UK driving test in your own car
Discussion
My son will shortly be taking the driving test in his mum's car, and she has been seeing what she needs to do to facilitate that for him. Seems you need an additional rear view mirror, and everything else is pretty obvious (L plates, seat belts, tax, insurance etc).
But... Mrs F has got it into her head that the driver that accompanies him to the test centre must sit in the back of the car for the test. I think not, as I think the tester qualifies as the accompanying driver in this case.
The Gov.uk website says a driving test candidate's instructor/friend 'can' sit in the back but obviously cannot interfere with the test.
Can anyone clarify?
But... Mrs F has got it into her head that the driver that accompanies him to the test centre must sit in the back of the car for the test. I think not, as I think the tester qualifies as the accompanying driver in this case.
The Gov.uk website says a driving test candidate's instructor/friend 'can' sit in the back but obviously cannot interfere with the test.
Can anyone clarify?
BFleming said:
My son will shortly be taking the driving test in his mum's car, and she has been seeing what she needs to do to facilitate that for him. Seems you need an additional rear view mirror, and everything else is pretty obvious (L plates, seat belts, tax, insurance etc).
But... Mrs F has got it into her head that the driver that accompanies him to the test centre must sit in the back of the car for the test. I think not, as I think the tester qualifies as the accompanying driver in this case.
The Gov.uk website says a driving test candidate's instructor/friend 'can' sit in the back but obviously cannot interfere with the test.
Can anyone clarify?
You've answered it yourself. But... Mrs F has got it into her head that the driver that accompanies him to the test centre must sit in the back of the car for the test. I think not, as I think the tester qualifies as the accompanying driver in this case.
The Gov.uk website says a driving test candidate's instructor/friend 'can' sit in the back but obviously cannot interfere with the test.
Can anyone clarify?
CAN not MUST.
Personally I think having his mum in the car for the test is the worst thing you can do!!
On the advice of my driving instructor and from everyone else I know who's sat their test - don't bring a family member on the test!
They could say something that would jeopardise the test and unless they're an ADI they won't provide any useful feedback in the event of a fail.
So yes, the person who accompanied to the test centre just waits there with tea and biccies or nips into a local cafe.
They could say something that would jeopardise the test and unless they're an ADI they won't provide any useful feedback in the event of a fail.
So yes, the person who accompanied to the test centre just waits there with tea and biccies or nips into a local cafe.
Why not do the test in a learner car with dual controls? Would make the examiner feel more comfortable knowing they they could still access the clutch or the brakes incase of emergency.
I'm not sure why any parent would be in the back as it would make both the examiner and the learner feel uncomfortable and add extra stress into the mix.
When I did my test I had my instructor in the back of the car as he could then argue the toss if I was marked down for anything untoward.
I'm not sure why any parent would be in the back as it would make both the examiner and the learner feel uncomfortable and add extra stress into the mix.
When I did my test I had my instructor in the back of the car as he could then argue the toss if I was marked down for anything untoward.
untakenname said:
.......When I did my test I had my instructor in the back of the car as he could then argue the toss if I was marked down for anything untoward.
Can't see your instructor "arguing the toss" with a test examiner doing you any favours whatsoever! (And if it started happening during the test, I could well imagine an examiner terminating the test immediately, resulting in a fail)
The instructors opinion is totally irrelevant when it comes to a driving test - The only opinion that matters is that of the examiner.
In fact, I would say that your instructor feeling the need to ride along on your driving test, indicates that they were not totally confident in your ability to pass the test. If your instructor has done their job correctly, then they would know that whatever happens during the test, you would deal with it correctly.
ChrisR99 said:
I did my test in my own car in 2016 and didn’t have any extra mirrors. Just L plates and my instructor put the his learner sign on the roof of my car.
The test was as normal, just the examiner in the car and my instructor waited at the test centre.
There must be a second internal rear view mirror for the use of the examiner. Halfords will sell you one for a tenner...The test was as normal, just the examiner in the car and my instructor waited at the test centre.
I went through this on thursday.
Obviously you can use your own car; with respect to the second mirror, the driving examiners have spare ones if the one in place breaks.
