The Cars You Cannot Use For Your UK Driving Test

There are numerous rules in place for the individuals that are seeking to take their driving test in the UK.

However, one rule that many drivers are not aware of is that there are cars that you are not permitted to use for taking your driving test. Beverly Slater, emphasises it is really important to make sure that you know exactly which vehicles shouldn’t be used to take your test and also which are some of the best cars you can use as a learner driver. 

The list of cars which are not permitted to be used for driving tests has been put together by the Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA). The list includes some brands of car and also the relevant models as well. As a learner driver you may have already purchased a car which you intend to use once you have passed your test. However, it is important to ensure that it does not appear on the list otherwise you will not actually be able to use it when it comes to taking your test.

Which Cars are on the List?

The list contains a surprising number of cars. However, there are some that should really come as no surprise to drivers to find on the list. These are smaller cars and include: BMW Mini Convertible, Ford Ka Convertible, Toyota iQ, VW Beetle Convertible, and the recent addition to the list; the Smart Fortwo. 

The most recent addition to the list is also a convertible. All of these cars are on the prohibited list because they do not allow the examiner all-round vision during the test.

It is really important that anyone who is looking to take their driving test in their own vehicles checks whether it is suitable for this. This can be done by contacting the testing centre, checking the most recent advice online or by speaking to your driving instructor. 

In general if your car is a coupe, convertible or a panel van you must check prior to your test if it will be suitable to use. Otherwise you risk being turned away when you arrive for your test.

Manufacturer Recall

There are some cars that are on the banned list because they have been the subject of a recall by the manufacturer. These include:

• Some batches of Peugeot 108, Citroen C1, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Aygo, Vauxhall Corsa D and Vauxhall ADAM.

Other Things to Consider

In some instances the driving instructor's car may not be available for a learner to take their test in, so they will need to find an alternative. If they do not own their own vehicle then it can be possible to take their test in a hire car however it must meet all the appropriate DVSA standards and be fitted with dual controls. 

The car will also need to be fitted with an additional interior rear-view mirror for the examiner, L plates (or if taking the test in Wales D plates) on both the front an rear of the vehicle. A seatbelt in the passenger side for the examiner and a proper (non slip-on) head restraint in the passenger side. 

In the current climate it is also important to ensure that any vehicle you are taking your test in has been cleaned and tidied inside before your test. It is not unheard of for examiners to refuse to conduct a test in cases where the test vehicle is very messy. 

Some of the cars that are recommended for learner drivers include Skoda Fabia 9Mk3), Renault Zoe, Vauxhall Corsa, Kia Picanto and the Ford Fiesta (Mk7).