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The owner of the car does not need to be there for a driving test. However, if proof of car registration and insurance is needed, the owner of the car can come with you.
In case the car owner is not able to come, you can enquire with your DMV to come without the owner. Also, enquire about the necessary documents you should get from the car owner before you arrive at the driving test.
You can simply borrow a car from a friend or family for the driving test. However, if it’s a teen using the parent’s car, they will need to be supervised by an adult.
Make sure the lender of the car has valid proof of insurance and registration. There are things you must ensure they are in place before you use someone’s car for a driving test.
The Car Must Have A Valid Insurance
Ensuring that the car you use for your driving test has valid car insurance is a requirement by your DMV. This will be checked before you can do the driving test. The insurance on the car that you intend to use for the driving test will cover you in case of an accident.
The insurance cover will take effect even if the owner of the car is not there.
DMV requires proof of insurance. The name on the insurance must be the same as the name on the registration. When you borrow a car for a driving test, make sure that you are covered with your learners permit insurance. You may be covered as a permissive user in an instance where you don’t live with the car owner.
A permissive user is a person who has permission to use someone’s car but is not listed on the policy. This way, you will be safe in case of an accident when taking the driving test. However, if the car you are going to use for the test is registered under your parent’s name, you will automatically be covered.
License Plate
Depending on the state you are taking your driving test, ensure the car has a license plate. Some states require the vehicle to have both rear and front license plates. The rear plate should display your current registration.
The majority of people feel that two license plates make their car lose its aesthetic.
Different states that use two license plates maintain that it’s for law enforcement. Many states have photographing equipment and automatic plate readers to identify vehicles that breach the law. The state will, therefore, send fines via email to those who break the law. Do your research and get the right car for the driving test.
Have The Safety Requirements
Different states have different safety requirements. Some will require annual car safety inspections. Others may need to have the sticker displayed to show that the car can take you for a driving test.
Some of the safety inspections you need to have include the brake lights, horn, seat belts, rearview mirrors, and working signal lights. The horn must be working before you go for a driving test. Seat belts must also be functioning well. Faulty seat belts are unsafe and may contribute to your failed test.
Cars with poor signal lights may end up in the wrong lane causing accidents. Have someone help you check if the signal lights are working well before taking the car for the driving test. All the safety requirements must be in good working condition.
Other states require the car being used for the driving test to have a brake within the examiner’s reach. The brake should be reachable from the passenger’s seat. This can be a car that has no center console that blocks access to the foot brake. It can also be a car that has a hand break in between the front seats.
Make sure the brakes have adequate pressure because you will be required to step on the breaks during the test to ensure they are working well. Emergency brakes must also be functioning well before you start your driving test.
Always check with your DMV before you go for the driving test on what is required. This is because different states have different requirements.
If the vehicle you intend to use does not have the necessary safety requirements, your license examiner has the right to cancel the test.
The Car Should Be Registered
Ensure the car is registered in the state that you will be taking your driving test. In the instance where the car you are using is registered in another state, it must meet the state’s registration requirements.
Valid Driving License
In the U.S, you can rent a car for a driving test if you have a valid driving license. If you are from another country, you need to hold a valid DL and an international driving permit.
Present your international DL at the rental counter together with other documents required, such as a valid passport. On the day of the driving test, carry with you the DMV rental contract to verify if you are an authorized driver.
Rental cars taken for the driving test will need to be insured as well. You can also purchase insurance for the rental car using your credit card that you use. However, this depends on the card you are using.
Bottom Line
Now that you are done with driving lessons, it is time to get behind the wheels and get to the final test. For you to be a licensed driver, you will undertake the driving test under the guidelines of a DVM in your state.
You will have a licensed examiner to guide you through your driving test period. Make sure your vehicle meets all the requirements by the DVM before the driving test day.
With comprehensive experience in writing exceptional quality articles and blogs about cars and related stuff, Daniel is one of the finest bloggers and a hardcore car lover we have. He is an ASE certified technician with an across-the-board experience of 10 years in the industry. He could not help tinkering with anything he got his hands on from a young age, which led to his remarkable career in the automotive repair industry.
When he is not under any hood, you can find him on the water or in the woods to pursue his passion for hunting and fishing. He has been writing for multiple sectors and is a regular contributor to several publications.
He currently owns a Nissan 300ZX TT and a Pearl Yellow but plans to upgrade it to 550 HP. His favorites include the Koenigsegg CCX and Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 VT, but for him, the Ferrari 360 Spider is one of the sexiest cars that exists to date.
Being an avid world traveler, he has spent most of his time analyzing the automotive markets, latest technology, and local favorites to enhance his knowledge base. He is currently living in North Caroline, where it’s all about food and coffee and, of course, cars.
