Taking a driving test in your own car

If you’re wondering whether you can take your driving test in your own car, the short answer is yes, you can. You don’t have to drive your driving instructor’s car. Read on to find out everything you need to know if you’re looking to take your driving test in your own vehicle. 

Boost your confidence

If you’ve spent a lot of time practising in your own car, you probably feel much more confident driving it, particularly compared with the idea of getting behind the wheel of a totally different model. 

If you’ve only recently purchased your car or haven’t been practising in it, it might be worth sticking with your driving instructor’s car, as familiarity matters. Every car is different to drive and you need to be feeling as confident as you can when you head out on your test. 

Make sure your car is suitable

If you want to take your driving test in your own car, you must ensure that your car is suitably insured, taxed and has a valid MOT. Your examiner will check. 

Your car must also be roadworthy, with legal tyres and no warning lights showing on the dashboard. Be sure to fit L plates[1] to the front and back and have plenty of fuel. Your car has to be able to reach speeds of at least 62mph and must have four wheels (no Reliant Robins allowed!). Your examiner will expect a working seatbelt, a headrest and an additional internal mirror. 

If you have a dash cam, it can’t be on during your test. 

Do you have a banned car?

There are some cars that you aren’t allowed to take your driving test in because the examiner’s visibility can be impaired. The following models can’t be used to take a driving test: 

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

To take your driving test in a car that has been recalled by the manufacturer due to defects, you must present documentation to show that your car has been checked and fixed beforehand. 

To see if your car is on the recalled cars list, click here > 

Are there any negatives to taking a driving test in your own car?

Some believe that driving in your own car can make examiners warier, as it might indicate that you’ve had no professional driving lessons, or that your driving instructor has refused to let you drive their car[2]. But this shouldn’t worry you too much so long as you’re feeling fairly confident – in the end, how you perform behind the wheel is what counts. 

You won’t have dual controls in your own car, which is something else to bear in mind. The examiner won’t be able to take over control of the car, so they might warn you of any hazards earlier than they might have done otherwise[3]. If you fail to stop when required, you could end up having an accident, as your examiner won’t be able to apply the brakes. 

After your test…

Make sure that you inform you insurer straight away if you pass your driving test. You are now legally allowed to drive but you must have valid insurance. 

When searching for quotes, don’t automatically assume that third party insurance will be cheaper, as comprehensive car insurance can often work out better priced (and give you better cover). Click here to get a quote for Rias comprehensive car insurance > 

As a new driver, it’s important that you take care on the roads and don’t feel under pressure. You may want to consider fixing P plates[4] to your car and going on a Pass Plus[5] course to help you learn how to drive safely on motorways.