Car requirements for a UK driving test
A practical overview of the legal, safety and examiner requirements for a test car.
Direct answer: A test car must be legal, roadworthy, insured for the test and suitable for the examiner. It also needs the required plates, mirrors, seating and safety equipment.
Pre-launch check: Check the DVSA publication each month and record the source date when data is refreshed.
Legal and safety checks
This is a summary, not a substitute for the complete GOV.UK checklist.
- Tax, MOT where required, and insurance that covers a driving test.
- Legal, undamaged tyres with no space-saver spare fitted.
- No warning light showing a safety problem.
- Working lights, indicators, seat belts and head restraints.
- A speedometer showing miles per hour and a vehicle that meets the official size and speed rules.
Prepare the cabin
Fit an extra interior rear-view mirror for the examiner and clear loose items from the dashboard, footwells and seats. The car must be smoke-free. If you use a dashcam, check the rules on its direction and audio recording.
Official sources
This guide paraphrases the official pages below. Open them to check the current rule or service.