Taking a driving test in your own car

[pikey]

g/f is taking her driving test in her own car.

Previously she's been told (by an instructor) that one needs to have 'special' insurance to take the test in your own car and the standard won't do.

The insurance company confirms she would be covered.

The driving test people cannot be called (and I can't find the info on their website).

Has anyone actually any experience of this and can advise of their experience? Ie. I'm sure it's ok, the insurance company's confirmed, but I don't want teh test to not go ahead because of something missing.

Thanks

[pikey]

Sharief said:

Is there a particular reason she wants to do it in her own car, or is it just to save on paying the instructor another rip-off 50 quid? Out of interest.

Has taken 3 tests through 3 different instructors. I've been told I'm now her new instructor...

[pikey]

Sharief said:

Or just look at this. Which will probably prove I'm wrong in some way: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNew...

Looked at that before... but never spotted this:

"an interior mirror for the examiner's use"

Down to Halfords I suppose!

[pikey]

oggs said:

Ben, you will need to supply L-Plates and an interior mirror for the examiner and insurance wise so long as she is a named driver she will be ok and she will have to sign a form on the day stating it.

Its handy having a girlfriend who is a driving instructor

Cheers, I shall ensure she has all the paperwork with her on the day, just in case

[pikey]

Sharief said:

I'm doing it in my instructor's car rather than my own simply because I find it easier to drive.

Interesting point - all the car's she's previously learnt / done the test in are much worse than her own car and as a result gets on much better with hers. She has a new Yaris, but the instructors' cars are generally of a lesser quality (ie. 3 year old Corsa) and are rather tired due to having learners in them all day

My first car was a 1977 Vauxhaul Chevette. Clutch was awful, steering was vague, visibility was sh*te, gearbox was impossible, brakes operated on prayer... I don't know - these new learners don't know how good they've got it

[pikey]

Dave80s said:

Note that you cannot take your test in a Toyota Yaris with the digital speedo, as the examiner can't see how fast you are going from the passenger seat.

I think you're wrong as you can from ours - you just sit back more / lean over a little.

I'll be able to tell you on Saturday if you're right or not!

[pikey]

oggs said:

zcacogp said:

Yes, indeed interesting that the Mini and Ka convertibles both get singled out as 'unsuitable'.


Oli.

GF only run Mini's

Ah, but they're not the convertible version I presume?

[pikey]

planetdave said:

Car must be insured for driving tests (and have tax + MOT)

Ah, so this is the point - what does that mean? My insurance company confirmed it was, but didn't impose special conditions, issue an additional certificate or charge more money?

planetdave said:

L plates to be CLEARLY displayed....on the front and back NOT on top of the bonnet - keep them as close to vertical as possible.

Gotcha! Ours are vertical on bonnet (Yarises / Yariis have a plastic front bit, nowhere to tie and a vertical metal bonnet)

planetdave said:

That's about it really - if you are taking her for test arrive at the test centre nice and early (so you aren't getting stressed in a traffic jam) and mooch around doing a little distracting practise eg an emergency stop or anything else that wont dent confidence but keeps the mind busy. Be in the waiting room with minutes to spare for time to settle, but not enough to get nervous, and maybe a quick pee.

Ta. I've thought I'll drive her there and just plonk her in. First time she drives she's pretty good, but after an hour's practice, at the end of a 12 hour working day, mistakes get made.

planetdave said:

And remember to do more manouvre practise than driving around - especially reversing around corners and parallel parking. It's the reversing that usually gets the girls.

As in this case - all 3 failures have been due to the same. I don't quite understand the disconnect - she seems wants to do it 'academically' on a set of instructions (ie. 1 turn left, pass the car, 1 turn right, 1 turn left) rather than 'feel' which way the car is turning. Just lots of practice I think (unless you have any magic suggestions!)

[pikey]

SNDa said:

And did she pass?

Nope.

Same thing as before, reversing. As she's now appointed me her instructor I'll be changing the Yaris for a Caterham and teaching her J-Turns.. whilst blindfolded

[pikey]

Dave80s said:

Note that you cannot take your test in a Toyota Yaris with the digital speedo, as the examiner can't see how fast you are going from the passenger seat.

This is not correct, the examiner was fine with the speedo.