Can I Use My Own Car for a Driving Test?

I get this question a lot, not only from our students, but also people calling looking for an instructor to take them to test. Some people feel more comfortable in their own car if they drive it more regularly than their instructor’s car. Some, may have got themselves a last minute driving test cancellation and their instructor isn’t available to take them. Whatever your reason, I thought it might be helpful to you all to give you some information about it.

The simple answer is yes, you can. But, there are stipulations and the DVSA have just updated the rules and requirements on what your car needs to be and have. It is soooo important that you check this list before using your own car. Only today, I took one of my students to test and witnessed another candidate who had their test cancelled due to their tyres not being roadworthy. An examiner has every right to cancel your test, if your vehicle is not as stated in the link below. Test bookings really aren’t easy to get at the moment, so just imagine how disappointed you would be to arrive ready at the driving test centre, only to be told your test won’t be going ahead.

At The Driving Genie, we are more than happy for you to take your driving test in our cars, providing you have learned to drive with us. We only request that you discuss this with your driving instructor first to ensure that you are ready and they are available.

Modern car controls

Cars now come with lots of things to assist your drive. For instance; electronic handbrakes, cruise control, parking cameras and sensors, plus so much more! A full list can be found in the link I’ve provided. My car has a parking camera and I often get asked if my students are allowed to use it. My general answer is; “if your car has it, you can use it.” The thing to remember with any car assist gadgets is that you use them to assist you, and you do not to rely on them 100%. So if you have a camera, you can use it. But, you must still be checking around the car effectively yourself too. The main restrictions are that you can’t use the self park option if your car has it, or if you’re lucky enough to be in a Tesla, sadly you can’t use its autopilot option! I’ll be out of a job when they allow that!

For full details on the do’s and don’ts when using your own car for test, click here.