A lady failed the written driving test 4 times. At the fifth attempt, she was determined to pass. But the test had the same question, “You are driving at 100 kmh. On your right is a wall, on your left is a cliff.
On the road, you see an old man and a young man. What will you hit? The woman walked up to the examiner and The woman walked up to the examiner and said, “I’ve answered this question all four ways, wall, cliff, old man and young man, yet I failed all four times. How is this possible? What am I supposed to hit???” The examiner replied, “The brakes!!!”
This joke is a classic example of humor derived from a misunderstanding of the question’s context and the importance of thinking practically. Let’s break it down and explore its comedic elements and deeper implications.
The Setup: Building Tension
The joke begins with a relatable scenario—someone struggling to pass their driving test. The audience immediately empathizes with the woman’s frustration, as many people have faced the pressure of exams or tasks that seem impossible to conquer. This relatability draws the listener in, creating a foundation for humor.
The setup introduces a challenging scenario in the test:
“You are driving at 100 km/h. On your right is a wall, on your left is a cliff. On the road, you see an old man and a young man. What will you hit?”
This question, on the surface, appears to ask the driver to make a morally or logically difficult decision. The complexity primes the audience to expect either a serious or deeply philosophical answer, further enhancing the impact of the eventual punchline.
The Woman’s Frustration: Enhancing the Humor
The humor builds as the woman explains her repeated attempts to answer the question. She tries all possible answers—wall, cliff, old man, and young man—but fails every time. This repetition adds to the comedic tension because it highlights the woman’s persistence and increasing exasperation, which many can relate to when faced with seemingly unsolvable problems.
Her exclamation, “What am I supposed to hit???” captures her breaking point, adding a layer of absurdity. It primes the audience for a surprising resolution.
The Punchline: The Practical Answer
The examiner’s response—
“The brakes!”
—delivers a sharp, unexpected twist. The punchline is funny because it reframes the entire scenario, revealing that the question was never about making a choice between the given options. Instead, it was testing the driver’s ability to think practically and prioritize safety.
The woman’s overthinking contrasts hilariously with the simplicity of the correct answer. This moment of realization for both the character and the audience is the essence of the joke’s humor.
Why the Joke Works
Misinterpretation
The humor stems from the woman misunderstanding the question. She interprets it as a moral dilemma, while the real answer lies in basic driving safety.
Subversion of Expectations
The audience, like the woman, is led to believe the question requires a difficult decision. The examiner’s straightforward answer completely flips the expectation, delivering an “aha” moment that makes the punchline memorable.
Relatable Frustration
Many people have experienced overthinking a simple problem, whether in a test, a task, or everyday life. The woman’s repeated failures and her eventual outburst resonate with this common experience.
Exaggerated Scenario
The absurdity of the hypothetical situation—driving at high speed between a wall and a cliff while encountering two pedestrians—adds to the joke’s humor. It’s an unlikely but vivid scenario that sets the stage for the punchline.
Broader Themes
This joke reflects several broader ideas and themes:
Practical Thinking Over Complexity
Sometimes, the simplest answer is the best one. The woman’s failure underscores how overthinking can obscure practical solutions.
Humor in Everyday Struggles
The joke highlights the frustration of failing tests or tasks, a universal experience. By turning this frustration into comedy, it offers a lighthearted perspective.
The Importance of Common Sense
The punchline serves as a gentle reminder that common sense—like hitting the brakes—is essential, especially in situations that seem overwhelming or complex.
Conclusion
This joke delivers humor through misinterpretation, relatable frustration, and an unexpected punchline. It’s a playful reminder not to overcomplicate situations and to focus on practical solutions. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to turn a simple driving test scenario into a lesson about thinking clearly and staying calm under pressure—wrapped in a package of clever wit.
