Strange letters

Last week I received an interesting letter from Pro-Scot, regarding my training...

With one thing and another, I haven't been out on my bike much lately. After failing my test for the second time in September, I was a bit down hearted and really annoyed with Pro-Scot.

When I booked my training, I booked myself on the fully guaranteed course. This should have meant I received free training from Pro-Scot until I passed. Well, other than the 2 hours (minus instructor's lunch break - yes on my time!), I had had no formal training in 6 weeks. No ideal.

Following the fail, I headed back to the Pro-Scot's HQ, to get booked in for another test and hand in their high-viz vest. At that point I discussed my concerns, in particular the lack of training between tests. Basically, the person in charge of booking the motorbike lessons at Pro-Scot fobbed me off. His bottom line was the DSA set the tests and he can't book additional test. While I accepted that, I couldn't accept the lack of training in between tests.

At the time, he either couldn't or wouldn't book another test for me. Another trainee who had failed earlier that day couldn't get booked in either. I was told the office person would "call me".


I waited 3 weeks. The next available test slot was going to in December - almost 3 months since my last test. I had already pretty much given up on my training through Pro-Scot by this time and although I had a long conversation with the office person about the service I felt I had paid for, as opposed to the one I had received. Consequently, I said I would have to think about it.

I had a long chat with my OH and decided to get the miles under my belt and go for my test again in the New Year.

Then, I didn't hear anything from Pro-Scot until a letter arrived, asking for the test fee, as I was booked on a test on 5th December. This was the first I had heard of it. I was tempted to just ignore the letter, but my OH phoned Pro-Scot on my behalf.

After his long discussion with the office manager, it turned out the person dealing with the motorbike bookings wasn't dealing with the bookings properly. 2 examples she gave were the longest I should have waited for a re-sit was 2 weeks. Prior to the motorbike office person starting at Pro-Scot, at least 2 test slots per day were kept open for re-sits. He wasn't doing that. Also, he wasn't telling people about bookings or changes to them. Strangely enough, he's no longer with them.

The up shot of this is I am getting a full days training in mid January and Pro-Scot are paying for my test. Better get practicing...