Why My Car Isn’t Available for Hire on Test Day

As a driving instructor, I sometimes receive calls that go like this:

- “I’ve got my test next week, can I just have a quick lesson and use your car?”

- Or even: “I don’t need lessons, I’ll pay you to let me take your car on the test.”

It might sound like a simple request, but the answer is always the same: my training car is not for hire.

A Training Vehicle, Not a Rental

My car is a professional training vehicle. It’s equipped and maintained for teaching, and it only goes to test with pupils I’ve personally trained and assessed. Until I’ve seen you drive, I cannot, and will not, put my name, my car, or your safety on the line.

Why This Policy Exists

- Driving independently matters: A test isn’t about “getting from A to B.” It’s about proving you can drive safely on your own, without prompts or corrections.

- Family and friends can’t replace structured training: They can help you practise, but they often step in with hints or nudges. That’s not independence.

- Safety is my responsibility: I have a duty not just to my pupils, but also to examiners, other road users, and the wider public.

What You Can Expect With Me

If you train with me, you’ll never be pushed into a test car unprepared. When you arrive at the test centre, you’ll know:

- ✅ You’ve genuinely earned your licence.

- ✅ You can trust your own ability.

- ✅ You’re safe beyond the test, not just on the day.

That’s the standard I work to, and it’s the promise I make to every learner I teach.