ICBC road test w/ manual transmission?

Well, I'll start by saying that - if an examiner failed your fried for downshifting to slow down - then the examiner clearly doesn't know how to drive standard. One of the advantages to a manual transmission is that you can use your engine to brake and save yourself some brake-pad. On the other hand, the examiner who failed your other friend for not downshifting was probably justified. It sounds like he/she just forgot to shift. As far as handbrake use goes, it's my understanding that you're not supposed to use the handbrake while you're moving.