Feeling jittery about your driving test? You’re not alone. Many learners want a friendly face there on the day, and one of the most common questions we receive is: “Can I bring my partner, a family member or a friend with me on my driving test?”
The short answer is yes, in certain situations, someone may accompany you, but there are rules you will need to know first.
At driveJohnson’s, our experienced driving instructors in Romford, Glasgow and across the UK have guided learners through their tests for years. They know exactly what examiners will and won’t allow, so you can feel fully prepared and confident. Read on to find out everything you need to know if you are considering bringing someone with you on your driving test.
- Can someone sit in the back of a driving test?
- Who can accompany you on a driving test?
- Can I take a translator with me on my driving test?
- Rules and guidelines surrounding having someone sit in during your driving test
- What are the benefits of having a friend or relative with me on my driving test?
- What are the negatives of bringing someone with me for my driving test?
- Tips on how to make a decision on whether to bring someone with you
Can someone sit in the back of a driving test?
Yes, you can, but the following conditions must be met:
- The examiner must give permission.
- The car must be insured correctly.
- The person must sit quietly in the back seat, as directed by the examiner.
- They cannot offer advice, gestures, reactions, or encouragement.
- They must not distract you or the examiner or interfere with your driving in any way.
If these conditions aren’t met, the examiner may refuse the request. This is simply to make sure the test is safe and fair.
Who can accompany you on a driving test?
At the start of your test, your examiner will check if you want someone to accompany you. The following people may be allowed to join you in the car:
- Your driving instructor
- A DVSA driving examiner in training
- A friend or relative, with the examiner’s approval
Usually, only one person can sit in, and they will need to follow certain strict rules to ensure they do not interfere with your driving test.
Can I take a translator with me on my driving test?
You cannot have a translator sitting in and translating during your test, as it could lead to confusion. If English isn’t your first language, it may benefit you to find a driving instructor who speaks your language. We have many driving instructors offering driving lessons in London and other places across the UK who teach in different languages.
Rules and guidelines surrounding having someone sit in during your driving test
If you do decide to have someone sit with you for your driving test, there are strict guidelines for sitting in on the test that they will need to adhere to. These are as follows:
- Keep movements to a minimum so that the examiner does not think they are trying to influence you.
- They should not speak throughout the test.
- They shouldn’t use any mobile devices; all devices must be switched off.
- They should sit behind the front seats, as instructed by the examiner.
- They should not kick or nudge your seat.
If they would like to, they can take notes, as long as it does not distract or interfere with the test at all.
What are the benefits of having a friend or relative with me on my driving test?
Here are the main benefits of having someone else with you on your driving test:
- For moral support: Some people find having a familiar face with them during their driving test reassuring and comforting, especially if this person has been sitting with you during your driving lessons.
- For motivation: Bringing someone with you on your driving test can also act as an excellent form of motivation. Having someone close and important to you present can encourage you to do the best you can.
- Feedback: They can take notes during the test so that, should you fail, you will have some additional feedback to help you move forward.
While the above points can be helpful, there are also a few negatives you should be aware of before making your choice.
What are the negatives of bringing someone with me for my driving test?
Having a familiar face with you on your driving test has many positives and can seem appealing. However, there are a few things to consider before making your decision.
Possible negative consequences to bringing someone with you on your test include:
- Added pressure: The pressure of letting someone you care about down on top of driving test nerves can cause you to make avoidable mistakes. If you think that having someone with you during your driving test will add unnecessary pressure, you should keep it just you and your examiner.
- A distracting presence: Having a passenger in the backseat may also be off-putting. Unless you have had someone with you sitting in the backseat during your driving lessons, you will never have driven with a passenger in the backseat; this could potentially distract you on the day. If you do think you want to bring someone along with you during your test, we recommend having them with you for a few lessons beforehand to minimise this risk.
Tips on how to make a decision on whether to bring someone with you
Before deciding whether to have someone accompany you, remember:
- It will not change how your driving test is marked.
- The examiner’s focus is on your driving alone.
- Your comfort and concentration are what matter most.
Consider your own nerves and how pressured you feel before making a decision. It can help to discuss your options with your instructor, who can offer a sounding board without making the choice for you. They can offer their opinion on whether they think an additional familiar presence on the day will be useful to you.
Bringing someone on your driving test: key takeaways
Whether you have been taking driving lessons in Leicester, Falkirk, or elsewhere in the UK, the rules around who can accompany you on a driving test will be the same. It will be possible for you to have someone with you on your test as long as they abide by the rules outlined above.
Ultimately, it’s your decision whether you have someone join you on your driving test or not. Don’t allow your instructor or anyone else to influence your decision. It is up to you to decide what will help you feel most comfortable on the big day and what will help you perform to the best of your ability. Trust your own judgement and stay focused. You’ve got this!
Written by Anthony Johnson
Grade A - 51/51
ORDIT Registered Trainer
