Using a driving instructor’s car for a driving test is a common choice, but there’s no reason you can’t do your driving test in your own car – especially if you feel more comfortable and confident in it.
Here are the rules you should follow and answers to questions about taking a driving test in your car.
EASY AS HACK
Your car must have an extra rear-view mirror for the examiner to use during your driving test. Position it as close to the existing rear-view mirror as possible, making sure there is just enough clearance around it so that it is fully adjustable.
At a glance
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WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR TAKING A DRIVING TEST IN YOUR OWN CAR?
If you stick to the following rules [2], you can take a driving test in your car. The car must:
- be taxed
- be insured so you can drive it
- roadworthy – if the vehicle is three years or older, it must have a valid MOT certificate (for further guidance on ensuring your car is roadworthy, check the gov.uk website [2])
- have no warning lights showing – for example, the airbag warning light
- have no damage to the tyres, which must meet the legal tread depth, and no space-saver spare tyres must be fitted
- be able to reach at least 62 mph and have a mph speedometer
- have an extra interior rear-view mirror for the test examiner to use
- have L plates fitted, both at the front and rear
- be equipped with a passenger seatbelt and a passenger head restraint for the examiner (slip-on types are not allowed)
- not have in-car cameras able to film inside the car or record audio inside
- have four wheels and meet the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500kg (the MAM is the limit on how much the car can weigh when loaded. It’ll be in the car’s handbook).
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR A DRIVING TEST
To correctly prepare before your test you will need to make sure:
- there is enough petrol in the tank
- engine oil, coolant and brake fluid are at the correct levels
- your lights, horn, brakes and wipers are working correctly (and top up your screen wash fluid).
- your car is tidy, remove any rubbish or unnecessary items from the dashboard, footwells, door pockets, cup holders and seats
- your car is smoke free
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DOING A DRIVING TEST IN YOUR OWN CAR?
There are benefits in taking your driving test in your own car rather than your instructor’s. These include:
- familiarity – if you’ve been using your car, or a family member’s car, for extra driving practice outside of lessons, you may be more comfortable with how it works
- mirrors and seats – as you already drive the vehicle, these will already be positioned in the right place for you
- controls – you can quickly locate and use the car’s indicator, the lights and windscreen wipers and anything else you need for the test
- size and reference points – if you’ve got used to using these in your car, it will help with manoeuvres such as three-point turns and reversing around a corner.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF DOING A DRIVING TEST IN YOUR OWN CAR?
Disadvantages to using your own car in a driving test include:
- You may have picked up bad habits driving in your own vehicle, especially if you have done a lot of practice without an instructor
- Your car won’t have dual controls for the examiner to use if they should need to.
ARE THERE ANY CARS NOT ALLOWED FOR YOUR DRIVING TEST?
Yes, the following cars are not allowed because they don’t give the test examiner all-round vision:
- BMW 218 convertible
- BMW Mini convertible
- Ford KA convertible
- Smart Fortwo (2-door)
- Toyota iQ
- VW Beetle convertible.
You can check if your car can be used by contacting the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) or using the details below:
customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 200 1122
Visit the DVSA
DO I NEED TO TELL THE TEST CENTRE IF I USE MY OWN CAR?
No – unless you want to double-check that your car is allowed.
CAN YOU DRIVE HOME AFTER PASSING YOUR DRIVING TEST?
Yes, you can drive home after passing your driving test – but you’ll need to take out a new insurance policy as a qualified driver because your learner driver policy will be invalid.
IS MY CAR INSURED FOR A DRIVING TEST?
Your car will be insured for a driving test if you have a learner driver insurance policy.
At Ageas, we are only able to offer cover for learner drivers if they are over the age of 21 and hold a UK provisional driving licence.
To get a quote to amend, remove, or add new drivers, please follow these steps:
- Log in to your online account https://my.ageas.co.uk/login?
- Click ‘Change policy details’
- Underneath ‘Need to change driver details?’ click ‘Edit’
- Input the date of the change and click ‘Continue’
- Insert your new details
- Once all the details are entered, click ‘Continue’
- You can click ‘Save’ to exit or ‘Continue’ to purchase the change.
FAQ’s
DOES MY CAR NEED DUAL CONTROLS?
No, your car does not need dual controls for your test unless you have a hire car.
SHOULD I USE MY OWN CAR OR MY INSTRUCTOR’S CAR?
If you’re trying to decide between using your car or your instructor’s car for a driving test, consider which one you feel most comfortable with. It may make sense to choose the vehicle you have spent the most time practising driving – provided it meets all the driving test rules.
Driving tests can be nerve-wracking, but using your own car may help reduce stress and anxiety.
CAN YOU TAKE YOUR DRIVING TEST IN AN AUTOMATIC CAR?
Yes, you can take your test in an automatic or semi-automatic car, but you’ll only be able to drive those types of cars once you’ve passed your test.
CAN I USE A RENTAL CAR FOR MY DRIVING TEST?
You can use a rental car for your driving test if it meets all the other rules and has dual controls.
CAN I USE MY FRIEND’S CAR FOR A DRIVING TEST?
Yes, you can use a friend’s car for a driving test, but it is your responsibility to make sure it meets all the driving test rules.
ARE YOU MORE LIKELY TO FAIL YOUR DRIVING TEST IN YOUR OWN CAR?
No, you are not more likely to fail your driving test in your own car. If you’re comfortable driving in your own vehicle and have had lots of practice, passing your driving test shouldn’t be any more complicated. Examiners will pass you if you drive well enough, regardless of your car.
Good luck with your driving test! Find out about our car insurance or benefit from more driving tips at our Solved hub.
