Using Your Own Car For The Driving Test

A common question I get asked is “Can i use my own/parents car to take my driving test?”

The answer to this question is – “It depends on the car”.

The car required to take a driving test must meet the correct requirements as specified by the DVSA.

• The car must be of the correct type for the test being taken (Manual or Automatic).
• The car must be capable of reaching 62MPH and have a working speedometer.
• The car must be Taxed, it must be Insured for the test (Check with your insurance company!) and it must have a valid MOT if over 3 years old [The driving test centre can check this if they want to]
• The car must not be subject to any Vehicle recalls for that model. If there is a vehicle recall, you must be able to show that the recall has been rectified.
• Have no damage to the tyres and they must be above the legal limit. No space saver tyre is allowed to be fitted for the test. [Your tyres will be checked and the test refused if faults/nails/screws are found]
• Have all the lights working [Your test may be refused if lights do not work]
• Have no warning lights showing on the dash. [DO NOT try covering up warning lights with black tape!!!!]
• No recording equipment can be used to record inside the car during the test. (External facing dashcams are ok as long as no audio is recorded and they do not block the view of the examiner)
• The car MUST NOT SMELL OF SMOKE. Tests can be refused if the car smells of smoke or is dirty inside, so give your car a really good clean inside and out before the test.
• You MUST have REGULATION “L” plates on display to the front and rear of the car (Try not to have them inside attached to the windows – use the magnetic ones or vinyl stick on ones)
• You MUST have an extra rear view mirror fitted for the examiner(s) use [These can be purchased at car accessory shops]

For full details on using your own car for a UK driving test, please checkout the DVSA website here