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How to take a driving test in your own car

  • Written by NewsCo

Not all automobiles are made equal. One automobile can handle slightly differently from another, and with so many various engine sizes available, most automobiles just sound different. However, even within similar-sized vehicles, there can be subtle distinctions that can have a significant impact on your driving experience, such as where to locate the biting stage.

So, when it is time to take the driving exam, are you at an immediate disadvantage if you're in an unknown car? Would it be better to pass the exam if you could do it in your own car? Check out drivingtest.autos for more.

Using your own vehicle for the driving test 

Advantages

The convenience of using your own vehicle

You can be very familiar with your vehicle's controls and handling if you've been able to practice with your own car when being watched by an appropriate person. One of the biggest reasons candidates want to take their driving tests in their own vehicles is the need to feel at ease in the vehicle.

Feeling at ease in your own vehicle can also help to alleviate any driving test anxiety you might have, allowing you to perform to the best of your abilities.

Clarity on the car

You know your car inside and out, and assuming nothing surprising occurs, you know it'll be the vehicle in which you take the driving exam. If you want to use your teacher's automobile, you will need to get accustomed to a new car right before your exam if your instructor is forced to swap cars for some purpose.

If your instructor's initial car breaks down, they will be able to pick you up in a new car. They could even arrive with a new car if they have recently replaced their vehicle. 

The disadvantages

You are in charge of the vehicle. 

You must guarantee that the automobile follows the requirements for operating test cars. If the vehicle violates any one law, the driving officer will revoke the inspection and you will not be entitled to a refund.

Inadequate dual controls

You do not require dual controls in your car to take your exam. However, since there is no brake pedal as a backup, the investigator might feel compelled to act sooner than they would otherwise.

Is it possible to take the driving test in your own car?

It is possible to take your driving test in your own vehicle, but it is not as easy as driving to your evaluation center and declaring your intentions. There are a few items you would first address.

  1. The Essentials about Taking Your Driving Test in Your Own Car
  2. It is necessary to take the driving test in your own vehicle if such conditions are met.


The vehicle in which you take your examination must comply:


  •  * Make sure the car is not obsolete, you can bring a car with the latest technology.
  •  * To be taxed
  •  * Be sure you're covered whether you're doing a driving lesson (check your policy wording for more information)
  •  * If the vehicle is more than three years old, it must be roadworthy and have a current MOT.
  •  * There are no alarm lights on (such as the airbag warning light)
  •  * Each tire must have a legal tread depth and no tire damage.


You have the option of taking the test in a manual, automated, or semi-automatic vehicle. If you undergo the exam in a semi-automatic vehicle, you can only be licensed to drive automatic and semi-automatic vehicles until you graduate.

 It is appropriate to take the exam in a vehicle equipped with electronic parking brakes and hill-start assist features.

Certain vehicle makes and models are not permitted to be used for driving tests. Any of these are excluded since they do not provide examiners with 360-degree vision. Others are forbidden owing to proven safety concerns. Go here and navigate down to see a complete list of all the banned makes and models.

What You'll Need to Pass The Driving Exam in Your Own Car

Before you can take your test in your vehicle, you'll need to add a few extra components for passing the exam:

  1. An additional internal rear-view mirror (for the examiner)
  2. Front and rear L-plates are mounted (or D plates in Wales)
  3. A good pilot head harness and a seatbelt for the passenger

Dashcams are permitted as long as they are pointed outside the vehicle. During the exam, you are not permitted to film the interior of your vehicle. You are still not permitted to capture audio.

So my car checks every box! So, what now?

First and foremost, are you certain that your vehicle meets all of the requirements? And if your vehicle is deemed unsafe for purpose on the day of the inspection, the test will be canceled without reimbursement.

If you prefer to take your driving test in your own vehicle, just let the inspector know when you book your test. On the day of the exam, you would be required to sign a document confirming that your auto insurance is current. Again, if you do not sign this paper, your exam will be cancelled and you will not get a refund.

If you want to drive yourself to the test center, you must be accompanied by a valid accompanying driver.