On a Practical Driving Test the examiner often uses an ice breaker to open a converssation with the candidate to put them at their ease. They are so accountable that they have to make sure their questions are not sexist, racist, ageist in fact anythingist and so the stock phrase they have come up with is...
"So, if you weren't on a Test today what would you be doing?"
This is a very open and non judgemental question designed not to put pressure on the candidate but to allow them to chat if they want to. On a mock test I always use this phrase to get them used to it and reduce test shock (where the test is like nothing they have ever done before). It also means that when they here this question on test they smile to themselves, or out loud, and this helps to relax them.
I was conducting a Mock Driving Test today with M, a 23 year old candidate who is a very good driver but nervous because he was a passenger in a bad crash. He was a bit distracted because he had just had Virgin Media set up his new Broadband and TV package.
"So M," I asked him, "If you weren't on a Test today what would you be doing?"
"...erm I don't know" he answered, "Probably playing with my new virgin.."
We both burst put laughing.
I LOVE this job x
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