Are you confused about using Your Own Car for the UK Driving Test? Do not worry; we have the answer!
If you are thinking about using your own car for a driving test, you must ensure it meets all the requirements from the DVSA. Here’s a quick list:
1.You must have valid tax and insurance
2. A provisional driver’s license along with a person to support you who meets the legal requirements.
3. On top if this you will also need the car to be road worthy including things such as a working horn, side and rear view mirrors, and seat belts. You must also ensure that your car is in safe, working condition, and clean both on the inside and outside. It is also essential to have a reasonable amount of fuel in the tank, after all the examiner will not want to risk walking back to the test center. It also massively important that the car’s tyres are properly inflated so double check this.
4. If there are any orange or red warning lights on the dashboard of the car then the examiner will refuse to carry out the test.
Can I Use My Own Car for the UK Driving Test?
In short yes you can provided you meet the requirements set by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). For example your car must be roadworthy, have valid insurance, and pass the necessary inspections. It must also have a valid MOT certificate if it is more than 3 years old. Additionally, your car must have working seat belts, head restraint, and the vehicle must be equipped with L plates (or D plates in Wales) and be in a roadworthy condition.
It’s important to note that you must also have a valid insurance policy that covers you to drive the vehicle during the test. What we haven’t mentioned is the importance of being familiar with the car you are driving on test. You are going to feel so much more confident if you know the car you are driving inside and out so don’t under estimate the importance of knowing the car you are driving.
If you are getting ready for the UK driving test check out our online driving course. This includes everything you need to know from the basics all the way through to the driving test day and what to expect.
Do I Need Special Insurance for the Driving Test?
No, you do not need any special insurance for the driving test. If you are going in a driving schools car with a driving instructor, they are responsible for providing the the necessary insurance coverage for the test. However, if you are in your own vehicle then do ensure that you have learner driver insurance. Also remember that if you pass your driving test you may no longer be ensured so do not drive home without checking this first.
Check out my best video on What to Expect On The UK Driving Test to get everything you need.
Help! My car has Broken and I Have a Driving Test Coming Up. What Do I Do?
Your main options are taking a friend or relatives with the required insurance. The second option is to hire a car but this would require duel controls in order to use on a driving test. The final option is using a driving instructors vehicle but that will require you to pay the driving instructor for there time and first of all they have to agree to it.
Can your Driving Instructor Be Your Examiner?
No, your driving instructor cannot be your examiner. On your test day, the examiner will be a qualified driving examiner employed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Every driving examiner must give there driving instructor badge to the DVSA for the duration of there driving examiner career. They may then request there badge back if they choose to leave.
If you are struggling to get a driving test, make sure you check out my favourite driving test cancellation app. It automatically books your driving test on the dates you choose so you can carry on getting on with your day.
How Many Times Can You Fail Your Driving test in the UK?
There is no limit to the number of times you can fail your driving test. I have known student to fail there driving test 9 times before finally passing on the 10th. The important thing is to never give up and never surrender!
How long do I have to wait before taking another driving test if I fail?
Officially you have to wait 10 days before booking another driving test however it has been known for the online system to allow people to book driving tests early than the 10 day period. But generally you will be locked out from booking another driving test for 10 working days.
Did you know it is illegal to leave L plates on your car while you are not supporting someone learning to drive? Check out our guide on everything you need to know about L plates and teaching someone to drive.
FAQ
1. Can I use my own car for the driving test in the UK?
Yes, you can use your own car for the driving test in the UK, provided it meets the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) requirements.
2. What are the requirements for using my own car in the UK driving test?
Your car must be roadworthy, taxed, and insured for a driving test. It must also have a seatbelt for the examiner, an interior rear-view mirror for the examiner, and a proper passenger headrest. L-Plates should be displayed on the front and rear, and the tyres should meet the legal requirements.
3. What cars are not allowed for the UK driving test?
Certain cars cannot be used for the UK driving test due to safety reasons. These include convertible cars, panel vans, BMW Mini convertible, and others. A complete list can be found on the Gov.uk website.
4. Can I use a car with an automatic transmission for the UK driving test?
Yes, you can use a car with an automatic transmission for the UK driving test. However, passing your test in an automatic car will only qualify you to drive automatic vehicles.
5. Do I need to install extra mirrors for the examiner in my own car?
Yes, an interior rear-view mirror for the examiner is one of the requirements if you want to use your own car for the driving test.
6. Do I need to bring any documentation if I use my own car for the driving test?
Yes, you should bring your valid insurance certificate or cover note to prove that the car is insured for the purpose of a driving test.
7. What happens if my car breaks down on the day of the test?
If your car breaks down on the day of the test or doesn’t meet the DVSA’s requirements, your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee. It’s essential to ensure that your vehicle is reliable and meets all the necessary requirements.
8. Can I use a rented car for my UK driving test?
Yes, you can use a rented car for your driving test, provided it meets all the DVSA requirements, is insured for a driving test, and has a dual control.
9. Can I use my own car for the driving test if it has a warning light on?
As long as the warning light isn’t for the car’s safety features and the car is roadworthy, you can use it for the test. However, if the light is for the electronic stability control (ESC) or the tyre pressure monitoring, the car can’t be used.
10. What if my car has a speedometer that measures speed in km/h instead of miles?
If your car’s speedometer is only in km/h, you can use it for your test. However, you need to make sure you know how to convert km/h to miles so you don’t break the speed limit.
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