ADI Part 2 - The Car For The Test

The Car for the Test

The car that you decide to use for the test of driving ability can have a dramatic effect on your confidence and the outcome of the test.

It makes sense to use the same vehicle for the test as the one you've been training in, although understandably, this is sometimes not possible.

First, let's take a look at the DSA requirements for the car you decide to use . . .

DSA Requirements

The car you use for the test must be:

fully taxed and insured for your use as a driver
the car must have right hand drive (drivers side on the right)
must be either a saloon or estate car with performance to the same standard as other vehicles of it's type
there must be a front facing passenger seat which is fully adjustable, with a head restraint
the car must have seatbelts in the front and rear that are in fully working order
there must be an adjustable interior mirror for the examiner to use
the car must have a manual gearbox (with a clutch and gear stick)

In addition to the above requirements, the vehicle should not be readily identifiable as a 'learner' car. This means that no 'L' plates must be displayed at all. If 'L' plates were fitted, the test would very probably not be a true reflection of your driving ability, as some polite drivers may wait for you at junctions. Others may rush to get passed you instead, thinking that you are a learner. That's another story.

If any of the above requirements are not met, the SE will have no choice but to abandon the test immediately.

Apart from the above DSA requirements, which must be met, there are many other things you may wish to consider . . .

Personal Considerations

Many trainees decide to hire a car from a local ADI or driving school for the part 2 test. This is perfectly acceptable, but you must ensure that you are thoroughly familiar with all of the controls and preferably, have at least an hour driving the car before the test to get used to how it handles.

Imagine how embarrassing it would be if the SE asked you to turn right, and you turned on the windscreen wipers instead of the indicators, because you'd forgotten to familiarise yourself with the car. Believe me, it happens. A very common situation is completing al your training on nice sunny days, then going for test in the rain. Have you checked exactly how the wipers work? Where is the demister? How does it work?

Ensure that you are completely at ease with the lights, horn, mirrors and their adjustment, hand brake, gears and any other hand or foot controls fitted to the car.

Start to think about the car you'll use at an early stage, and get plenty of practice driving that car, or one of the same type. Clearly, the ideal situation is to take your test in the vehicle you've used throughout your training.

Consider the size of the car, both from your personal viewpoint, and from a practical stance. If you are 6'5" tall, you may find it uncomfortable to drive a car with very little leg or head room. Conversely, if you decide to use a very large saloon or estate car, how will it handle during the manoeuvres the SE will ask you to perform? You need to consider these things, and plan every aspect of your approach to this test.

Whichever car you use, you must become completely familiar with all of the blind spots, not just those well known ones to the rear 'A' pillars. What about the blind spots caused by the front interior mirror? You can't see through it, so how does it affect your vision? What about the blind spots caused by the front 'A' pillars? You may, in certain circumstances, have to move your head slightly to see around these, particularly at busy junctions. If you pull out on a cyclist at a junction, you cannot turn to the SE and say "sorry, I'm just not used to this car". You will get very, very little sympathy indeed. Quite rightly so.

You may also wish to consider other characteristics of the car. Is the car capable of completing the manoeuvres without any gas being set? You will find it much easier, smoother and responsive if it can.

What about ABS (Anti Lock Braking System)? A car with ABS will give you very little cause for concern on the emergency stop exercise. If you don't have ABS, you'll be constantly in fear of skidding and getting a serious or dangerous error on your test report.

What will the SE think?

I never cease to be amazed at some of the test vehicles I see at DSA test centres across the UK. I have seen trainees turn up for part 2 tests in vehicles that were filthy, clearly in need of mechanical attention and desperate for a good service.

From a purely practical viewpoint, put yourself in the position of the SE.

Is your chosen car clean and tidy? Are the ash trays empty? Does the car smell fresh, or like a cigar parlor? Are the windows clean and free of obstructions?

In our section on communication techniques, we'll be explaining some of the very important psychological principles you may benefit from understanding. It's a very well established fact the over 80% of what we 'say' to another human being has nothing to do with the words we use. Non verbal communication is extremely important in every contact you have with other human beings. There is a very old saying which goes 'you never get a second chance to make a first impression'.

What first impression will the SE have of you and your car?

Yes, the test is subjective and should be free of personal bias, but the SE is a human being, just like you. You'll make a first impression of the SE, and the SE will do the same with you.

ADIT Team