Taking the test : Family car versus instructor's car

samsamson

Hey guys,

My test is coming up in a couple of weeks. I've been doing all my practicing in the family car (1.6 Diesel) and feel fairly comfortable in it. It's been a long time since I took lessons so currently this is the only car I've been driving.

I've heard that it's better to take the test in an instructors car though - and get a couple of lessons to get comfortable in the car first obviously. Apparently this is to avoid issues like getting to the test center and being told the family car is not suitable for the test for some unexpected reason (a tyre pressure warning popping up or whatever).

What would you guys recommend? Stick to the family car or switch to the instructor's car?

Thanks!

Old Gill

Id suggest doing it in the car you get most practice in. Ive heard many time that testers pass people easier if they are in a driving school car and thats simply not the case.

Innervision

My Dad is trying to convince me to do mine in the instructor's car, because he thinks other drivers will be more inclined to give you more leeway if they see a school car. But I still want to do it in the car I've been practicing most in, why mess with what you're comfortable in!

brian076

Old Gill wrote: »

Id suggest doing it in the car you get most practice in. Ive heard many time that testers pass people easier if they are in a driving school car and thats simply not the case.

As an instructor I'd fully agree with Old Gill. Use the car you're used to driving, eventhough testers may feel a bit safer in a car with dual controls, you don't have a better chance of passing the test in a driving school car.
Just make sure that everything is working ok on the family car, ie: indicators, brake lights,windscreen washers,tyres have at least minimum thread depth, no damage to the walls & sufficient tyre pressure. Also be sure that Ins is in date and NCT if applicable.

not14talk

I'm in a similar situation, like ive had loads of practice in a focus and really comfortable in it but its likely that I wont be doing my test in it as the NCT test isnt till the end of June and my insurance runs out at the end of June as well

So I will be more then likely doing my test in my instructors car even though i've had about 10 hours of practice in it im still not comfortable in it.

Burtchaell

The tester could not care less about the car once its road worthy. A lot of drivers will know you are doing your test anyway because the tester will be wearing an illuminous yellow jacket and your L plate will be in the centre of the windscreen. Oh and id take a few mock tests with your instructor too. Its very advisable!