Using your own car for a driving test

You’ve spent months preparing for your driving test, building confidence behind the wheel and mastering every manoeuvre the examiner might ask for. 

Many learners opt to use their instructor’s car without considering the alternative. However, driving your own vehicle can offer a sense of familiarity and control that might be the difference between passing and failing.

Can I use my own car for a driving test?

Yes, you can take your driving test in your own car, but it must meet strict DVSA requirements. The examiner won’t simply assume your vehicle is suitable – they’ll check for compliance before the test begins. If the car doesn’t meet the necessary standards, your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee.

Your vehicle must have valid tax, insurance and an MOT if required. It must also be roadworthy, with no warning lights on the dashboard. The examiner needs a clear view of the road, so the car must have an additional interior rear-view mirror for their use.

What are the things to be aware of if using your own car for the driving test?

Your test nerves will be high and the last thing you need is an unexpected issue with the car. Think about reliability – if you’ve noticed odd noises or sluggish acceleration, these could cause problems on the day.

The test examiner will expect to see L plates displayed correctly. They must be visible on the front and rear of the vehicle, not obscured by dirt or positioned at an angle that makes them hard to see. 

Finally, check your car’s interior is clean. A cluttered or messy interior can be distracting, and you don’t want anything rolling around underfoot. 

Which car do you have the most experience in?

The car you choose for your test should be the one that you’re most comfortable driving. If you’ve spent the majority of your lessons in your instructor’s vehicle and only driven your car a handful of times, switching at the last minute could throw you off. 

Controls and pedal sensitivity vary between vehicles. Even small differences – such as how much force the clutch needs or how high the biting point is – can make a big impact during the test. 

How will you get to and from your test?

You must arrange for a qualified driver to accompany you to and from the test centre as you can’t legally drive alone until you pass. 

Your driving instructor might be happy to sit with you, but if not, you’ll need to arrange for a friend or family member who meets the legal requirements to supervise you.

Even if you pass your test, you’ll still need someone to drive you back home, as you’ll no longer be covered by learner driver insurance. 

What are the advantages of using your own car?

Familiarity is the biggest advantage. Muscle memory plays a huge role in driving, so sitting in a car you’ve practised in can make a real difference. 

Your own vehicle might also feel less intimidating. Instructor cars often come with additional mirrors and dual controls, which can be a reminder that you’re still a learner. Driving your own car removes that psychological barrier and can leave you feeling more independent. 

Financially, it can also work out cheaper. If your instructor charges extra for car use during the test, using your own vehicle avoids that cost.

How to check the car is test-ready

Do I need to make adjustments to the car?

The examiner needs a good view of the road, so you must fit an additional interior rear-view mirror on the passenger side. These are inexpensive and attach easily to the existing mirror with a suction cup. 

If your car has a dashcam, disable audio recording to comply with DVSA rules.

Is my car insured for a driving test?

You must have valid learner driver insurance that covers you for a practical test. If you’re using a family member’s vehicle, check that their policy allows this. 

Driving without insurance is illegal, and if you’re caught, you could face fines and penalty points, as well as fail your test.

Does the car need an MOT?

If the car is more than three years old, it must have a valid MOT certificate. The examiner won’t take your word for it – they can check online. If the car isn’t road-legal, the test won’t proceed.

Should the car be taxed?

Yes, the car must be taxed, and this can be verified online by the examiner. Failure to do so means it can’t legally be driven on the road, let alone used for a test.

How to assess lights and tyres

Check that all lights – including indicators, brake lights and headlights – are working properly. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate these during the ‘show me, tell me’ section of the test. 

Tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. If this isn’t the case, they’ll be classed as illegal, and the test won’t go ahead.

Can I rent a car for a driving test in the UK?

Yes, but it must meet the same legal requirements. Some companies specialise in renting out dual-controlled vehicles for tests, but standard hire companies rarely allow their cars to be used for this purpose. 

If you’re considering renting a car, confirm with the company that you’re allowed to use it for a driving test.

Take to the roads with learner driving insurance from Tempcover

Practice with confidence knowing you have the right learner driver cover in place. The correct policy allows you to drive without a long-term commitment, giving you flexibility while you gain experience. 

Get a quote online to find a suitable option that works for you. Alternatively, reach out to our knowledgeable team for guidance – they’re always happy to help you.