While Isat paced around nervously in the waiting room I had a chance to read the various blurb and posters on the wall.
If a friend/relative/parent does sit in the back and starts chipping in (the same can be said for driving instructors too) the examiner can interpret that as undue pressures and terminate the test, resulting in automatic fail. The general tone was similar to the bog standard 'our workers have the right to work in an environment free from harrassment' but chatting to the other driving instructors regarding 3rd parties during the test, it is clear the rise of pushy parents has led to the situation that if the person in the back does make a comment, examiners will just terminate the test, which is quite understandable, unfortunately.
Having Mrs F in the car would be the worst thing for your son, especially if mrs F has a bit of a tendency to not keep her peace - and I've yet to meet any female who can.
As well as having the added pressure of someone in the back, the extra weight will change the way the car handles. The girl I took to the test on thursday is the daughter of a very good friend, and last time she failed on the hill start because her car is a pokey fiat 500 and her mum was in the back. The nicest way I can describe her mum is something that wouldn't look out of place grunting across the plains of africa providing panoramic views to those on safari. It was no wonder the clutch burned out, trying to hill start with a creature the size, shape and weight of an odd-toed ungulate in the back. I did say beforehand but nobody listens to wiccy.....
Keep us posted how F junior gets on.
Obviously you can use your own car; with respect to the second mirror, the driving examiners have spare ones if the one in place breaks.
While I
If a friend/relative/parent does sit in the back and starts chipping in (the same can be said for driving instructors too) the examiner can interpret that as undue pressures and terminate the test, resulting in automatic fail. The general tone was similar to the bog standard 'our workers have the right to work in an environment free from harrassment' but chatting to the other driving instructors regarding 3rd parties during the test, it is clear the rise of pushy parents has led to the situation that if the person in the back does make a comment, examiners will just terminate the test, which is quite understandable, unfortunately.
Having Mrs F in the car would be the worst thing for your son, especially if mrs F has a bit of a tendency to not keep her peace - and I've yet to meet any female who can.
As well as having the added pressure of someone in the back, the extra weight will change the way the car handles. The girl I took to the test on thursday is the daughter of a very good friend, and last time she failed on the hill start because her car is a pokey fiat 500 and her mum was in the back. The nicest way I can describe her mum is something that wouldn't look out of place grunting across the plains of africa providing panoramic views to those on safari. It was no wonder the clutch burned out, trying to hill start with a creature the size, shape and weight of an odd-toed ungulate in the back. I did say beforehand but nobody listens to wiccy.....
Keep us posted how F junior gets on.
You don't have to sit in the back of the test, its up to the candidate to decide if they want you there. As others have said, any interference could be considered as prompting and assisting, so test can be terminated. Plus people find it uncomfortable as you have no control of the car whatsoever in the back, so it could be a scary ride.
I would always suggest to bring the second interior mirror with you, the website says you must bring it, and quite often examiners may leave them in previous cars or they break. So they may not have any spare in the office, and if they dont, the test wont go out.
Good luck to your son!
I would always suggest to bring the second interior mirror with you, the website says you must bring it, and quite often examiners may leave them in previous cars or they break. So they may not have any spare in the office, and if they dont, the test wont go out.
Good luck to your son!
At the candidate’s choice, anyone can sit in the back provided they do not influence the test in any way. Examiners have been known to warn instructors about very subtle influence, such as moving their head to look into the blind spot at critical moments, which could potentially act as a reminder to the candidate. You need to sit there and do/say nothing at all.
But of course the examiner is a qualified supervisor for a candidate, so no back seat observer is required. I’m surprised anyone would doubt that fact: anyone over 21 who has held a licence for the same type of car for 3 years can supervise a learner, and examiners have substantial additional training. They can and will physically intervene if necessary (dual controls, turning the wheel etc).
I took an ADI Part 2 test a few months ago in my own car. Embarrassingly I had forgotten to bring a stick-on mirror, and the examiner had to go back inside and fetch one. But I still passed, so it’s not a disaster if you haven’t got one. Might be more of a problem if you’ve not got L-plates (not necessary for me of course).
