By The Acclaim Team on 10th March 2025 in News

DVSA Updates Guidance on Cars Used for Driving Tests: What Learner Drivers Need to Know

If you're a learner driver gearing up for your driving test or an experienced driving instructor supporting your students as they prepare for that all-important day, staying up to date with the latest DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), guidance is absolutely essential. With technology advancing at a rapid pace, the rules around cars used for driving tests have evolved to keep up with the times. The DVSA has recently made some important updates, particularly in response to the growing presence of advanced vehicle technology in the cars we drive today.

Whether it’s adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, or lane assist, today's cars are equipped with features that make driving safer, easier, and more comfortable. However, these advancements raise important questions for both learner drivers and driving instructors. What can you use during your driving test? What features should you turn off before starting your test? What’s allowed and what’s not?

The DVSA's updated guidance provides much-needed clarity, ensuring that both learners and instructors know exactly what’s permitted during the driving test. If you’re planning to take your driving test soon, understanding these changes will help you feel confident and prepared. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key updates, explain what they mean for you, and make sure you’re fully equipped with all the information you need before your test day arrives.

What’s Changed in the Latest Update?

The updated guidance gives a clearer picture of the types of in-car technology that can now be used during the driving test, provided they are fitted to the vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at these features:

1. Cruise Control (Including Adaptive)

Cruise control has been around for years, but not even adaptive cruise control can be used during your driving test. Adaptive cruise control goes a step further, adjusting your car’s speed automatically to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. While this is a helpful feature, you’ll still need to maintain full control of the car and monitor the road ahead—adaptive cruise control is not a replacement for your own awareness and judgement.

2. Speed Limiters

Speed limiters, which automatically restrict a vehicle’s speed to a set limit, can also be used during the test. This feature can be handy, especially for driving in areas where speed limits are regularly changing, as it helps ensure you don’t inadvertently exceed the limit. However, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t mean you can take your eyes off the road. You’re still responsible for monitoring your speed, and this tool shouldn’t be relied on to control your vehicle’s speed for you.

3. Parking Sensors and Cameras

Many modern cars come equipped with parking sensors and cameras designed to make parking easier by alerting you to obstacles behind or around your car. These features can be used during the driving test, but you will still need to demonstrate your ability to park the vehicle safely using your own skills and judgement. While these sensors can assist, they should never replace your own checks and decision-making when reversing or parking.

4. Lane Assist

Lane assist is another technology that can be used during the test. This system helps you stay within your lane by making subtle adjustments to the steering. While it can be a helpful tool, it’s important to note that lane assist should not be relied upon to control the vehicle for you. You must always remain in control of the car, ensuring you’re aware of your position on the road and any potential hazards.

5. Blind Spot Monitoring

Blind spot monitoring systems alert you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, making lane changes safer. If your test vehicle is fitted with this feature, it can be used during the test. However, this system should be treated as an aid rather than a substitute for your own observations. You must still perform the necessary checks yourself, particularly when changing lanes or merging.

6. Traffic Sign Recognition Systems

Traffic sign recognition is a feature that automatically detects and displays road signs, such as speed limits, to the driver. This can be a useful tool, especially on unfamiliar roads. However, just like with other technology, you mustn’t rely on the system entirely. You’ll still be expected to understand and respond to road signs without needing to depend on the car’s recognition system.
 

What Can’t Be Used During the Driving Test?

While the update allows several advanced technologies to be used, there are some features that are still not permitted during the driving test. Let’s look at what’s off-limits:

Self-Parking Systems

Although parking can be tricky for many drivers, self-parking systems—also known as automated parking—cannot be used during the test. These systems are designed to park the vehicle for you by taking control of the steering, throttle, and brakes. For your driving test, you must park the car yourself, demonstrating your ability to control the vehicle and perform parking manoeuvres without assistance from the car’s technology.

Tesla Autopilot and Other Autonomous Systems

Tesla’s Autopilot and similar autonomous driving features are also prohibited during the test. These systems are designed to take over many aspects of driving, such as steering, acceleration, and braking. Since the driving test assesses your ability to drive independently, you cannot engage in any form of self-driving system during your test. You must demonstrate that you are fully in control of the vehicle at all times.
 

Clarification on Tinted Windows and Dual Controls

The updated guidance also addresses two common questions that many learner drivers and instructors have: tinted windows and dual controls in cars.

Tinted Windows

When it comes to tinted windows, the rules are quite specific, and they vary depending on when the vehicle was first used. While there are no legal restrictions on tinting rear windows or rear passenger windows, the front windscreen and front side windows must meet certain requirements to ensure visibility, especially for the examiner during your driving test.

Here’s a breakdown of the rules:

Vehicles First Used on or After 1 April 1985:

• The front windscreen must allow at least 75% of light to pass through.

• The front side windows must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.

Vehicles First Used Before 1 April 1985:

• Both the front windscreen and the front side windows must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.

If your windows don’t meet these requirements, your test will be cancelled. To avoid any issues on the day of your test, make sure your car’s front windscreen and front side windows comply with the legal tint limits. If in doubt, it’s always a good idea to get the windows checked before your test.

Dual Controls

Dual controls are often fitted in cars used by instructors for added safety, allowing them to step in if needed during lessons. However, if you're using your own car for the test, the updated rules clarify that dual controls are not a requirement. The examiner understands that personal cars may not have them, so you won’t be expected to have dual controls in your vehicle for the test. 
 

What Does This Mean for Learner Drivers and Instructors?

For learner drivers, the updated guidance means you can take advantage of modern technology during your test, provided it’s fitted in the car. However, it’s important to remember that while these technologies can assist you, they do not replace your own driving skills. The driving test is designed to assess your ability to control the car safely and competently, and your reliance on technology should not detract from this.

For instructors, this update is particularly relevant if you’re using a car with advanced systems during a learner’s test. It’s essential to ensure that self-parking and autonomous features are disabled during the test and that your dual controls are used only when necessary. Keeping up with these updates will ensure that both you and your students are fully prepared for the driving test.
 

Be Prepared with Acclaim Driving School

At Acclaim Driving School, we always ensure that our students are well-prepared for every aspect of their driving test. If you're considering taking your test in your own car, it's essential to make sure that it meets all the necessary requirements outlined by the DVSA. This means understanding the features in your car, knowing which ones you can use, and being clear about what is prohibited. While technologies like cruise control and lane assist can certainly help you during your test, your driving skills and control over the vehicle will always be the most important factors.

For any students planning to use their own car for their test, we highly encourage you to take a moment to visit the official DVSA website and read through the full, up-to-date guidance. This will help you make sure that your vehicle is compliant with the rules and ready for your driving test. It’s a great way to avoid any surprises on the day of your test and to ensure you’re fully prepared.

At Acclaim Driving School, we’re here to support you every step of the way—whether you’re driving a school car or your own. If you have any questions or need further clarification about the guidance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We want you to feel confident and ready when the time comes to take your test.