Doing test in your own car VS driving school car?

LorelaiG

Any opinions on which is better? Some people say do it in a driving school car because it's not your own car so you won't be comfortable and fall into any bad habits, but is that true?

Do testers like to see it because it means an aplicant has put time and effort into their test?

I was initially going to hire my instructors car for my test but was driving my own car today and realised I just feel more comfortable in it as it has a digital speedometer which I like better than a traditional speedo. I'm going to speak to my instructor on lesson later on and see what she thinks but looking for different opinions also.

dobby896

LorelaiG wrote: »

Any opinions on which is better? Some people say do it in a driving school car because it's not your own car so you won't be comfortable and fall into any bad habits, but is that true?

Do testers like to see it because it means an aplicant has put time and effort into their test?

I was initially going to hire my instructors car for my test but was driving my own car today and realised I just feel more comfortable in it as it has a digital speedometer which I like better than a traditional speedo. I'm going to speak to my instructor on lesson later on and see what she thinks but looking for different opinions also.

I'd personally recommend doing it in your own car, especially if that is the one that you feel the most comfortable in. Just make sure whenever you are driving in your own car that you are engaging in all the techniques and routines they want to see in the test (i.e. MSMM routine, apply the handbrake when stopped for a period over 3 seconds etc etc).

Also, with dual controls, the tester will more likely be able to see exactly how you are using the clutch etc, which makes the test feel slightly more daunting imo.

LorelaiG

Looks like I might not have a choice either way ha... another student has her test the same day just after mine and has already booked the instructor for pre-test and car hire that morning. She's going to ask a colleague if they're available but otherwise it's a pre-test the day before and my own car on the test day.

MrMusician18

LorelaiG wrote: »

Looks like I might not have a choice either way ha... another student has her test the same day just after mine and has already booked the instructor for pre-test and car hire that morning. She's going to ask a colleague if they're available but otherwise it's a pre-test the day before and my own car on the test day.

Do it your own car. Some testers will jump on the dual controls (and automatic fail) if they're there while you can get the benefit of the doubt if that facility isn't available to them.

MascotDec85

As an instructor I always recommend that pupils drive the car that a) they’re comfortable in and b) they drive better. Normally, that’s their own but occasionally it’s mine.

Kiith

I did it in the instructors car, but i'd absolutely say do it in your own if you can. I was fine doing it in his car, but if insurance hadn't been nearly 3.5k as a provisional driver, i would have been far more comfortable in my own.

And don't underestimate how much of a difference that can make. I'd say 50% (probably more) of people fail because of nerves...so do anything you can to lessen them.