DOING YOUR TEST IN YOUR OWN CAR? MAKE SURE YOU ARE PREPARED!
There may be many reasons why you would choose to take your test in your own car E.G you are more comfortable driving it or your instructor is not available for your preferred test date etc. This is perfectly fine of course but there are many considerations that your instructor will have taken care of when you use the instructor’s vehicle.
I have provided a check list to make sure you will be properly prepared and above board on the big day.
YOUR VEHICLE – IS IT SAFE AND LEGAL TO USE
Is your road tax, insurance and MOT (if applicable) in date? Will your insurance cover you and the examiner for the test? For more information on your vehicle check
Do you have enough fuel?
Do you have legal tread and correctly inflated including spare wheel? (see vehicle check questions*)
Windows, mirrors, lights – are they clean and of course check for damage
Have a walk round your vehicle and if common sense says there is problem get it checked professionally for peace of mind.
Open the bonnet and check that all your oil and fluid levels are correct. (see vehicle check questions)
Electrics – when you start the engine do any warning lights appear? Are ancillary controls working (including the horn)? Are all your exterior lights working? Do you have a spare set of bulbs? Is there a nearby garage that could change a bulb for you near the test centre if a there is a problem on the day?
*For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/car-show-me-tell-me-vehicle-safety-questions
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you confident that you have prepared properly for the test? Be advised by your instructor. If the answer is YES then clearly you will have much better chance of passing.
Try and get a decent night’s sleep! You don’t want to wake up feeling tired and in a bad frame of mind.
If you are over 18 years avoid alcohol.
Think before you take any medication! Always read the label to ensure you will be fit to drive.
DOCUMENTS
You must bring your provisional license and I would strongly advise you to bring your theory test certificate and your letter/email of your appointment. Check the appointment time, date and venue of your test just in case you misread the letter/email.
Don’t look for your documents the night before your test! If you check a week before and you can’t find your provisional license you will have the chance to rearrange your test without losing your fee and have more time to find or replace your driving license. Avoid stress wherever possible!
PLANNING
I would strongly urge you allow plenty of time to arrive at the test centre which will allow for any delays. It would be a good idea to get the weather forecast and any traffic updates the day before your test. Have an alternative route to get to the test centre. Avoid the risk of missing your test and again AVOID UNNECESSARY STRESS!
Allow enough time to practice any areas of driving that may be of concern on the test. If you feel that you have successfully completed some manoeuvres prior to the test you will feel more confident and assured.
Arrive at the test centre 10/15 minutes early but be careful that you are not interfering with other tests that are in progress. Take care before entering the car park for drivers reversing into parking bays. Allow them space and time before parking your vehicle for your test.
Always reverse into the bay for an easier start to the test. If possible think about the most convenient bay for leaving the test centre. Don’t make the test any harder than it needs to be!
AND FINALLY
No-one is guaranteed a pass but with some basic preparation you will give you give yourself the very best chance and if you believe you are ready then believe you will pass!
For more information you can visit gov.uk/driving-test/using-your-own-car
ANDY MCDERMOTT DVSA ADI/FLEET, RoSPA Gold Advanced Driver, B + E,NDORS (NSAC/NDAC/WDU/D4C) ENERGY SAVINGS TRUST ECO TRAINER.