Driving ambition

Anne Strickland explains that licence
testing is not always an L-ish experience

Do you remember that feeling in your belly when you first drove a car? For many people it was a combination of exhilaration and blind panic.
By the time we front for the driving test the fear has subsided but it's still a nerve-racking experience for many learners. Nevertheless, mere months later we've taken to driving like ducks to water and manœvering a ton or so of metal comes as easy as walking, in fact easier really.
With all this in mind we went to see Anne Strickland at the Motor Vehicle Registry office to hear the learner-driver story from the other side of the clipboard. Our opening question was wide of the mark and it looked at first as if we were heading for a fail.

How long have you been working as a driving instructor in Tennant Creek?
Really I'm not a Driving Instructor, I'm a Licence Testing Officer. I conduct Licence Tests. There is a difference between an instructor and licence tester. An instructor helps and guides a beginner in how to drive a vehicle and I actually take up where they leave off and take them on a driving test so as they can become a provisional driver. I have been a Testing Officer for over four years.

How many driving tests do you take a week?
It's really on needs basis. Some weeks we are booked out then on other weeks we only have a few. The most that I can do in a week is about 20.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job would have to be passing a learner who has failed a previous test. After every driving test that I do I give helpful tips on what the person is required to do to enable them to overcome any problems they may have had on the previous test. I also encourage them as well, hoping that they listen and practice. It's when they return for their next test and I can see that they have listened to any positive advice I had given, you will find they have improved 100% and passed their test, that, I would have to say is the most rewarding aspect.

What qualifications do you need to be a driving instructor?
The qualifications for a licence tester are quite comprehensive. A lot of study and reading is required as I must fully understand and know the Road and Traffic Acts and Regulations and Motor Vehicle Act and Regulations, and be aware of every type of vehicle and know what to look for and understand depending on the class of licence I am testing the driver for.
I did my training in Alice Springs in many types of vehicles in 1994. In march of 1996 I did a 3 week refresher course in Darwin on the different changes occurring and at the beginning of this year a Senior Licensing Officer was in Tennant Creek and I was put through a refresher course to see if I had any problems at all with any driving tests.

Is this something that you always wanted to do? Some people would find this sort of job too dangerous or too risky at times.
I would have to say that at times this job is very nerve racking and dangerous. But I really enjoy it! It can be rewarding as well!

Do you find it hard when you have to tell people that they have failed a test?
Telling people that they have failed can be very hard, but I try to be very tactful and encouraging them to practice and to try again. Failing people is also a part of the job of a licence testing officer.

What is the most amount of times that you have failed a single person?
I really cannot answer this question as it's confidential. But not everyone passes on the first go!

What is the most dangerous situation that you have ever been in while conducting a test?
There have been a few dangerous situations that I have been in, but mainly it is when people disobey road signs or forget road rules or get so nervous that they forget road safety.

What tips do you have for people going for their test?
It's a good idea to arrive at the MVR at least five or ten minutes earlier than the time of test booking. Have a licenced driver drive you to the MVR office. Ensure that the vehicle is registered and that the vehicle is roadworthy, example lights, brakes and horn are working and that you have your 'L' plates on the front and rear of the vehicle, you are required to have your learners licence with you as well.
Also it is not a good idea to bring a vehicle for your test if you haven't driven it before as this will increase your chances of failing your driving test.