Using your own wheels for the test? Here's what you need to know
While most learner drivers take their test in their instructor’s car, more and more people are choosing to use their own car. But is it allowed? And do you need special insurance?
Let’s break down the rules and cover what kind of insurance you need to legally sit your test in your own car.
You Absolutely Need Insurance
The DVSA is crystal clear on this: if you want to use your own car for your driving test, you must be insured to drive it.
This means you’ll need a valid learner driver insurance policy that covers test-day use. The car must also be taxed, have a valid MOT (if required), and meet all legal roadworthiness requirements.
Your Policy Must Allow Test-Day Cover
Not all learner driver insurance includes test-day coverage as standard. At DriveWISE, our learner policies specifically permit you to use the car for your driving test with a DVSA examiner.
Just make sure your policy is still active on test day and that your L plates are displayed correctly.
Can I Drive Home if I Pass?
Nope - this is where things get a bit tricky. The moment you pass your test, your provisional licence is no longer valid and your learner driver insurance becomes invalid too.
This means you cannot drive home from the test centre, even though you’re now legally allowed to. You’ll need someone with full insurance and a full licence to drive the car back for you. Afterwards, you can arrange a full, new driver insurance policy in your own name.
Other Car Requirements
DVSA rules also say your car must have:
- Properly fitted L plates on the front and back
- An extra interior mirror for the examiner
- A seatbelt and headrest for the examiner
- No warning lights or mechanical faults
It's your responsibility to ensure your car is road legal and test-ready. If it isn’t, the test can be cancelled - and you'll lose your fee.
Summary
If you're planning to take your driving test in your own car, insurance isn’t just helpful - it's a legal requirement. Our learner driver insurance at DriveWISE covers test-day use, so you’ll be ready when it counts most.
Remember: If you pass, you can't drive yourself home. But getting insured for test day is still one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Need learner insurance that ticks all the DVSA boxes?