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Using my car for your driving test

Taking your test in the car you've learnt in can really help you feel relaxed on the day. Please read this policy before you book your test, so we can plan everything together.

1

DVSA rules and my responsibility as your instructor

As a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), I have a professional duty to take pupils to test only when I believe they are fully prepared. Taking pupils to test before they are ready can affect an instructor's professional record and standing. These rules exist to keep everyone safe and to maintain high driving standards.

2

Check with me before you book

Please speak to me before booking your driving test. I may already have other pupils booked in, or I may be unavailable because of holidays or other commitments.

Once your test is booked, please let me know straight away so we can plan your lessons around it.

3

Minimum notice: three weeks

DVSA requires 10 full working days' notice to change or cancel a driving test without losing the test fee. For this reason, I can't accept tests booked with less than three weeks' notice.

4

Readiness check

About three weeks before your test date, I'll review your progress and let you know honestly whether I think you're ready. If you're not quite there yet, I may recommend extra lessons, or advise you to move or cancel your test.

5

Changing your test date

If you need a different test date, I'm happy to help you plan the best time to move it. Under DVSA's current rules, only you can book and change your own test, and you can change it a maximum of two times. Please talk to me before making any changes, so the new date works for both of us.

6

Using your own car for the test

If you'd prefer to take your test in your own car, it's your responsibility to make sure the car meets all DVSA requirements. For example, the car must:

  • be taxed, roadworthy and insured for a driving test (check with your insurer)
  • have a current MOT if it's over three years old
  • display L-plates clearly on the front and rear
  • have an extra interior rear-view mirror for the examiner
  • have no dashboard warning lights showing safety issues, such as the airbag light
  • have a working passenger seatbelt and a fixed (not slip-on) passenger head restraint
  • have no tyre damage, legal tread on every tyre and no space-saver spare fitted
  • be smoke-free before and during the test
  • not be a model on DVSA's list of vehicles that can't be used for a test

For full details, please see GOV.UK: Using your own car for your driving test.

7

Test day charge

Using my car on the day of your test is charged at my standard rate for a 3-hour lesson. This covers:

1 hourWarm-up lesson before the test
1 hourThe driving test itself
1 hourDebrief, feedback and journey home

This time is reserved just for you and can't be used for other pupils' lessons.

Arnold
DVSA Approved Driving Instructor · AW School of Motoring
Last updated: October 2026

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