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The vehicle you use for your driving test

Most learner drivers take their practical test in their driving instructor's car. However, you can take the test in your own vehicle if it meets certain rules.

Using a manual or automatic vehicle

You can take your driving test in either a manual or automatic vehicle. However, if you pass your test in an automatic you'll only get a licence to drive an automatic.

For driving test purposes:

• manual vehicles have three pedals – accelerator, brake and clutch
• automatic vehicles have two pedals

How to find out if you can use your own vehicle

If you want to use your own vehicle for your driving test, you need to check:

• that it meets the rules on this page
• if it is has a known fault that needs to be checked and fixed by the manufacturer before being used for a driving test

If your vehicle doesn't meet the rules

If your vehicle doesn't meet the rules, you can't use it for your test. If you take a vehicle that doesn't meet the rules:

• your test will be cancelled
• you may lose your fee

The rules for vehicles used for driving tests

Don't forget

Your vehicle must be fitted with the following:

• an interior rear-view mirror for the examiner
• L-plates

The vehicle you use for your test must:

• have four wheels
• be capable of reaching at least 62.5 miles per hour (mph) or 100 kilometres per hour (km/h)
• be fitted with a speedometer that measures speed in mph
• have no warning lights showing - for example, the airbag warning light
• display L-plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales) on the front and rear, but not interfering with yours or the examiner's view
• have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500 kilograms (kg)

MAM is the maximum weight of the vehicle including the maximum load that can be carried safely while used on the road. This is also known as 'gross vehicle weight'.

What the vehicle needs to have by law

The vehicle you use must:

• be appropriately insured
• display a valid tax disc
• be legal and roadworthy and have a current MOT if it needs one
• be a smoke-free environment

What the vehicle must be fitted with for the examiner

The vehicle must be fitted with:

• a seatbelt for the examiner
• a passenger head restraint - it doesn't need to be adjustable, but must be an integral part of the seat as 'slip on' types aren't allowed
• an interior rear-view mirror for the examiner to use - you can buy one from most car accessory stores
  

Using a hire car for your driving test

You can use a hire car for your test if it meets the following conditions:

• it is fitted with dual controls
• the vehicle meets all the other rules to be used for a driving test

You cannot use a hire car that does not have dual controls for a driving test.

Different size wheels and tyres on same axle

The vehicle you use must have the same size wheels and tyres on the same axle, front or back. You can't take your test in a vehicle fitted with a space-saver tyre.

Vehicles fitted with an electronic parking brake

You can use your vehicle for your test if it is fitted with an electronic parking brake.

Vehicle faults that need checking before a driving test

You need to check if your vehicle has a known fault that needs to be checked and fixed by the manufacturer. Click on the link to find out:

• if your vehicle is affected
• what action you need to take
• what documents you'll need to bring to your driving test

Vehicles that you can't use for your driving test

Some vehicles don't meet the rules and can't be used for a driving test. This is because the vehicles don't give the examiner all-round vision.

Generally they are:

• convertible cars
• panel vans

Makes and models of cars that can't be used

These makes and models of cars can't be used for a driving test:

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

If you want to use a convertible car or panel van for your test, check that it's suitable when you book.

• DSA - practical test enquiries

Rules for tests towing a trailer or caravan

Extra rules apply if you are taking a test towing a trailer or caravan. Find out more about those rules by clicking on the link below.

• Car and trailer or caravan practical driving test

More useful links

• Practical test for cars explained

• Car and trailer or caravan practical driving test

• The extended practical driving test

• Tractor and specialist vehicle practical test