Kombi going to stuff up my P's test?

[Werd.]

So I had a lesson with an instructor today, all good apparently, and I'm ready to pass more or less.. One thing however, the car I will be doing the test in is a 1969 Kombi.

The gearbox layout is 1-2-3-4 with reverse being under second (Push down the stick, move bottom left). Now I've tested a VW beetle at a dealership and the gearbox was obviously the same layout, however second slotted in perfectly. In the Kombi it rarely (1/10 of the time) slots into reverse properly.

I'm worried when it comes to either the 3 point turn or the reverse parallel park, I will stuff it up, grind reverse (happens when it isnt in properly) etc..

The instructor really drilled the 2 hands on the wheel at all times thing to me today, I have a habit to break there, so naturally I'm thinking holding it in reverse while backing up probably isn't the best look.

So does anyone have any tips on what to do in this situation? Thanks.

[chrisfpv]

What state do you live in? I would've thought that all cars you'd be learning in and tested in would be some sort of latest model (year 2000+). Never heard of someone going for there drivers test in a car from the 60s/70s.

[Werd.]

Originally Posted by chrisfpv

What state do you live in? I would've thought that all cars you'd be learning in and tested in would be some sort of latest model (year 2000+). Never heard of someone going for there drivers test in a car from the 60s/70s.

Well the Kombi is the family daily driver, so that's what I've done most of my driving in. The driving test can be done in your own car. If you want an instructors car for the test then you have to pay for it I guess. Either way I'd feel more comfortable driving the Kombi for the test.
I drove a Mazda 3 today with the instructor and it was quite difficult adjusting to a car 40 years newer, my driving was rather jerky and I'm not really comfortable with the way modern cars (Manuals at least) operate yet, unsure of when they're about to stall or bog down, the Kombi conveys what it's thinking quite well to the driver.

[RHR]

I'd be up front and let them know.

[Werd.]

Originally Posted by RHR

I'd be up front and let them know.

I was planning on that, but the guy is apparently a real hardass so I'm not sure how well he would take it, or how accepting he would be.

[66GT]

Hey Werd, not having a go at the family Kombi (i've got 1 myself), but if the testing officer does not like it or believes it may not be perfectly roadworthy you might not get the opportunity to do your test on your arranged day, this could prove costly. I made my 2 boys take a few driving school lessons at the end of their learner time & paid for & use the driving school car for the test. Testing officiers should not have a problem with recognised trainer cars, but can often refuse to get itno a privately owned "family" car.

[buggo]

Yeah mate I would play it safe and hire an instructors car. I learned to drive in an EL Ghia, then the last month odd my own car I have now, so both very familiar and road worthy, but I took the test in a Lancer.
I had a lesson in it the week before my test, then a quick one just before the exam. Got it first go and got to go home and drive my XR6 for the first time on my own.
Trust me nothing beats that feeling so you want to give yourself the best chance possible.

[pottery beige]

does it have flowers painted on it..

[Werd.]

Originally Posted by 66GT

Hey Werd, not having a go at the family Kombi (i've got 1 myself), but if the testing officer does not like it or believes it may not be perfectly roadworthy you might not get the opportunity to do your test on your arranged day, this could prove costly. I made my 2 boys take a few driving school lessons at the end of their learner time & paid for & use the driving school car for the test. Testing officiers should not have a problem with recognised trainer cars, but can often refuse to get itno a privately owned "family" car.

Yes I was worried about that however the driving instructor I had today seemed to think as long as the lights all work and the car is roadworthy then there will be no issues. I'm a little concerned about the speedo being in MPH though.

It does seem like the Kombi is not really the right car to do this in but I'm a bit out of luck as the instructors car is booked for a service the day of the test. I may end up rescheduling anyway so I guess I'll see what happens.

Originally Posted by pottery beige

does it have flowers painted on it..

No, just a VOLKSWAGEN banner on the windshield and 12 UNIT stickers. It's also dumped on stockies.

[GasoLane]

Nothing wrong with doing it in a Kombi, good visibility all around so you should be all good.

Better to take the test in a car you know than one you're unfamiliar with.

Just remember 35 mph is about 60k's and 60mph is about 100k's
(but if your kombi is anything like the one I had it doesn't see 60mph often )

[Werd.]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

Nothing wrong with doing it in a Kombi, good visibility all around so you should be all good.

Better to take the test in a car you know than one you're unfamiliar with.

Just remember 35 mph is about 60k's and 60mph is about 100k's
(but if your kombi is anything like the one I had it doesn't see 60mph often )

Haha yes no need to worry about 60mph :P It wants to but needs a 5th gear.

And yes the visibility I love, you can see everything around. I will however put on the show and exaggerate headchecks/mirror usage

[mytgxl]

Take the driving instructors car they will only pick on your car! after you have passed their is plenty of time to drive the good ol Kombi!

