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My bittersweet experience to obtain a class 3 driving licence began 6 months ago. After successfully getting a provisional licence, I immediately engaged a private instructor for my car practical lessons.
The instructor was in his late 50s. After a couple of lessons, he began to get impatient with me. He would frequently yell and rant at me for even the slightest mistake I made. However, I always reminded myself that his undesirable conduct were for my own good. In addition, I hold the elders in high regards and always respect them. Is it important that I remain calm even though he gets unreasonable at times?
My practical test was a week ago. After the test, the examiner debriefed me on my driving skills. Even before he revealed my test results, I knew I would fail. Here are some cues that supported my assumption:
• Negative views on my driving skills like “You don’t seem confident. How can I pass you?”
• Shaking of his head every now and then
• Sighing occasionally
• Frowning expression on his face
My hunch turned out to be true . I failed. Although I intended to argue with him on certain issues, I felt that it would be futile. As such, I took his critiques as a tool for me to improve on my driving skills. Would it make any difference to the outcome of my test result if I were to put on a fake smile and flatter him unconditionally?
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I feel that "to put on a fake smile and flatter him unconditionally" can work both ways. If he is those who gets swayed easily by such things, he may be more lenient. However if he is those who gets annoyed by one's pretentious behaviour, he could be stricter. It is probably better to be neutral, courteous towards the tester and improve from the critiques. Or maybe you could change your instructor because I personally find it stressful to learn under someone who is being impatient with me.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I harboured thoughts of switching to a new instructor. However, I abolished that thought as it would be detrimental to my practical test should I change instructor at the eleventh hour. Moreover, I have too little time to familiarise with the new car. Hence, I remained under the guidance of my short-tempered instructor.
ReplyDeleteI have always heard complaints about these instructors.Some of them just have a very bad attitude.I will not put on a fake smile because I've paid for his service.If he really has a very bad attitude, I will change the instructor.Moreover, I was told by a friend recently that the test instructors have become very strict. The association have a newly appointed chairperson. This explains the high failure rate in the driving test. So in this case, I will say that no matter what smile or flattering will not do much. Try again Rauf ! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteFor one thing, if you do not remain calm, both you and the instructor might get into a quarrel. It is a good thing you remained calm. Although I feel that the instructor was unreasonable, I do not think there is much of a choice, except to endure your lessons.
ReplyDeleteAlternatively, perhaps you can search online for information on an instructor before engage the instructor? I am not very sure of the process of engaging one. However I think people would blog about them.
Hi Rauf, I have encountered the same situation last time when i was learning driving in my hometown. My instructor also has a very short temper. He kept scolding me throughout the practice session due to my clumsy way of driving. I was quite dissatisfied with him as I was thinking that I was paying money to be taught, and not to be scolded. But thankful that I pass the test (Of course Malaysia's driving test is not as tough as Singapore).
ReplyDeleteBut I do think that as an instructor, he needs to have good and dedicated attitude at the first place. So if I were you, I would consider changing to another instructor. You need a conducive environment to learn and more importantly you are paying money for it! Anyway, pray that you will pass your test next round. :)
I had irritable instructors too but to be fair, I think it's a stressful, potentially hazardous ( and boring)job. They must feel like seizing the controls from their instructees.
ReplyDeleteAre you improving under this present instuctor? Were his criticisms fair? I should stick with the present one unless he gets too unpleasant and 'take the wind out if his sails' with your charm and niceness. Look upon it as practice for dealing with other cantankerous people later.Hope you pass next time.
Mrs Richardson
Perserverance is the key to success. I will try again till I pass the test!
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