Vehicles are sometimes not suitable for a practical driving test because they are subject to a manufacturer recall, or because a fault has been identified that requires manufacturer/dealer rectification.
In these circumstances, these vehicles are not suitable for a practical driving test unless the candidate can provide documentary evidence from a dealer, or the vehicle manufacturer, to prove that their test vehicle meets one of the criteria below:
- the recall work has been carried out
- the vehicle has been checked and no work is necessary
- the vehicle is exempt from the recall work
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A number of car manufacturers are fitting electronically operated parking brakes to their vehicles. This innovative design alleviates the necessity for the coordination of gas, clutch and parking brake control. However, as this is an important and necessary requirement for a driver to demonstrate on test it has been decided that vehicles fitted with this type of parking brake would not be suitable for a driving test. However, if the systems can be manually overridden and subsequently operate as a conventional ratchet type parking brake, the vehicle would be suitable.
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Some manufacturers are producing vehicles that have limited boot space with the result that they come with space saver tyres. These tyres are often referred to as "get you home tyres". The tyres are speed rated, distanced rated or both. During the driving test candidates are expected to carry out an emergency stop, make reasonable progress and cover an average of 10 miles. New guidelines on the use of space saver tyres make it very clear that these tyres are for emergency use only and are not designed for normal driving.
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Some convertible vehicles are unsuitable for the driving test - e.g. the Ford KA convertible and Mini convertible due to the lack of all round vision for the examiner. If you propose to use a convertible vehicle
or any vehicle were view to the rear is limited for the driving test please check its suitability when you book.
The vehicle must be legal and roadworthy and have no warning lights showing ie the airbag warning light.
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Vehicle Safety
Vehicle recalls and safety notices