[Werd.]

Originally Posted by 1 bad ef

Take the driving instructors car they will only pick on your car! after you have passed their is plenty of time to drive the good ol Kombi!

But my driving was horrible in the Mazda 3, I was nervous enough today just with an instructor, doing the test I really don't want to be in an unfamiliar car.

Modern manual cars just feel awkward, there are different sort of friction points, fully at the bottom then there's another notch one up where the actual friction point is, what's up with that?

Today I accidentally wiper'd off some roundabouts and I want to reduce the risk of silly mistakes like that happening. (Euro cars have the stalks reversed)

[TheInterceptor]

Guessing you cant get your hands on a diesel? Mines newer and heck its easy as anything to drive. You let the clutch out without accelerating and it takes off...stuff that petrol motor stalling crap!

Where are you located?

[EB#]

Go for it mate.... have a crack at it in the ole Kombi !! As long as its completely
roadworthy, they cant stop you before you even start.

If it doesn't work out, it aint the end of the world......

[pottery beige]

haters are gonna hate.. give it a crack in the kombi i say...

[OffRoadFalcon]

Go the Kombi!

[Franco Cozzo]

In Vic its required that the car has:

fitted with a centrally mounted handbrake that the front passenger can operate if required (this is unnecessary in a dual control vehicle if a driving instructor is in the front passenger seat)

Same rule apply for NSW? Do these things have central hand brakes?

[TS50]

Down here in Tassie, they give the car you are going for your test in a good going over
one little problem, no test, but they will take the money for the test anyway
so if you are taking the kombi, make sure it is 100% roadworthy

[Werd.]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

In Vic its required that the car has:

fitted with a centrally mounted handbrake that the front passenger can operate if required (this is unnecessary in a dual control vehicle if a driving instructor is in the front passenger seat)

Same rule apply for NSW? Do these things have central hand brakes?

Yeah pulls out from basically the centre of the dash.

[Werd.]

Originally Posted by TS50

so if you are taking the kombi, make sure it is 100% roadworthy

Things to check?
Tyres have good tread
discovered one globe out, that'll be fixed.
Rear view mirror is operational
side mirrors fine.

the window washer doesn't work, back in the day it was a little pressure canister that you'd fill up when doing your tyres, this has been removed, is that a roadworthy issue?

[chamb0]

Which state do you live in? There might be differences in roadworthy related requirements.

Being able to say you did your test in a kombi is a fun story to take away with you as well, not many people can say that.

I really think you should be honest straight up about the gear lever thing with the instructor. Especially if he's a hardass, it's better he knows from the beginning than when you're in the middle of a reverse manouvre.

I remember I had some trouble adjusting to a newer car - I did my learning in a rattly old series III Landrover, and was then introduced to a modern corolla or something for two lessons and the test. Felt slippery and tiny and I kept flicking the wipers on instead of the indicator.

[aussie muscle]

i took my dad's old isuzu ute on my driving test. i got overtaken by a semi in a 60 zone, and i was doing 60. my tester was a NSW police officer, who took down his license plate.

[mik]

you`ll be right mate, just take your time listen to what the tester says, you get no points for rushing.

[xisled]

It depends on the state but in Vic if the temp rises above a certain temp, then the car must have aircon.

There is heaps of rules in Vic on what the car must have and not have.

I would be checking out the rules on what cars can be used as a test.

[302 XC]

Logics tells me , IF theres even a slight chance that the family truckster is in any way gunna stop you passing your licence, why would you use it ???
Yes it may cost to use an instuctor car , and possibly pass 1st time,why would you use something you could fail in and then try again at more cost ??
Do what you have to do , first time the cheapest less hassle way, get the licence and get out terrorising the roads in that kombi

[SSD-85]

Hey, I passed my test in a 1990 Magna...

Youll be fine mate

[Peter B - CV8]

It will either work out really well or go badly - depending on the testing officer & whether he is a car buff & his attitude to older vehicles.
Keep in mind the tester also gives the vehicle a quick once over (looking for worn tyres & making sure it appears roadworthy) - so make sure the Kombi presents well.
Best of luck !!

[Polyal]

Pics of said Kombi!

If you have been driving it for ages then you will be fine.

Do you loose points for grinding? I didnt think so, that has nothing to do with safety or following the rules. If they hassle you then get them to demonstrate the "proper" way..that will shut them up

[AU Mont]

Originally Posted by 302 XC

Logics tells me , IF theres even a slight chance that the family truckster is in any way gunna stop you passing your licence, why would you use it ???
Yes it may cost to use an instuctor car , and possibly pass 1st time,why would you use something you could fail in and then try again at more cost ??
Do what you have to do , first time the cheapest less hassle way, get the licence and get out terrorising the roads in that kombi

i agree

here in QLD there can be a 3 month waiting list between tests

i certainly would want everyhing to be peachy the first time around