Driving test in own car...

[Clarkey]

Bad idea do you think?

Basically the score is that I have been taking lessons for what seems like an eternity and have done thousands of miles in my own car too and feel fairly confident about taking a test now. However, to my dismay I found out there is a staggering 8 week waiting time for a test around here, which to me might as well be for ever. There are often cancellations on offer though with less than a weeks notice, but my instructor cannot accommodate for such short notice as I would imagine is the case with most instructors. I could however enter for one in my own car no problem at all. I have this gut feeling though that the examiners might well discriminate because of this, especially given that my cars appearance may or may not give off the image that i'm a boy racer* (it has a bodykit (factory one!) and black rims).

What are your thoughts on this, unless there is another way of getting a test at shorter notice in a driving school car?


* i'm actually a bit of a captain slow.

 

[Abyss]

My driving instructor tended to just swap lessons so that the car was available for tests...

 

[R B Customs]

Driving examiners examine your driving, not your car, or image.

As long as the car ticks all the right boxes, working lights, seatbelt etc etc and the examiner feels 'safe' then its okay.

the whole thing that examiners are out to get people is a myth my friend!

 

[Jez]

As said, as long as the car isnt going to give the wrong image (large loud exhaust or suchlike which may give a bad impression) and is normal and safe then it is a non issue.

 

[Sone]

i have heard of people getting sent away for stupid things in own cars, make sure everythings toped up and looks tidy

 

[M0T]

I passed my driving test 3 years ago in a 1991 Rover 214 Sli (my car). I actually felt much better about driving my car on the test than my instructors focus because I knew it better.

Just make sure everything works and you have a second rear view for the examiner to use along with all the correct documents and it'll be fine.

 

[BigglesPiP]

I did the test in my driving instructors car, would have been impossible to drive an Uno an a manor to pass the test.

 

[Mark A]

I thought you had to use a dual control car for the test?.

 

[DuncyBoy]

I thought you had to use a dual control car for the test?.

You do.

Otherwise, everyone would be doing it as a loophole for the "Instant fail for touching dual controls" for starters.

Would've loved to have taken my test in an Aygo!!!

EDIT: Although it doesn't say as much here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/PracticalTest/DG_4022543

 

[Clarkey]

You do.

Otherwise, everyone would be doing it as a loophole for the "Instant fail for touching dual controls" for starters.

Would've loved to have taken my test in an Aygo!!!

EDIT: Although it doesn't say as much here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/PracticalTest/DG_4022543

No, you don't...

The car has to have valid insurance, tax, MOT, head restraint, safety belt and an extra rear view mirror. That is it.

There is no such thing as 'instant fail for touching dual controls' I wonder where on earth you got this idea from?

 

[DuncyBoy]

There is no such thing as 'instant fail for touching dual controls' I wonder where on earth you got this idea from?

My second driving test- instant fail for the examiner having to use the dual brake when I was reversing.

Unless the laws have changed? I took (and failed) my test three times about 9 years ago. Re-took it last year.

 

[St0rmer66]

My second driving test- instant fail for the examiner having to use the dual brake when I was reversing.

Unless the laws have changed? I took (and failed) my test three times about 9 years ago. Re-took it last year.

If the examiner had to use the dual controls then it was as a result of something else you did wrong, which is what you would have failed for; NOT for the fact he used the controls, but because of what caused him to use them.

 

[DuncyBoy]

So, say I made the same mistake in a test WITHOUT dual controls- could I still fail for the examiner shouting STOP or whatever the alternative?

(Note: I'm not being sarcastic, genuine question)

 

[Raymond Lin]

If the examiner had to use the dual controls then it was as a result of something else you did wrong, which is what you would have failed for; NOT for the fact he used the controls, but because of what caused him to use them.

exactly's like stopping you going out of a junction when's it's not safe. You.ll fail on observation.

 

[dsb]

So, say I made the same mistake in a test WITHOUT dual controls- could I still fail for the examiner shouting STOP or whatever the alternative?

(Note: I'm not being sarcastic, genuine question)

yes if he has to make you do an emergency stop for any reason other than being part of the test, it must be because you are about to put yourself in danger.

 

[Puzzled]

I did my 2nd test in my trusty old nova a few years ago, and passed. I actually felt a lot more comfortable doing it in my own car.

You will need a 2nd rear view mirror, although I believe some examiners have spares.

 

[West]

I did both of my tests in the same car, my own my old Daewoo, I failed the first test as I wasnt used to the dimensions of the car, not really an excuse I know, but I did the test again and passed.

 

[Clarkey]

hmm just kinda booked a test on a whim, 1.35pm on friday so we shall see.

 

[Dashik]

Think about it this way. If you were an examiner in a car without dual controls, how much leeway would you give the pupil? If however the car has Duals then you can wait that bit longer to see if the pupil had spotted/reacted to the hazard etc.

You'll say I'm biased but its generally better to go for the test in a dual control car.

Are you really sure your ready to take your test? What did your instructor say? Did he/she give any reason for not going to test with you? You have to wonder if the instructor wont take you to test why?

Dont forget to check with your insurance company that you can drive the car while on test. If you sign the DL25 and have an accident and your insurance is invalid then your in the poo big time.

I plan ahead with all my pupils and allow for the lead time in booking tests.

 

[Dashik]

I did my 2nd test in my trusty old nova a few years ago, and passed. I actually felt a lot more comfortable doing it in my own car.

You will need a 2nd rear view mirror, although I believe some examiners have spares.

Dream on, Its the candidates resonsibility to present a suitabel vehicle for test. That includes mirrors and insurance to allow you to drive on your test.