Sitting test in own car

bigmaz

Hi guys

Am I right in saying that you do not NEED to have a lesson before you sit your test? I am telling my wife to sit her test in our car, but she was saying you still need an official lesson before hand. I never had this when I sat it in my dads car years ago. It sounds like an instructor has told her this, and trying to get extra money.

silvercar

https://www.gov.uk/practical-driving-test-for-cars/rules-for-cars-used-for-driving-tests

Take note that you will need to provide the passenger seat occupant with a rear view mirror, otherwise most cars in decent condition will comply.

bigmaz

Yeah, I know all about what complies for the actual test when sitting it in your own car. My question was if she NEEDS a lesson before the test with an actual instructor.

Astronaughtwannabe

Not if she's competent.

Rambosmum

It's a good idea to have a test before as then your wife will know she is doing things to test standard (no crossing hands, no more than 18 inches from the curb at the end of a reverse round a corner etc) and also the test has changed since I did mine- an examiner can ask about how you change a tyre or how you check oil etc. They also tell you to follow signs to xxx until further instructions.

A £25 driving lesson may be worth it rather than wasting a test opportunity.

Also I've always been told that examiners can be more on edge if they don't have dual control.

Astronaughtwannabe

Advice above with good intent, but sadly wrong.

Crossing arms is allowed but not the accepted method taught in the UK. Maintain control is the test criteria on that.


18" is not a prescribed distance, 'reasonably close' is. It's relative to the width of the road.

Examiners are no more on edge without dual controls providing the learner is proficient.

bigmaz

Cool, thought it was a load of rubbish she was told, thanks

She is very competent on passing her test, if she wasn't then no point sitting it I suppose

Mercdriver

There isn't a right or wrong answer, and it depends on the pupil, so you won't find a definitive answer. Some students find it useful. In own car is fine, but if examiner has any doubt of safety of the driver is more liable to abandon the test, leaving both him and the pupil walking back to the test centre.

bigmaz

bigmaz wrote: »

Cool, thought it was a load of rubbish she was told, thanks

She is very competent on passing her test, if she wasn't then no point sitting it I suppose

Mercdriver wrote: »

There isn't a right or wrong answer, and it depends on the pupil, so you won't find a definitive answer. Some students find it useful. In own car is fine, but if examiner has any doubt of safety of the driver is more liable to abandon the test, leaving both him and the pupil walking back to the test centre.

I was Really askin if it was a requirement by the test centre. She has had lessons etc and ready for test. Feels comfortable in our car

OddballJamie

Have you considered your wife wants a second opinion pre-test and doesn't want to hurt your feelings?

I very much doubt an instructor would go to all this trouble for a few quid. They are in it for the long haul, not a one off lesson.

bigmaz

Na, she was the one that said she doesn't want to do the lesson before hand, but was then told this.