maybe op just wanted her/his first paycheck to be for gas?

Oh my gosh I moderated this one! lol Anyway, OP next time maybe double check how the interview will be done.

He made a small mistake, that doesn't mean that he deserved to drive for 4 hours.

It's called being irresponsible.

The majority of interviews are done in person. It's an easy mistake to make. You are quite a judgmental douchebag.

number 33 even small mistakes can have big consequences

Maybe he had multiple interviews and mixed them up or something of that nature

That or it can show that he can be forgetful/not listen to directions clearly. Either way, I'm sure they won't think too much of it. Good luck OP!

Walk into the interview room and still conduct the interview via phone.

They are more likely to see it negatively though, especially if the job contains a certain level of responsibility. "If OP drove all the way there before he realized it was a phone interview, can we actually trust this guy to do what he's actually supposed to do on the job?" Probably something along those lines.

Yes I realize that. I am just hoping for the best :)