If you’re learning to drive, you might feel more comfortable taking your driving test in a car you feel familiar with. Whilst many drivers choose to use the instructor’s vehicle, you might be wondering, ‘can you use your own car for a driving test?’ In this article, My Car Credit will answer this question – and explain all the requirements and exceptions involved.

Can I use my own car for a driving test?

In most cases, there will be no issues with using your own car, but there are some requirements it will need to meet. To qualify, your car must:

  • Be taxed
  • Be roadworthy – and have an up-to-date MOT if it’s over 3 years old
  • Be insured for a driving test
  • Have no warning lights showing on your dashboard
  • Have tyres with no damage and the legal tread depth on all four tyres (This means you cannot have space-saver spare tyres)
  • Have 4 wheels and a maximum authorised mass of 3,500 kg or below
  • Have an mph speedometer
  • Be able to reach 62mph
  • Be smoke-free – so you shouldn’t smoke in the car just before or during the test

Required fittings

To use your own car for a driving test, you will need to add several fittings to the vehicle. These include:

  • An additional rear-view mirror for the examiner to use
  • L-plates displayed clearly on the front and back of the car
  • A passenger seatbelt and head restraint (not a slip-on type)

You can utilise a camera or dash cam for insurance purposes. However, these must face the outside and not film or record audio from inside the car.

Exceptions for using your own car

If you’re wondering ‘can you use your own car for a driving test?’ – the answer is usually ‘yes’. However, there are certain cars that you can’t take your test in, as these models will prevent your instructor from having all-round vision.

These vehicles include:

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

There are other vehicles that may not be suitable, so you should always check with the DVSA first.

If your car model has been part of a recall, you will need to prove it is safe for use in the test. You can do this by providing evidence from the manufacturer or dealer that shows:

  • The car recall work was completed successfully
  • After a recall, it was found that no work was required
  • The specific car you’re using for the test was not recalled

Coronavirus safety measures

To prevent further spread of the coronavirus, you’ll need to clean the inside of your car before the test. This will include removing rubbish, along with cleaning and wiping down internal surfaces and seating. The examiner may also need to perform some additional cleaning.

At least one window should be open on either side of the car during the test.

Ready to get driving?

If you’re excited to get started with your first car, there are many things to consider, including how you’ll take your driving lessons and test.

Another factor to be aware of is your credit, which will have a big impact on whether your finance application is accepted and how much interest you’ll pay. Learn more about car finance eligibility with My Car Credit and make the first strides towards your dream car.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!