03.02.2026
The Examiner: Friend or Foe? Busting the Myths About the “Bogeyman” in the Back Seat
Legends worthy of a horror film circulate in driving school hallways and internet forums. People tell stories of examiners who fail candidates for glancing in the wrong mirror, or who deliberately lead them into a trap.
The driving school “In7Days” sets the record straight and debunks the biggest myths. Who is the examiner, really?
Myth #1: The Examiner Arbitrarily Decides Whether You Fail
This is the greatest misconception. The examiner is a public official who operates within strict government guidelines under the Driving Aptitude Assessment System (FEER). They follow a clear protocol and document your behaviour according to standardised criteria: traffic observation, mirror use, and speed compliance. Every decision must be justified with a specific point from the examination guidelines. They cannot “invent” a mistake — if you meet the required standards, they have no legal basis for a negative assessment.
Myth #2: There Is a Daily “Limit” on Passes
Many people believe: “If three people already passed in the morning, everyone in the afternoon will fail because the quota is met.” The reality: TÜV and DEKRA are subject to strict government oversight. There are no “failure quotas.” On the contrary, an unusually high failure rate for a particular examiner would raise questions with their superiors, as it would suggest a lack of objectivity. The examiner does not care where you are on the list — if you drive according to the rules, they are obligated to confirm your qualification.
Myth #3: They Want You to Fail
Let’s apply simple psychology:
- Positive emotions: The examiner is only human. Spending an entire day writing rejections and witnessing the stress of candidates is mentally exhausting.
- Shared success: Any professional would rather congratulate someone with a smile at the end of the drive. A poor result means stress and extra paperwork for both parties.
The Right to Make Mistakes: “Serious” and “Minor” Errors
The assessment system is not always fatal. Mistakes are categorised:
- Serious errors: Running a red light, ignoring a stop sign, or endangering other road users. The test ends immediately in these cases.
- Minor faults: Stalling the engine once or turning off your indicator slightly late does not mean the end. If you otherwise drive safely, the examiner is permitted to interpret small mistakes in your favour. They assess overall competence.
The Psychology of First Impressions
Experts know: the test is decided 80% in the first 10 minutes, or in the last 5 minutes (due to a lapse in concentration).
- When a candidate correctly adjusts the seat and mirrors, fastens their seatbelt, and pulls away confidently, the examiner relaxes psychologically.
- They see: “This driver knows what they’re doing.” After that, the test typically continues in a much more relaxed and trusting atmosphere.
You Are Not Alone
Don’t forget: your driving instructor is also in the car. They act as a buffer and a guarantor of fairness. Their presence protects you from any bias. Should a disputed situation arise, the instructor can discuss it with the examiner on equal terms after the drive.
The Verdict from “In7Days”
Think of the examiner as your first passenger, who simply wants to reach the destination safely. Once you stop seeing them as an enemy, your driving style will become smoother and your decisions more logical. The examiner wants to hand you your driving licence. Simply show them that you are ready to drive independently.
