A rule change by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) means learners going in for their driving test will need to double check the vehicle they are using.
It isn't compulsory to use a driving instructor's vehicle to complete a driving test.
Learners are allowed to use their own car if it meets certain rules.
But there is a list of banned vehicles and according to Liverpool Echo, another model has joined the list of those vehicles not allowed.
Vehicles must meet the criteria set out by the DVSA, including being smoke-free (you cannot smoke in it just before or during the test) and being able to reach at least 62mph.
The DVSA has also specified a list of car models that students are unable to use during driving tests.
Cars that are banned
The government agency recently revised the rules so that the Smart Fortwo (2-door) has been added to the list.
The car joins four other models on the banned list, which includes:
BMW Mini convertible
Ford KA convertible
Toyota iQ
VW Beetle convertible
The cars have been deemed unsuitable because their design obstructs the driver's or the instructor's vision of the road.
Other cars have been banned as they have been subject to products recalls, which means they may be unsuitable.
These include certain batches of Citroen C1, Peugeot 108, Toyota Aygo, Toyota Yaris, Vauxhall ADAM and Vauxhall Corsa D.
Rules for using your own car for the test
In order to use your own car during a test, the car must meet the following criteria:
- be taxed
- be insured for a driving test (check with your insurance company)
- be roadworthy and have a current MOT (if it’s over 3 years old)
- have no warning lights showing, for example, the airbag warning light
- have no tyre damage and the legal tread depth on each tyre - you cannot have a space-saver spare tyre fitted
- be smoke-free - this means you cannot smoke in it just before or during the test
- be able to reach at least 62mph and have an mph speedometer
- have 4 wheels and a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500 kg
The full rules of using your own car for a driving test can be found here.
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