You also need to ensure that your car complies with the requirements. Convertibles are not acceptable, and certain cars may require evidence of safety recalls having been carried out.
Edited to add: Many instructors will want to sit in the back if their student is okay with it (I certainly will do when I qualify). Not so that they can argue with the examiner, but so that they can offer the student constructive advice on any incident that results in a fail. The student’s recollection is likely to be unreliable, so if the instructor saw it themselves that would be very useful. No instructor can be 100% certain that their student is going to pass, because you simply don’t know what might happen in the test and how the student will respond in the pressure of the test.
But of course the examiner is a qualified supervisor for a candidate, so no back seat observer is required. I’m surprised anyone would doubt that fact: anyone over 21 who has held a licence for the same type of car for 3 years can supervise a learner, and examiners have substantial additional training. They can and will physically intervene if necessary (dual controls, turning the wheel etc).
I took an ADI Part 2 test a few months ago in my own car. Embarrassingly I had forgotten to bring a stick-on mirror, and the examiner had to go back inside and fetch one. But I still passed, so it’s not a disaster if you haven’t got one. Might be more of a problem if you’ve not got L-plates (not necessary for me of course).
You also need to ensure that your car complies with the requirements. Convertibles are not acceptable, and certain cars may require evidence of safety recalls having been carried out.
Edited to add: Many instructors will want to sit in the back if their student is okay with it (I certainly will do when I qualify). Not so that they can argue with the examiner, but so that they can offer the student constructive advice on any incident that results in a fail. The student’s recollection is likely to be unreliable, so if the instructor saw it themselves that would be very useful. No instructor can be 100% certain that their student is going to pass, because you simply don’t know what might happen in the test and how the student will respond in the pressure of the test.
Edited by Dr Mike Oxgreen on Saturday 5th January 20:12
divetheworld said:
With all the driver assist stuff in the latest Merc/Audi/etc like hill-hold-assist and all the other gadgetry that make life easier, might be a good idea to use your own car.
Personally I think that people should learn to drive without these driver aids, or with them switched off (if possible). Not all cars have them and one my find oneself driving a car without them one day. Tomo1971 said:
Personally I think that people should learn to drive without these driver aids, or with them switched off (if possible). Not all cars have them and one my find oneself driving a car without them one day.
I bet your granddad would have said the same about taking a test in a car without a starting handle, ignition advance and retard, syncro gearbox etc. I wouldn't have a clue how to drive a 1903 car...I'll worry about it at if it happens.
TwigtheWonderkid said:
Tomo1971 said:
Personally I think that people should learn to drive without these driver aids, or with them switched off (if possible). Not all cars have them and one my find oneself driving a car without them one day.
I bet your granddad would have said the same about taking a test in a car without a starting handle, ignition advance and retard, syncro gearbox etc. Thank f
k I learned how to deal with that at the time, don't know how I'd cope nowadays otherwise.Dr Mike Oxgreen said:
You also need to ensure that your car complies with the requirements. Convertibles are not acceptable, and certain cars may require evidence of safety recalls having been carried out.
Not true. Some convertibles are allowed. My wife passed her test in my sl63Edited by Dr Mike Oxgreen on Saturday 5th January 20:12
CitySlicker said:
Not true. Some convertibles are allowed. My wife passed her test in my sl63
Well the official line is that convertibles are not allowed. Your wife must have got lucky with an examiner who was prepared to overlook it. The reason is due to visibility, so perhaps the examiner felt that visibility was good enough in that car and didn’t apply the rule. It would make sense for there to be some discretion allowed, because not all convertibles suffer reduced view.Edited by Dr Mike Oxgreen on Sunday 6th January 09:16
Dr Mike Oxgreen said:
CitySlicker said:
Not true. Some convertibles are allowed. My wife passed her test in my sl63
Well the official line is that convertibles are not allowed. Your wife must have got lucky with an examiner who was prepared to overlook it. The reason is due to visibility, so perhaps the examiner felt that visibility was good enough in that car and didn’t apply the rule. It would make sense for there to be some discretion allowed, because not all convertibles suffer reduced view.Edited by Dr Mike Oxgreen on Sunday 6th January 09:16
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