Why Driving Instructors Don’t Provide Their Cars for Tests Unless Pupils Are Truly Ready

A question instructors hear all the time is:

“Can I use your car for my driving test?”

The honest answer is: Yes — but only when you’re genuinely ready.

And there are very good reasons for that.

At Safe & Test Ready Driving School, our priority is simple:

We prepare safe, confident drivers who can pass their test and drive independently with skill and safety.

Our car is not a hire vehicle, and we don’t present pupils for test unless they meet the standards expected by the DVSA.

Here’s why that matters.

1. We’re Not a Car Hire Service

Instructor cars aren’t rentals — they’re specialist training vehicles equipped with dual controls, specific insurance, and maintained to a very high standard.

Using the car for a test is not something you can simply book or buy.

It’s something that is earned by demonstrating consistent, safe driving over a period of time.

2. Instructors Have a Professional Duty of Care

Your instructor carries responsibility for:

• the safety of you and the examiner

• the roadworthiness of the car

• the standard of driving you demonstrate on test day

If an instructor knows a pupil isn’t safe or test-ready, providing the car would be irresponsible. It could put you, the examiner, and other road users at risk.

That’s not a risk any professional instructor should take.

3. DVSA Standards Matter — and We’re Assessed on Them

This is something many learners don’t realise:

➡️ Driving instructors are monitored by the DVSA on the pupils they present for test.

If an instructor regularly presents candidates who aren’t ready, the DVSA may recheck their teaching through a standards check.

Too many poorly prepared pupils can trigger that review — and it can seriously affect an instructor’s career.

So when we say someone isn’t ready yet, it’s not about money or convenience.

It’s about professional standards, safety, and doing what’s right.

4. A Test Should Never Be a Gamble

Taking a test when you’re not ready:

• damages your confidence

• wastes time and money

• creates unnecessary stress

• delays you getting your full licence

Driving well on one lesson isn’t enough — the DVSA expects consistent safe driving, every time, without reminders or assistance.

Our job is to make sure you reach that level before you go to test.

5. When We Do Say Yes — It Means You’re Safe & Test Ready

When your instructor agrees that you can use the car, it means:

• you can drive safely without prompts

• you consistently meet DVSA standards

• you’re genuinely ready for independent driving

• you are safe for the roads and for the examiner

We want you to pass first time — safely and confidently — and we’ll never rush you into a test before you’re at that standard.

Final Thought

A driving test isn’t something to “chance.”

It’s a demonstration that you can drive independently and safely on real roads.

At Safe & Test Ready Driving School, we’ll always give you an honest assessment of your readiness and support you every step of the way.

When we provide the car for your test, it’s because we’re confident you are Safe. Prepared. And truly Test Ready.