Cars that cannot be used for a driving test

[ChrisJ]

I didn't realise that there are some strange rules as regarding which cars can and cannot be used in a driving test.

In some cars the spare tyre is a space-saver and only supposed to be for temporary use. Vehicles with space-saver tyres in use can’t be used for a test.

I guess this means the Esprit is ruled out Don’t a lot of modern run of the mill cars have space savers? Doesn't say what happens if there isn't a spare, so I guess I'd take it out.
 

Vehicles with hill-start assist can be used for a test. Hill-start assist is a feature that stops vehicles rolling back when they start on steep slopes.

What is the point of the hill start part of the test then? Although if you fail this, it should be an automatic fail of the whole test

 

Cars can also be banned if they do not give the examiner all round vision. Hmmm, another fail for the Esprit. It would also probably fail as there is nowhere to stick magnetic "L" plates
 

[jonwat]

In some cars the spare tyre is a space-saver and only supposed to be for temporary use. Vehicles with space-saver tyres in use can’t be used for a test.

Doesn't "in use" mean actually being used as a wheel as opposed to in the boot/bonnet in case of a puncture, in the same way as a bald spare won't cause an MOT failure???

[ChrisJ]

on re-reading, I suppose it does, I just read it as with a space saver in the car

[DaveyT]

It would also probably fail as there is nowhere to stick magnetic "L" plates

Slighlty off-topic, but I just used blue tack and stuck 'em in the windows when teaching my wife to drive all those years ago :-))

[ramjet]

My daughter would like to get her manual license. The only manual we have is my Esprit. I got her to go to the DMV and ask whether she can learn (now on full license off her 'P's) in my car.

The answer? Yes she can and I can teach her now, even though my license is suspended (due to the stroke) as I suspended it due to health reasons and did not have it suspended due to traffic infringements.

 

I am still shaking my head.

 

Back on topic, I read the space saver as being 'in use'. i.e. on the car, not in the boot.

[MarkLarge]

Hi,

As a driving instructor it is exactly as John W says.

My Volvo C30 tuition car only has a space saver spare and if I had a puncture on the way to a test and put the spare on I would not be permitted to take a test.

The rational of course is that it does affect the handling and more importantly, the examiner must be able to use any test route. That will often include a Dual Carriageway, where available, with a speed limit of 70mph of course and most space savers are limited to 56 or whatever.

In addition, we as driving instructors, have a few restrictions of cars we can use (not too many) and the following cars immediately spring to mind as not allowed:- Mini convertible :-Toyota IQ:- Beetle convertible.

 

Mark

[pete]

Smart car?

[MarkLarge]

Peter.

 

There was a lot of talk a few years ago re the smart For Two from a test point of view, but I am certain you can take a test in a Smart Car. The visability out isn't ideal maybe (which is the usual no-no) but its not too bad.

I Use an older shape Smart For Four as my Auto Car and briefly considered a two seater at that time.

 

Mark

[mayevora]

I had a feeling Smart cars were ruled out on the Manuel test because of the semi automatic gear box.

My tuition vehicle doesn't even come with a spare tyre (space saver or other) I had one come back years ago on test with a puncture but it was the run flats at the time that saved it.

[andydclements]

I'd have thought the esprit is ruled out for teaching and test in the UK because its handbrake is on the outside of the driver's seat and so no braking control is accessible to the instructor/ examiner. It may be different for the sort of thing Ramjet is doing where the person has a full license for automatic and in reality is just learning to add an extra couple of controls (gearstick and clutch) to the repertoire. Just thinking about my cars, that means the Europa Special I have isn't ruled out as it has an umbrella type handbrake in the middle of the car, not sure I'd want to rely on that braking efficiency to stop the car.

[softlips]

Peter.

 

There was a lot of talk a few years ago re the smart For Two from a test point of view, but I am certain you can take a test in a Smart Car. The visability out isn't ideal maybe (which is the usual no-no) but its not too bad.

I Use an older shape Smart For Four as my Auto Car and briefly considered a two seater at that time.

 

Mark

The two seater is not acceptable as a test vehicle as it has no rear seats. My wife is a driving instructor too, she had a 206 CC but wasn't allowed to use that for tests either.

[mayevora]

I'm not sure how the rules with seating have changed and what it applies to if it's changed very recently - I saw a lad a couple of years back turn up in Daddy's Boxter for his Test (and pass) - pretty sure they are all 2 seaters but could be wrong and we used to have a local ADI who'd teach in an MGF. I've always thought It's more to do with visibility than number of seats - ie a panel van can't be used if no rear side windows. The supervising examiners are quite approachable and It's very easy to get a 'yes, we'll take it or no we won't answer' after a knock on their doors when the've seen it.

[MarkLarge]

Martin,

 

Sorry, but just not true!

A local instructor uses a 206cc.

You cannot use such a car for one of our regular 'standards check' (they do have seats in the rear but unacceptable for an examiner to use) but there is no requirement for a four seater driving school car.

 

Smart cars are acceptable for an automatic test.

 

Mark

[molemot]

My brother took his test in the open Austin Healey Sprite he had rebuilt over the previous year or so. As they walked out to it, the examiner said "I haven't been in one of these for YEARS!!" and went back into the offices...to reappear with a deerstalker hat!! He passed, of course....