Learner drivers have been warned about a crucial error which could cause their test to be cancelled.
According to GOV.UK, while "you can take your driving test in your own car rather than your driving instructor's" vehicle, it can only be used on the road "if it meets certain rules."
It warns: "Your test will be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again if your car does not meet the rules." And the rules are not just about having tyres and L plates fitted, but the car type itself.
What cars you cannot use during your test
If you’re using your own car, it does not need to have dual controls. However, GOV.UK further confirm that "some cars cannot be used in the test because they do not give the examiner all-round vision."
You cannot use the following:
- any panel van (cars without rear seats or rear side windows)
- BMW 218 convertible
- BMW Mini convertible
- Ford KA convertible
- Polestar 4
- Polestar 5
- Smart Fortwo (2-door)
- Toyota iQ
- VW Beetle convertible
It adds: "There might be other cars that you cannot use. This is because not every model has been used in a test before, and some may not give the examiner all-round vision."
In this case, you should always check that your car is usable. The officials recommend contacting your test centre to ask about a specific vehicle. It adds that you should "always check if you want to use a convertible car or coupe (a car with a fixed roof, two doors and a sloping rear)."
In addition to making sure your car is fit to use during your test, it must also follow these rules.
Your car must:
- Not have any warning lights on showing safety issues with the car (like the airbag warning light)
- Have no tyre damage and meet the legal tread depth on each tyre - you must not have a space-saver spare tyre fitted
- Be roadworthy
- Be fitted with an extra interior rear-view mirror for the examiner
- Be fitted with a passenger seatbelt and a passenger head restraint for the examiner (slip-on types are not allowed)
- Be able to reach at least 62mph
- Have an officially fitted mph speedometer (not just an extra display or smartphone app)
- Be fitted with L-plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front and rear
- Have 4 wheels and meet the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500 kg
- Be taxed
- Have a current MOT (if it’s over 3 years old)
- Be insured for a driving test (check with your insurance company)
You can read all the requirements for your car and test day online through the GOV.UK website. It also lists cars with known safety faults, stating that you can't use specific cars unless you can provide proof that they are safe, as some vehicles have been recalled due to safety issues.
Take this with you to test
You must take:
- Your UK driving licence
- Your theory test pass certificate, if you have it
- a car - most people use their driving instructor’s, but you can use your own car if it meets the rules