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Can a driving license examiner intentionally fail you?
Many myths surround the practical driving test, including the belief that examiners
might deliberately fail candidates. This brief article explains the exam process, the
examiner’s responsibilities, and whether a negative result can stem from ill intent.

Is an examiner allowed to “fail” you on purpose?
The driving test can be stressful, especially for first-time candidates. Some people
suspect that examiners intentionally fail them to generate revenue for the center. In
reality, examiners do not gain from a candidate failing, nor do they earn extra pay
based on negative results. Their job is to objectively assess driving skills according
to strict regulations.
How driving tests work
Driving tests in Poland follow strict guidelines. Examiners work at Wojewódzkie
Ośrodki Ruchu Drogowego (WORD), evaluating candidates based on precise criteria
for practical skills and road behavior. Each maneuver must meet the standards
outlined by law, and the entire exam is typically recorded (audio and video). This
system ensures transparency and gives candidates recourse if they suspect unfair
treatment.
Do examiners benefit from failing candidates?
There’s a common myth that exam centers profit from more retakes, implying
examiners might fail people on purpose. However, fees collected for subsequent
exams do not raise the examiner’s salary. WORDs are public institutions, and
examiners are subject to regular oversight and training to maintain fair evaluations.
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Most common reasons for failing
1. Failure to yield right-of-way, a serious error leading to automatic failure.
2. Incorrect merging or lane changing.
3. Ignoring traffic signs, like missing speed limits or turn restrictions.
4. Parking mistakes (parallel or perpendicular).
5. Excessive stress, which causes critical errors under pressure.
What if you believe your result was unfair?
If you think you failed unfairly, you can file an appeal with the WORD director. You
should detail why you feel it was unjust. Video recordings from the test can confirm
whether the examiner’s decision was appropriate. In rare cases of proven
misconduct, the candidate may be allowed to retake the exam without extra fees.
To sum up, examiners follow set of rules and procedures. Their role is to objectively
judge your driving, not to fail you intentionally. If you prepare well, manage stress,
and follow road rules, you have an excellent chance of passing on your first try. Even
if you do not, each exam is valuable practice that gets you closer to your goal of
becoming a safe, licensed driver.