What if You Don’t Have a Car for Driving Test?

Getting your first driving license is a lifetime accomplishment, but what if you don’t have a car for driving test?

Well, in that case, you can still take your driving test. Want to know how? Well, there are numerous options like borrowing a car from a family member or friend or renting a car from a rental company. 

So, you shouldn’t worry about that anymore. This article will guide you on several options you can do to pass your driving exam without owning a car.

Additionally, there are certain requirements you should know about while taking a car for a driving test. For example, “does the owner of the car have to be there for a driving exam in California”?

So, we will also explore such requirements and conditions in this article.

Side note: if you want to save money to buy your car in just 90 days, that’s possible too!

Without further ado, let’s take an insightful overview of every option you can do to pass your driving test.

How to take a driving test without a car?

When you are ready to take your road test and saying goodbye to your learner’s permit, finding a car for your road test can be a bit stressful.

If you don’t own a car, the first question that comes into your mind is, “What if You Don’t Have a Car for Driving Exam?”

In addition, if you don’t have any vehicle in your household, or it is not available at the time of your test. So, in that case, you can find a set of wheels for your driving test in the following ways:

1. Borrow a Car from a Family Member

How to take driving test without a car is really a big deal, especially when it is your first time to take a driving test. 

If you are a teenager and this is your first time to take a driving test, then the most common solution for this is to borrow a car from one of your family members.

However, it is not as simple to borrow a car from your family member, grab the keys, and go for a driving test.

Ideally, the car owner must check their car’s auto insurance policy before agreeing to lend you the car.

The insurance policies provide information like if you get in a car crash, the owner of the car shall be financially liable. Moreover, it is possible that the insurance provider may decline to cover the damage if you and the car owner lives in the same household.

So, make sure that the owner has read the insurance policies and drive safely while taking your driving test

2. Borrow a Car from Your Friend

Friends are of great importance in difficult times in your life. If you have a driving test due, there’s no need to worry about that if you have a best friend who owns a car.

The same rule applies here, as well. You have to ask your friend to check for the insurance policy of their car. Moreover, it is important to make sure that the car you are borrowing from your friend is safe because the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires it for the road test.

However, every state may have its own requirements, which generally include turn signals, doors, windows, and all lights must be functional.

Additionally, you can also check for the requirements on your state’s Department of Licensing site.

3. Rent a Car from Driving School

It is possible that you can borrow a car from your family members or a friend. In that case, I may ask myself where else can I rent a car for driving test?

A lot of driving schools provide you with an option to rent a car for the driving test.

However, it is possible that these driving schools may have some policies regarding renting a car for a driving test. Some driving schools ask you to meet at your State’s DMV, or they may also pick you up on the test date.

Some driving schools also provide you some training before taking the test. Keep in mind that these rental cars are usually only available to the students who have completed their program.

4. Rent a Car from a Rental Company

Mostly, rental agencies or companies do not allow you to rent a car without having a valid U.S driving license. Now, that’s a problem for those who are taking their driving test for the first time – like you!

However, you don’t have to worry about it either because there is one exception. If you have an international driving license, you can easily apply to rent a car to take your driving test.

Moreover, some states may also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). So, it is ideal for checking the requirements on your state’s driving website online. 

Most importantly, you will have to apply for your IDP in your home country. So, you will have to need it before arriving in the U.S.

Here are some general conditions you need fulfill while renting a car from a rental company or agency: 

• Your age must be 25 or above.
• You should have a valid credit card.
• You should also carry insurance.

If the rental agency found blemishes on your record, it is possible that they may cancel your reservation.

5. Taking Your Test With A Driving School

When you take your test from a driving school, it becomes their responsibility to teach you all the basics about driving and help you with your driving test. They provide you all the practice before taking your driving test.

Moreover, many driving schools provide you with a car facility to take your driving test. They may ask you to meet at the DMV, or they may pick up from your home with a car to take your driving test.

Some driving schools also ask you to meet early at the DMV to provide you with some extra practice before your driving test.

What to look for While Borrowing or Renting a Car for Driving Test?

Generally, the examiner examines the car that you chose for your driving test. If he finds any fault or if your car doesn’t meet the requirements, then it is possible that the examiner may turn you away.

So, it is really important to know about the requirements before borrowing or renting a car.

As a general rule, DMV will likely to require the vehicle to fulfill the following conditions:

• Your car must have car insurance.

• Your car must have a valid license number plate.

• Registration of your car in your state or any other state of the U.S

*All of the above requirements are the legal and mandatory requirements for a car to be eligible for a driving test.

Maintenance and Safety Requirements

Not only the legal but safety requirements of your car also decides its eligibility for a driving test. The following safety and maintenance requirements are necessary for making your car eligible for a driving test:

• The horn of the car must be functional

• The Brake lights should be working properly.

• Rearview mirrors should be available in the car.

• The seat belts of the car shouldn’t be broken.

If the car has already passed the annual vehicle safety inspection, then it won’t cause any problem in your driving test. 

However, it is ideal to choose a car that has a brake within reach of the front passenger seat. This is because some states require this for a driving test.

Driving Test FAQs

Despite the fact that you arranged a car for your driving test by following one of the above options, you can still have some questions in your mind relating to your road test.

So, this section will cover all the possible questions you can have in your mind before taking your driving test, along with their possible solutions.

Does the DMV provide a car for the road test?

The DMV does not provide a DMV driving test rental car for the driving test. You can either borrow a car from your family member or a friend. Or, you can rent it from a renting company or a driving school.

Can I take my driving test in a rental car?

You cannot rent a car for a driving test because that requires a valid driving license. However, if you are over the age of 25 and have an international driving license, then you can use a rental car for your driving test in the U.S.

Do I need insurance to borrow a car from a friend?

No, you do not need insurance to borrow a car from a friend. The insurance covers the damages towards the car and not towards the driver. However, it is necessary to ask your friend to read the insurance policy before lending you his car.

Can you rent a car with a permit?

Only people with a valid driving license can rent a car, and learner’s permits do not fall under this. Additionally, some rental companies forbid their cars to use for a driving test.

Does the owner of the car have to be there for driving test?

No, the owner of the car doesn’t have to be there for a driving test with you. So, if you borrow a car from your friend, then your friend need not be there with you at the time of your driving test.

The Bottom Line

“ What if You Don’t Have a Car for Driving Test?” is one of the most common problems people face while taking up their driving test, especially teenagers. Don’t worry. We got you covered! 

You can easily get a car for your driving test if you follow the options mentioned above. Follow the one that suits you and your driving needs accordingly. 

You can either borrow a car from your family member, or you can rent it from a driving school. Moreover, you have to fulfill some conditions if you rent a car from a rental company.

Similarly, the car that you borrowed from your family member or friend needs to meet come conditions specified by your DMV at the time of your driving test. Rest assured, you are on your way to getting your permanent driving license really soon! 

All of the requirements for making a car eligible for a driving test are also explained in this article. However, it is possible that some states may have some additional requirements for the eligibility of the car for a driving test.

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