What Makes A Car Suitable For The Driving Test

Jamie Daly - Mar 29 2022 1:07PM
What Makes A Car Suitable For The Driving Test img

So you’re coming close to your Driving Test and I’m sure your head is full of things like stopping distances, 6 point checks and junction etiquette. The last thing you've probably thought about is what car you're going to do your test in. Many of you may be taking your test in your instructor's car, but perhaps you are not. Perhaps your instructor is busy or maybe the extra cost of hiring his/her car for the test is what is putting you off. Why not take your test in your own car or a borrowed car? With an InsureLearnerDriver policy you can simply get a friend or family member to accompany you to the test centre and take your test in that car. We recommend taking out a policy for a minimum of 7 days. This means that not only can you get in more practice, but with our 7+ day policies you are allowed to drive the car home after passing. Be sure to check your documentation for this allowance - or you can call us to confirm. Before you run down to the test centre, the car must meet a few minimum requirements.

The car must:

  • Be appropriately insured and taxed
  • Be roadworthy with an up to date M.O.T - if the vehicle is over 3 years old
  • Have a seat belt and head restraint on the pasenger side
  • Have an extra interior rear view mirror, fitted for the examiner
  • Be free of smoke
  • Have 4 wheels - that are in a good and safe condition
  • Be able to reach 62mph and have a speedometer that measures in Miles Per Hour
  • Have no warning lights showing
  • Have ‘L’ plates visible, or ‘D’ plates for Wales
  • Have a mass that doesn’t exceed 3,500 kilograms *equivalent to a Ford Transit Van (please be aware, this includes the weight of both the car and its contents)

Extra rules:

  • If you’re using a hired car, it must have dual controls
  • You can take your test in an automatic or manual car (however, if you take your test in an automatic car, you will only be qualified to drive in an automatic or semi-automatic car)
  • You can use a car that has an electronic parking brake and/or hill start assist (a feature which stops the vehicle rolling back on a hill start)

Cars you can’t use on your Driving Test

  • BMW Mini convertible
  • Ford KA convertible
  • Toyota iQ
  • VW Beetle convertible

Other convertibles may also be unsuitable. If you've been doing private practice, you’ve probably done ample practice in a car that is not your instructor’s. Perhaps you’d feel more comfortable doing your test in that car - why not do it? If the vehicle meets the correct criteria and you've got an InsureLearnerDriver policy, you’re good to go. If you’re unsure whether or not your car meets driving test standards, check the DVSA website for the full list of requirements - click here