Rules for cars used for driving tests
https://www.gov.uk/practical-driving-test-for-cars/rules-for-cars-used-for-driving-tests
You can use your own car for the driving test if it meets certain rules.
Your test will be cancelled and you could lose your fee if your car doesn’t meet the rules.
Your vehicle must:
be properly insured and have a valid tax disc
be roadworthy and have a current MOT if it needs one
be checked and fixed if it has a known safety fault
have a seatbelt for the examiner
have an interior rear-view mirror for the examiner (these are available from most motor stores)
have a proper passenger head restraint (not a slip-on type)
be a smoke-free environment
have 4 wheels
be able to reach at least 62mph
have a speedometer measuring speed in mph
have no warning lights showing - for example, the airbag warning light
have L-plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front and rear
have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500 kilograms
MAM is the maximum weight of the vehicle including the maximum load that can be carried safely while used on the road. This is also known as ‘gross vehicle weight’.
Using a hire car
Hire cars can only be used in tests if they’re fitted with dual controls and meet all the other driving test vehicle rules.
Space-saver tyres
In some cars the spare tyre is a space-saver and only supposed to be for temporary use. Vehicles with space-saver tyres in use can’t be used for a test.
Electronic parking brakes
Vehicles fitted with an electronic parking brake can be used for a test.
Vehicles with ‘hill-start assist’
Vehicles with hill-start assist can be used for a test. Hill-start assist is a feature that stops vehicles rolling back when they start on steep slopes.
Vehicles you can’t use
Some models of vehicle can’t be used for the test. This is because they don’t give the examiner all-round vision. They are generally convertible cars and panel vans.
You can’t use these cars for a driving test:
BMW Mini convertible
Ford KA convertible
Toyota iQ
VW Beetle convertible
Other types of convertible car or panel van may also be unsuitable. Check with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) before booking your test.