Learner drivers could be stopped from driving test on the day over simple error
People due to sit their car test soon need to make sure they tick all the right boxes or risk not being able to sit their test
Learner drivers are being urged to avoid a common but serious error that could result in their driving test being called off.
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.
Motorists planning to use their own vehicle for a driving test are not required to install dual controls. However, GOV.UK warns that certain cars are prohibited from being used because they fail to give examiners sufficient “all-round vision” during the test.
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."
Learner drivers are being advised to confirm in advance that their chosen vehicle meets the required standards before turning up for a driving test. Officials also recommend checking with the test centre beforehand to ensure the car is suitable and permitted for use on the day.
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.
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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)
Full eligibility details for vehicles can be found on the GOV.UK website, which sets out the rules for test-day use of different cars. The guidance also flags that some models with known safety issues may be restricted from driving tests.
In certain cases, these vehicles are only allowed if the driver can prove they meet safety standards, particularly where recalls have previously been issued over defects.
Take this with you to test
You must take:
- Your UK driving licence
- Your theory test pass certificate, if you have it
- a car - just make sure it meets the rules
