Five car models banned from driving tests as 6,000 learners fail due to vehicles

05 March 2024 , 11:14

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Some cars will mean you fail your test the moment you show up (Image: Getty Images)

Thousands of learners have been told their car is 'unsuitable' for taking a driving test in with five models now banned.

It's been warned that over 6,000 drivers have failed tests because they turned up to take their exam in a car that's deemed suitable. Graham Conway from Select Car Leasing shared insights on the recent findings from their company. He said: "It's hard not to feel sorry for some of these candidates, when you bear in mind how nerve-wracking the practical driving test is.

"Having paid out hundreds of pounds on lessons, and with a burning desire to get the freedom that comes with having a full licence, many learners are desperate to get the thumbs-up from the examiner. But while your vehicle breaking down or being involved in a collision - as long as it wasn't your fault - would seem unfortunate, there are other aspects that are not so understandable."

Learners can't use these cars for your test:

• BMW Mini Convertible (made between 2004 and Now)
• Ford StreetKa (made from 2003 - 2005)
• Smart ForTwo (made from 1998 and still being made)
• Toyota IQ (made between 2009 - 2015)
• Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (made between 2003 - 2019)

In 2023 alone, a whopping 6,390 learner drivers found themselves failing their test simply due to showing up in an unsuitable car, or worse still, no car at all. If you lose control during any part of the test, it's an immediate fail. Hopping the kerb, swerving, or harsh turning might mean you've lost control of your car. Ignoring traffic signs or signals also counts.

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Driving Test Success warns: "It's essential to keep in mind that the examiner has the right to disqualify the driver for any additional mistakes they find to be substantial or dangerous. The driver can have a total of 15 'minor' offences during their test but if mistakes are made on multiple occasions in one area, then this can be deemed as a serious offence, resulting in a fail."

Rom Preston-Ellis