slot
Jacob Caroll, 27, from Chichester, West Sussex, had exhausted all local options for a driving test after months of trying. The shift manager and father-of-three eventually secured a rare slot at the Scarborough Driving Test Centre on December 15, 2025, near his wife's grandparents' home. The round trip from his home totalled approximately 300 miles.
Determined to make a good impression, Jacob paid for a professional valet for the car before setting off on the long drive north. He even booked a hotel to ensure he was ready for the test.
'It's Literally a Joke': The Damp Seat Ordeal
Upon arrival, as Jacob's wife's grandfather got out of the vehicle, a small amount of rain is said to have fallen onto the front passenger seat. Jacob claims the examiner refused to conduct the test due to the 'slightly 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 to place a blanket over the seat, but says the examiner declined, stating it would be too creased. "She walked off and said I had to pay for another test and that was it," he added.
Jacob emphasised that he was not even given the chance to start the engine or move the car before the test was called off.
Family Impact and Lengthy Wait
The cancellation has had a significant practical and financial impact on Jacob's family. His mother-in-law, Vicky Bagshaw, 46, explained that him passing his test would "take a massive load off my daughter", as they have three young children.
Having wasted money on travel and accommodation, Jacob now faces a lengthy delay. The next available test slot in Scarborough is not until April 2026, dangerously close to when his theory test certificate expires.
The experience has left him feeling 'anxious' about future tests. Witnessing driving instructors at the centre were reportedly "absolutely flabbergasted" by the examiner's decision.
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."
