He answered in the negative, explaining that he was well prepared and confident. This calmed him down and he gave me a good ride. Of course, viewed from that angle the applicant would have to answer in the negative. Basically, applicants want to know that they met the standard. This gives them the confidence to exercise their new privileges without the fear of feeling that they don't really measure up.
Every examiner enjoys seeing an applicant do a perfect job on the practical test.
Of course this is true. From the examiner's standpoint the nice, clean passing test is easy. I knew exactly what I did wrong and had no trouble accepting the bust. I just went back the next day an did that approach right. On the other hand, the ones that drive an examiner out of his mind as he attempts to make the difficult decision are the marginal applicants who give the examiner a ride that could go either way.