I did not start riding until I was 50 some 15 years ago. Did the full test along with four other young blokes and it was the worst day of my life . I was no where ready to go for it , but I have never failed in anything I have attempted so there was no question I would pass with flying colours .
So before each of us took of for our test , (off set cones , tight turns , emergency stops , ) the examiner said that when each rider returns from the test and I give the thumbs up it would be nice if you gave the rider a bit of a hand clap and congratulate him.
The first three young blokes took off and passed easily , flipping through the cones, stopping on a dime and as each one returned from the test we would give them a hand and congratulations.
I was the last to be tested and proceeded to hit two cones which put me out straight away. When I rode back to the group who were all watching ,there was some awkwardness from the group as I obviously did not get the thumbs up and no hand clap.. Dammmm
After the other guys got all the paperwork , I asked the instructer if I could walk around the coarse ,which he agreed. I took a pen and pencil and measured the coarse out , distance between cones , turning circle etc.
I then went down to the local airport parking area every Sunday for a month , set up the cones , measured out the turning circle , and braking area. After 4 weeks of this I went for the test again and this time I got the congratulations I so wanted the first time.
Life is funny , when I look back on the experience I am so happy I failed as I probably would have killed myself if they had passed me and let me out on the roads. Some times Life knows whats best for us , even when we disagree.