I took my driving test in my own Kia Rio, and the GIBDD instructor hit a pole during maneuvers and dented the door. He's refusing to pay for repairs, saying it's my responsibility. What can I do?
Do you have documentation from the scene - an inspection report, photos of the damage, witnesses? Here's the thing: during an official exam, the traffic inspector is in control of your car and bears civil liability for any damage caused to third parties or property. You have the right to file a claim with the traffic authority in writing, describing the damage, providing a repair estimate and copies of documents (vehicle registration certificate, insurance policy, photos of damage). If they refuse to compensate voluntarily, you can take them to court - and here's the important part: at the same time, request a copy of the exam video from the traffic authority if one was recorded. Most test sites record the maneuvers, and that video will be your best evidence.
Did the instructor officially acknowledge in writing that he damaged the car, or is it just his word?
If the damage occurred during an official exam, the Gibdd instructor is liable for operating the vehicle at that time. Document everything: take photos of the damage, file a complaint with Gibdd describing what happened, and request a damage report. Make sure you get a copy of the exam protocol if there are any notes about the incident. At the same time, send a written claim to the instructor (registered mail or email with delivery confirmation) demanding compensation and attach an estimate from a repair shop.
If he doesn't respond or refuses, you take it to court. The key here is proving that the damage happened because of his fault and specifically during the exam - witness statements, before and after photos, damage reports, protocols. Keep in mind that an independent expert evaluation might be needed in court. Whether it's worth it depends on the repair cost, but in principle you're right: a driver is responsible for damage caused by their operation of the vehicle.
Did you document the damage on the spot - photos, video, a report with witness signatures?
You're right that a traffic inspector during an official exam is a full-fledged driver operating your car. That means he's responsible for damage caused by his fault. By law it's either his insurance liability or personal liability. The logic is simple: if you yourself hit a pole, you pay; an instructor is the same deal.
The catch is that traffic inspectors sometimes deny this responsibility, claiming "the owner handed over the car." That's not true, but they can push back. So you need evidence: photos of the damage with a date, preferably dashcam video if it was running, witness statements from the test site, a report of the vehicle inspection. If nothing was documented, things get trickier - they'll argue over who's to blame.
Next step: file a written complaint to the instructor and his superior at traffic inspection with a repair estimate. If they refuse - court is your only option. Court practice usually sides with the owner, but only if you have proof of that specific person's fault. As an option, talk to the department head - sometimes they prefer to settle it quietly to avoid trouble.
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