Last Updated on May 3, 2024
As a learner driver, your practical driving test is often the most important part of the journey! The deciding factor for if you become a full licence holder or if you stay as a learner driver. Before you take your driving test you need to think about what vehicle you will use. The common choice is to use a driving instructors’ vehicle. Did you know that you may be able to use your own car, a family car or a rental for your test?
We are going to look into all that you need to know about using your own car for your driving test. To help ensure you are prepared if you take your own vehicle on the day.
Criteria for using your own car for your driving test
Before you can even think of using your own car for your driving test you must make sure that your vehicle is fully maintained and meets all the requirements for a driving test.
If you turn up with your own car on the day and the car does not meet the requirements or has any issues you risk your test being cancelled without a refund.
Your car must have the type of transmission you want your licence in. If you want a manual licence but your car is an automatic if you pass you will only have a full automatic licence and will not be able to drive manual vehicles.
Your vehicle must be taxed, have an MOT (if over 3 years old) and be insured for your driving test. You should check with your insurer that you are covered if you are not sure.
The tyres on the car must have a tread depth of 1.6mm, with no damage, no space saver tyres and have 4 wheels that meet the maximised authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500kgs.
There must not be any warning lights showing and the vehicle must be able to reach 62mph. There must be seatbelts and a fixed head restraint. You will also need some extras; L plates (or D plates in Wales) on the front and back of the vehicle and an extra interior rear-view mirror for the examiner to use.
The car should be clean with no rubbish on the dashboard, doors, footwells, seats or cup holders. You should not smoke inside the vehicle before the test.
If you have a dashcam this cannot record audio from the inside of the car and should only face outside the vehicle.
If you are using a hire car it must be fitted with dual controls and meet all the other rules.
There are some cars that are not acceptable to use on your driving test. This is because they do not give the examiner all-round vision:
Options for insuring your car ahead of your practical driving test
To insure your car for the driving test you have the option of being added on as an additional driver to someone else’s policy. This means that they will have to be the owner and keeper of the car and have their own insurance policy in place. With some insurers they will then be able to add a learner on as an additional driver. This will come with additional cost to the policy which can sometimes be quite expensive. The risk with doing this is that if there is an accident their No Claims Bonus could be affected.
Another option is Learner Driver Insurance. This is a policy specifically for the learner driver and allows them to get their own insurance policy. This can be taken out on your own car, a friend or a family member’s car. If the insurance is on someone else’s car, it must be insured elsewhere. If you are the owner and keeper of the car, you can have just a learner policy in place! With Collingwood Learner Driver Insurance you are covered for your driving test (providing your vehicle fits the criteria).
If you are looking for insurance just for your practical driving test our short-term policies are available from 28 days. Which could give you cover for some extra practice in your own car before your test too!
The advantages and disadvantages of using your own car for your driving test
What happens after my driving test in my own car?
After you complete your practical driving test there are some things you should know! Whether you pass or fail you cannot drive the car back. This is because if you fail you may not be in a good headspace for driving. If you pass you are no longer a learner driver, so your insurance policy is no longer valid.
Since you always need a supervising driver with a Learner Driver Insurance policy you should have someone with you at the test centre. With a Collingwood policy they will be covered in your car to drive you home after.
Once you are home if you have passed remember to cancel your learner driver policy and get set up with insurance as a full licence holder. This will keep you covered on the road! If you fail give yourself a few hours to process and calm down before heading back out in your car with your supervising driver.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to use your own car for your driving test is a significant one, with both advantages and considerations. While it provides the comfort of familiarity and flexibility in scheduling, it demands attention to meeting all the necessary criteria and incurring additional costs for insurance and equipment.
Whether you opt for your own car or rely on an instructor’s vehicle, preparation is key. Understanding the requirements, ensuring your vehicle meets them, and securing appropriate insurance are important steps toward a successful test day.
Ultimately, whichever vehicle you choose, the goal remains the same. To demonstrate your proficiency and readiness to become a licensed driver. So, whether you navigate the test in your own car or another, be sure to demonstrate confidence, and safe driving practices to your examiner.
FAQ
Do I need to use my own car for my driving test?
No, you’re not obligated to use your own car. However, the test centre won’t provide a vehicle, so you’ll need to borrow from an instructor or rent one.
Can I take my driving test in a rental car?
Yes, it’s possible to use a rental car for your test. It needs to meets all the necessary criteria outlined by the test regulations and is fitted with dual controls.
Is learner driver insurance required if I use my own car for the test?
Yes, you’ll need learner driver insurance to ensure you’re covered during the test. Options include being added as an additional driver on someone else’s policy or obtaining a learner driver insurance policy.
Do I need to install dual controls in my own car for the practical driving test?
No, dual controls are not required if you’re using your own car or borrowing from a friend or family member.
What should I do if my car fails to meet the requirements on the day of the test?
If your car doesn’t meet the requirements, your test will be cancelled without a refund. It’s essential to ensure your vehicle complies with all regulations beforehand. If you are aware that your car does not meet the requirements you should ask your instructor if you can borrow their car or look to rent a vehicle. This saves you from being turned away from the test centre on the day,
Are there any additional costs associated with using my own car for the driving test?
Yes, there will be additional costs for insurance, purchasing L-plates, an extra mirror, and ensuring your vehicle meets all criteria.
Can I practice with a supervising driver in my own car before the test?
Yes, practicing with a supervising driver in your own car can help you prepare for the test and feel more confident behind the wheel.
What happens to my insurance policy if I pass or fail the driving test in my own car?
If you pass, your learner driver insurance policy is no longer valid, and you’ll need to obtain insurance as a full license holder. If you fail, you can continue using your learner driver insurance policy for practice with a supervising driver.
Are there any restrictions on the types of cars that can be used for the driving test?
Yes, some vehicles, such as convertibles and others that don’t provide adequate visibility for the examiner, may not be acceptable for the practical driving test. It’s essential to check if your vehicle meets the requirements before the test.
