Is Your Car Clean Enough For Your Driving Test?

Published Date: 2nd Feb 2022

Did you know you can fail your driving test before you even start if it does not meet the cleanliness threshold? Yes, you could be failed before you even take to the road.

Some people are not aware of the new cleanliness rules that were introduced because of COVID. The rules state that you must:

• Remove any litter and unnecessary clutter from open storage areas, footwells, cup holders, door pockets etc.

• Clean and wipe down the steering wheel, controls, dashboard etc

• Ensure the passenger side, seat and footwell are clean

There have been some cases where people are said to have been outraged where driving centres have taken the rules too far it was claimed.

Some alleged examples are a person being failed for having some debris on the car floor mat that could have easily and quickly been remedied by taking the mat out and shaking it.

A teenager was failed due to remnants of a pencil rubber found inside the car under the passenger seat, while in another case a person was failed for dust on the gearstick.

If you intend to use your own car for your driving test you should also consider these checks:

• The vehicle must be taxed and MOT’d .

• The vehicle should be insured (you should consult your insurance company to ensure the policy covers you for a driving test).

• There must no warning lights on the dash, for example low oil or air bag warning.

• Your tyres must be roadworthy, have the correct tread depth and you cannot use a temporary, spacesaver tyre.

• The vehicle should be smoke free, so ensure you have not recently smoked in it.

• The vehicle must be able to reach a minimum speed of 62mph.

• The vehicles speedo/driver display must show speed information in mph.

• The vehicle must have 4 wheels and it’s MAM (maximum authorised mass) should not exceed 3,500 kg.