Using your own car for the Practical Driving Test

[Stu_1.0]

I've just booked my driving test and i am hoping to do it in my own car. However i'm aware that i need to fit an additional rear view mirror to the car for the examiner.

Does anyone know where abouts i should place it? and what its meant to point at? Is it meant to look at the rear or at me?

Cheers

Stu

[Jarama79]

For safety reasons, there are some vehicles that the DSA won't let you use on your practical test. Whilst recently looking into practical test procedures, I came across a list of vehicles that have been or are subject to ongoing manufacturer recalls and for that reason, the DSA will not permit their use on a practical driving test unless you have proof that the car has had its specific problems rectified.

Here's a link to the list of affected cars: Vehicles you can't use at the practical test

I didn't notice anything on the DSA website stipulating that your test car must have dual controls or any additional rear-view mirrors fitted.

[ADJimbo]

I cannot speak from a position of authority on this subject, so please do not quote me on it...

... however, I would assume it needs to be placed to the left of drivers interior mirror, and should offer a good field of vision to the observer sitting in the passanger seat...

When I passed my DSA test (back in the good old days) my ADI had a further mirror in the top left hand corner, aimed at the driver.

Halfords will be your friend, and will have mirrors from £3.99 which will do the job. Do you HAVE to have a mirror, I'm not sure...

For good measure, and the sake of a few quid, it may be wise to make sure it is there...

All the best with it...

[gdaybruce]

Jarama79 said:

For safety reasons, there are some vehicles that the DSA won't let you use on your practical test. Whilst recently looking into practical test procedures, I came across a list of vehicles that have been or are subject to ongoing manufacturer recalls and for that reason, the DSA will not permit their use on a practical driving test unless you have proof that the car has had its specific problems rectified.

Here's a link to the list of affected cars: Vehicles you can't use at the practical test

I didn't notice anything on the DSA website stipulating that your test car must have dual controls or any additional rear-view mirrors fitted.

Don't you love Health and Safety regulations! Compared to sitting next to an ultra nervous learner driver taking his/her test, I'd have thought the risk of a faulty headrest in a Toyota Yaris would be the least of the examiner's worries!

On the question of a rear view mirror, not sure what the regs say but I'd place it so that the examiner can see out of the back window. Our daughter used our LR Discovery to take her test in. It stood out somewhat from the driving school Fiestas and Micras and was the source of much hilarity amongst the testers when they all came out of the test centre into the car park. Still, she passed 1st time so obviously the vehicle wasn't an issue. Must have been the great training provided by her father!

[Johnnytheboy]

Clio II. Couldn't use the Trophy then.

[Stu_1.0]

Thanks for the replys. I'll get myself down to halfords and get one. It's not worth taking the risk of my test getting cancelled.

[7mike]

Don't worry about where to stick it, just take it along & let the examiner sort it. Best of luck with the test.

[waremark]

2 sons have passed first time in a Honda CRV with a convex Halfords mirror positioned as described above. I believe it is a requirement. Best of luck.