The DVSA, the body running driving tests in the UK, has updated the guidance on bringing your car to a driving test. The update lists the cars banned from driving tests and features you cannot use on your exam.
The first updated section of the document, which can be viewed in full here, deals with vehicle features. It says you can use vehicles fitted with features like the electronic parking brake or hill start assist. Cruise control, speed limiters and parking aids like sensors and cameras are also on the list.
Lane assist and blind spot monitoring make the approved list for the first time along with traffic sign recognition. These changes were inevitable given that all new cars now have to have these features fitted.
On the banned list is self-parking, which has been an option on cars for a few years now and carries out the Reverse Parking Manoeuvre (Road) for you. Tesla’s Autopilot or Full Self-Drive system is also banned along with a bar on using your own satnav system during the test.
You can still use vehicles fitted with these systems, but the systems themselves cannot be used on a driving test.
Cars not allowed by the DVSA
The DVSA has also re-iterated the list of banned cars, which cannot be used regardless of the systems fitted. Most of these are banned due to visibility for the examiner and they include:
Other vehicles may not be allowed on the test if rearward visibility isn’t great from the passenger seat. If in doubt, you can visit the DVSA at the test centre ahead of time and check with the examiners. The website specifically mentions convertibles and coupe body styles as models which should be checked prior to presenting for test.
You also have the option of hiring a car to take your test in. If you do this, the car must have dual controls and be insured for the purposes of a driving test. Generally, it is advisable to go to the DVSA Driving Test Centre in your driving instructor’s car. You can arrange an assessment lesson ahead of a driving test in our electric driving school car by clicking here.
