Using Your Own Car for the Driving Test: What You Need to Know

Yes. Using your own car for your driving test is quite common and a popular option. However, your vehicle must meet the legal and safety requirements set out by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for it to be acceptable for a UK driving test.

There are several guidelines set out by the DVSA, which cover the types of vehicles that are allowed, the insurance requirements, tax, and the condition of the car. As long as your car meets all the standards, you'll be permitted to use your own car for your test. The key thing about using your own car or a family member's car for your test is ensuring that your vehicle is fully prepared and compliant before test day to avoid any disappointment.

Knowing the legal standards set by the DVSA before your test can ensure both you and your vehicle are ready for test day. Remember, if you're planning on using your own car, it must meet the legal standards and the DVSA-specific test conditions for you to be permitted to drive it.

Legal requirements

To be permitted to use your own vehicle for your test, your car must be:

• Properly taxed
• Have a valid MOT certificate
• Fully roadworthy and have no warning lights showing
• Clean and tidy inside (this includes the mirrors and the windows; the examiner can refuse your test if visibility is poor)
• Fitted with L plates or D plates if in Wales
• Equipped with working seat belts and a passenger head restraint for both you and the examiner.

DVSA requirements

To ensure you're approved for the test, you must also meet these DVSA standards:

• Have a speedometer that shows miles per hour (mph)
• Display no dashboard warning lights, such as the airbag warning light or engine lights
• Be fitted with an interior rear-view mirror for the examiner (you can buy and attach a temporary one if needed).
• Have no dash cams or in-car cameras recording audio or video during the test unless you can show that these have been turned off.

Cars that can't be used

Due to safety standards, some cars aren't permitted in a driving test. These include:

• Convertible cars (e.g., the Ford KA convertible), due to restricted visibility.
• Panel vans or high-sided vehicles (examiners need clear all-around vision).
• Any car that's been officially recalled by the manufacturer, unless proof of repair has been provided.
   

It's one of the most common questions learner drivers ask: Is my car insured for driving test? Simply put, only if your insurance policy specifically covers driving tests. If you’re using your own car, it’s your responsibility to make sure it’s fully insured for the day of the test, including travel to and from the test centre and the test itself. 

Here are a few considerations to keep in mind: 

Key points about insurance

On the day of your test, the DVSA won't always check that you have insurance; however, you must be insured to drive or you could face legal consequences. If you have standard learner driver insurance, make sure you're covered for test conditions, as this will vary between providers. This is because some policies only cover your practice sessions and not the actual test itself.

It's also worth noting that many learner insurance policies become invalid the moment you pass. So if you want to drive home after you've passed, you'll need to take out a policy that covers you.

Insurance options for your test:

• Short-term learner insurance: This kind of policy is ideal if you're borrowing a family member's vehicle. It can also be put in place for just a few days to cover your test and your lessons. Just remember to check your policy so you know you're covered for your test.
• Temporary car insurance: If you want cover for up to an hour, then temporary car insurance is a great option. Just remember to check that your policy covers you for your test and ensure it's in place well before the day of your test; that will prevent any last-minute panic.

Remember, if you're planning on using your instructor's car for your test, then you won't need to worry about insurance until after you pass.

If you've passed your test, then congratulations! But before you hit the road as a fully licensed driver, remember to make sure you're legally insured to do so.

You can drive home alone if:

• Your insurance policy automatically updates to cover you as a new driver.
• Or you've arranged new cover in advance that starts the moment you pass.

Many learner insurance policies end when you pass, as they only cover provisional licence holders. So make sure you've got the right kind of policy in place. If your insurance is no longer valid, you cannot legally drive home from the test centre. If you're unsure, then consider having a fully insured driver take home for you.

Passing your driving test is a huge milestone, so with emotions and excitement running high, make sure you're calm and composed before you get behind the wheel again.

If you're unsure about whether you should take your driving test in your instructor's car or in your own, you may benefit from weighing up the pros and cons before you make your final decision.

Pros:

• If you've been practising in a family or a friend's car, then you may feel more comfortable and confident taking your test in it.
• Using your instructor's vehicle means paying for their time and hiring their car for test day. So, it may be more cost-effective to use your own.
• If you've only been having your driving lessons in a semi-automatic car, then it makes sense to take your test in one, rather than a manual car. However, if you only pass in an automatic car, your licence will be restricted to automatics only. If you pass while driving a manual vehicle, you'll get a full licence and will be able to drive both.

Cons:

• You're fully responsible for preparing the car before your test, which means checking your tyres, fuel, mirrors, and even fitting an interior mirror for the examiner.
• Your car won't have dual controls, so the examiner won't be able to step in if needed. Some drivers may find this risky.
• You’ll need to check all the DVSA rules carefully to ensure you're not turned away from the test centre.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, and it depends on how you've been learning, your level of preparation, and how confident you feel behind the wheel.

The day you take your driving test, you'll want to make sure you're fully prepared. Make sure you have the following in order before you head to the test centre.

Car Checks

• L plates: Ensure that L (or D plates in Wales) are clearly displayed at the front and back of the car
• Insurance: Double-check that your policy covers you for the test.
• Car tax and MOT: Your car must be taxed and have a valid MOT if over 3 years old
• Interior rear view mirror: An extra mirror must be fitted on the passenger side for the examiner.
• Fuel: Make sure the car has enough fuel for the duration of the test.
• Tyre pressure and fluids: Check your tyre pressure and legal tread depth, plus the oil, coolant, and washer fluid levels

Documents

• Your provisional licence
• Theory test pass certificate
• Car insurance certificate or digital copy