DD has her driving test booked for tomorrow. Her instructor has called and can't attend, what happens now?

[CanIBeACurlyGirl]

Her instructor has had an accident in their car, unable to attend and use their car (we paid for intense lessons and the instructor is hired by the company)

DD is insured with marmalade as a provisional licence holder driver on my car.

We will call the company in the morning, her test is in the afternoon. Will she be able to take the test in my car? Do we need to do anything?

DD is clearly stressing over this very long awaited test. Her instructor isn't hurt just the car off road luckily.

Does anyone know what happens in this sort of circumstance? Fingers crossed we don't have to cancel her test tomorrow.

@CovidCorvid

Make sure the car is spotless inside, someone on here had the examiner refuse to do the test as they said car was so dirty it was a covid risk. 🤷‍♀️

Thank you! I would never have thought of this. The car could be a teeny bit cleaner inside and out.

Note to self; clear out all the crap, dust and hoover inside and take to the car wash whilst practising parking in the morning.

You will also need an additional stick on rear view mirror for the examiner to use, if you don't already have one. My DD took (and passed) her test in her own car. Make sure the car is really clean inside and have the windows open ready for when the examiner gets in. Best of luck!

@storminasnowglobe

You will also need an additional stick on rear view mirror for the examiner to use, if you don't already have one. My DD took (and passed) her test in her own car. Make sure the car is really clean inside and have the windows open ready for when the examiner gets in. Best of luck!

I used to be an instructor, albeit 15 odd years ago, they’ll definitely want their own mirror (I think some had their own in case but having one already shows readiness and I wouldn’t want to gamble that I’d get one who doesn’t ), as long as your car meets all the requirements of course your daughter can sit it in your car (I had several go for this option successfully). To calm your daughter’s nerves, please remind her that all the examiner is looking for is a safe and comfortable drive, they’re not trying to trick anyone into making mistakes (this was a popular myth), they won’t speak with her other than to give an instruction and that’s just so that they can’t be accused of distracting anyone while they’re driving not because they’re angry. I’m sure she’ll be just fine, good luck!

Definitely not a problem if she's got a car to use and you're free to take her. My daughter passed last week in her own car. We arrived at the same time as 4 other candidates, 2 of them were in family cars with a parent. It's not unusual at all. As others have said make sure the car's clean and you need an extra mirror. Around £5 from any car shop. Good luck!

DD had to do hers in our car this year as instructor was unavailable.

As pp says, the tester needs their own stuck on mirror (Halford have them). Have all of your documents (insurance, mot) available if required. Make sure you are familiar with the car for show me tell me. Incl under the bonnet

Male sure it is clear and clear, have masks and hand sanitiser.

Practice beforehand and arrive in good time.

When they pass they may no longer be insured so you may have to drive it home.

Years ago a friend of mine woke up on the morning of the test with flu symptoms. He tried to cancel but they said he would still have to pay, so he drove himself to pick up his cousin, took his test and passed, then drove back and went straight back to bed.

Good luck . Yes make sure the car is really clean inside & out. You must drive the car back if she passes, as her insurance won’t be valid otherwise, as she is only insured as a learner. I hope she passes.

If you’re reading before you go OP, double check the insurance actually covers taking a test in the car.
Best of luck to your DD!!!

DD took her test in our car.
Presumably she has been practicing in your car anyway and you have the additional rear view mirror.
DH sat with the other instructors in the test centre (pre-covid). At the end the examiner asked to see DD's driving license (as in DH saw it being passed over), at which point an instructor told DH that DD had passed as they only ask to see the license if you have passed apparently.

Make sure the L plates are secure & everything functioning properly eg lights.

Yes to the mirror! I was considering doing it in a different car, but luckily was able to get my instructor to change times in the end, and they all needed an extra mirror.

Check if her instructor has extra little round mirrors on the mirror, which help see the road/kerb when parking, because if she's used to those, she might want to get those as well.

Also check that she knows the 'show me tell me' stuff for your car, like where all the fluids are and the bonnet/boot release, all the dashboard info etc, as it can be confusing on a new car.

Best of luck to your daughter today!

You definitely can provided your car is completely road worthy (I only say this because my friend had a similar situation a few years ago but when she turned up, her Mum’s tyre was bald so she couldn’t take it!), you also need a little mirror for the passenger side which can be bought on prime or maybe from Halfords.

Good luck with the test!

Good luck!

As for the driving home afterwards, I thought it was a convention that instructors drive their pupils home after the test, regardless of result, as I was driven home after mine, and ds was driven home after his. So parents can do the same :)

I wouldn't have known about the mirror thing but it makes sense.

Shamelessly placematking to see if your DD passes. Good luck to her! 🍀

You can use your car, might be worth your dd mentioning it to the examiner

Check everything working and that she knows where everything is e.g. demister, windscreen wash, hazard lights, wipers and rear wiper, how to open petrol tank, pop bonnet etc. Seatbelts working. Seat in right place for her. Mirror adjustment esp passenger side wing mirror. No fluffy dice on rear view mirror! Sunshades working. Enough petrol. Good luck.

I passed my driving test in a car I'd never driven before that morning due to similar circumstances. It was fine!

Thank you all so much.

Car is now cleaned inside and out and fuelled and we have the mirror.
We also popped to our local MOT centre and they showed us where everything is under the bonnet as I didn't have a clue.

Thank you for all the well wishes test is at 2.30pm

Thinking of you and your daughter OP! Sending positive vibes your way.

@Smartiepants79

Definitely get her to practice in it . I failed my first test because my instructor changed her car a week before my test!

Does that mean if you had passed in the instructors old car you could have only driven that car ever?

The test is to show you can drive any car not just your instructors

Just read this thread - hope it's going ok for her! And that your bum is not too numb from sitting on the kerb.

It's a no for this time. Totally lost her nerve and was back within 20 minutes.

Back on the waiting list - thanks for all your help