Getting Your Driving License And Private Investigators License

This saga is one of the most absurd things that happened to me, and has been abbreviated. Before I start this, remember I am a normal, functioning adult. I want to work as a lorry driver. I do several tests, then I enrol in a driving school. The course lasts five days, with the final test on the last day.

I’m on the autism spectrum. I don’t have any problems in a small setting like this one. The first two days, [Instructor #1] is the proprietor. There are no problems. I stumble over body language and other things as usual.

On day three, [Instructor #2] takes over. His behaviour is strange from the start. He invades my personal space, interrupts me, criticises [Instructor #1] (his boss), and sets different standards. I speak up a few times.

Me: “Yesterday we were taught to do the manoeuvre another way; it’s confusing to be told something else.”

Instructor #2: “Don’t you think it would be better if you met [what he thinks is a higher standard]?”

Me: “Maybe in a perfect world, but your manager told us one thing, and I would like to follow that.”

Instructor #2: “Okay, you’re in charge.”

His crazy behaviour got worse, even blocking my view of the side mirror. This got me distracted and anxious as I tried to drive a thirty-tonne truck.

Me: “[Instructor #2], please remove your hand from that mirror. I already asked you.”

Instructor #2: “I WOULDN’T HAVE TO IF YOU WOULD FOLLOW THE BL**DY HIGHWAY CODE!”

A lot of people on the spectrum get gaslit. Whose fault is the conflict? This stood out. I’m driving, I need to see all the mirrors. There is no excuse for his behaviour.

Me: “I would like to speak to you in private.”

I had a classmate in the cab.

Instructor #2: “No. I am an instructor teaching a lesson!”

Me: “I would like to switch places with [Classmate].”

Four miles later, he finally allowed me to stop on a side street. I gathered my belongings and left, while he shouted about my “poor attitude.” Four buses and two hours later, I collected my car and complained to [Instructor #1]. He apologised, but it was going to be weeks before he could replace the two days of teaching.

So, I changed schools.

The new school was bigger, so they could organise the bespoke schedule I needed to complete my training. When they asked why I changed schools, I told them what happened, but not who was involved. [Instructor #3] was good. [Instructor #4] was amazing; she could read my mind.

Meanwhile, I need the tachograph card. Basically, you need it to drive a lorry. The Driver & Vehicle Agency (the Northern Ireland version of the DMV/DVLA) is NOT a modern service. Between paper forms, cheques, and other nonsense, the £32 cost morphed to about £50.

Finally, I sat the test and think I’ve done badly. After the test…

Examiner: “Well done, you passed. Let’s go through it…”

The examiner explains my mistakes and what I should have done.

Examiner: “Give me your licence. I will add a lorry to it. You will get the new licence in the post.”

Usually, you need to send your driving licence in the post. The examiner was being generous.

Me: “I passed! Also… the bad instructor was [Instructor #2].”

Instructor #4: “[My Name], we all know who it is. The DVA looks into these things.”

So, he’s got a reputation. This government agency also investigates complaints against driving instructors. I wrote everything to them in detail.

DVA: “We can’t identify [Instructor #2]. Do you know his last name, or home address?”

Me: “Are you serious? I paid for a course with [driving school] and was told his name was [first name]. Why would I have his home address?”

DVA: “Without these details, we can’t investigate.”

Me: “I am not a private detective! Look, this guy needs to be investigated. He made me panic; I could have swerved and hit a tree. ”

So, I turn detective. If his reputation is that bad, someone will know.

Instructor #3: “His last name is [Last Name].”

I found his personal Facebook page listing his full name, picture, and employment. Great, I have a name, and [Instructor #3] won’t be known for it. I report it to the DVA.

DVA: “Thank you, we will re-open your complaint.”

So, I’ve passed my lorry test and am looking for work. My classmate from [School #1] passed too (I saw on social media), and [Instructor #2] is at the start of an investigation into unprofessional behaviour. I really don’t think anything will happen to him.