Photo: Eathan Hood, Pexels
For a US road test you usually supply the car yourself. It can be your family’s car, a borrowed car, a driving school’s car or, in some states, a rental. Whichever you use, it needs current registration and plates, proof of insurance, and working safety equipment, or the examiner won’t start the test. This guide shows the rules for each type of car in the states that publish them, as of November 2026.
Key facts
- You bring the car. Georgia says it plainly: “You must provide the vehicle for the road test.” Most states work the same way.
- Every test car needs valid registration and plates, an insurance card, and lights, signals, horn, brakes, belts, tires and wipers that work.
- Rental cars are allowed in many states only if you are named on the contract. Nevada bans them. Connecticut says you can’t test in a rented vehicle without a valid license, which rules them out for permit holders.
- Driving school cars are the easy route if your school offers testing or rents a car for the test. Ask for the full price.
- A failed car check usually means no test, and in some states a lost fee.
What every road test car needs
Examiners check the car before you drive. Nevada’s handbook lists what its examiner checks, and it is typical:
- vehicle registration and license plates
- an insurance card
- headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals
- horn, seat belts, tires and windshield wipers
- brakes, speedometer and muffler in good working order
- a safe, clean passenger seat for the examiner
California adds a driver’s window that opens, a clear windshield, two rearview mirrors (one on the left), at least 1/32 inch of tire tread, no donut spare, and a working parking brake. The full California list is in the California pre-drive safety check.
Car problems that can stop the test
- A dead brake light or turn signal (ask someone to watch while you test them).
- A cracked windshield that blocks the view (California can postpone the test).
- No air conditioning in an Arizona summer: ADOT says it won’t test after 12 noon in June, July and August in a car without working A/C.
- Expired registration, or an insurance card that doesn’t match the car.
- A dirty or cluttered passenger seat.
Kentucky State Police say missing or broken equipment can cancel or reschedule your test. Massachusetts charges the road test fee again if your car fails the check.
Can I use a rental car for my driving test?
Sometimes. Rental rules are the most variable part of test car policy. Many rental contracts also forbid unlicensed drivers or driving tests, so read yours before you book.
| State | Rental car rule (as published) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Allowed only if your name is on the rental agreement as an additional driver |
| Alaska | Your name must be on the agreement as an authorized driver |
| California | Your name must be on the contract, and the contract must not exclude drive tests |
| Connecticut | “If you do not have a valid driver’s license you cannot test in a rented vehicle.” A long-term leased car can be used with proof of insurance |
| District of Columbia | Allowed only if you are listed on the contract as an approved driver |
| Georgia | Your name must be on the rental agreement, and the car must pass the safety inspection |
| Hawaii | Bring the original registration, inspection certificate and insurance card, with you named on the contract |
| Idaho | No rental if you are unlicensed or under 25 |
| Kentucky | Your name must be on the contract as an operator |
| Massachusetts | The rental agreement plus a signed letter on company letterhead allowing the road test |
| Minnesota | In a rental, you must be listed as a driver on the rental agreement. Neighborhood electric vehicles are not allowed. Bring the original insurance card or policy (e-insurance accepted). Check with the rental company that its coverage applies |
| Nevada | Not allowed |
| New Jersey | Not accepted unless you are named on the agreement |
| New York | Bring the rental agreement and written permission to use the car for the road test |
| South Carolina | The contract must list you as insured |
| Texas | You must be listed as an authorized driver, and the rental company must allow driving tests |
| Vermont | Not allowed unless the rental company gives a letter accepting full responsibility for the road test |
| Washington | Allowed |
In Arkansas, Ohio and Virginia, ask the testing site about rental cars before you book. Rules change, so confirm with your DMV whichever state you are in.
Using a borrowed car or a parent’s car
A borrowed car is fine in the states covered here, as long as its paperwork is in order. Before test day:
- Check the registration is current and the plates are on the car. Georgia requires a valid registration or plate. For a car bought in the last 30 days, bring the bill of sale (7 days if bought from a private seller).
- Check the insurance card is for this car and in date, and that the policy covers you as a permit holder. Call the insurer if unsure.
- Bring the inspection paperwork where your state requires inspections. Hawaii asks for the inspection certificate, and New Hampshire says any required inspection sticker must be current.
- Learn the car. Practice in it beforehand. Some states, including Pennsylvania and California, check that you can work the controls: lights, wipers, defroster, hazards, horn and parking brake.
- Bring the owner, or a licensed adult who meets your state’s rules, to drive you there and home.
Plates and car types that can be refused
- Vermont won’t accept dealer plates (unless you are an immediate family member of the dealership) or agriculture, antique or exhibit plates.
- Georgia tests Class C and D drivers only in a four-wheel vehicle.
- Connecticut requires a vehicle appropriate for the license class you are applying for.
Using a driving school car
A school car is often the simplest choice. The school handles the registration and insurance paperwork. How it works depends on who gives the test:
- The school is also the tester. In states with third-party testing, the school gives the test in its own car. Texas runs this through DPS Third Party Skills Testing: ask for the full price, including any vehicle rental, before you book. See taking your Texas road test at a driving school.
- The school rents you its car for a DMV test. The school’s registration and insurance must be in the car, and some states treat it like a rental, so check the rules above.
- The tester provides a car for a fee. In Louisiana, a certified third party tester may provide a vehicle for a fee. See Louisiana road skills test and third party testers.
- Limits apply. In DC, third-party tests can’t use a DMV car, and a school that gave you lessons can’t also give you the road test. See the DC road skills test guide.
Where to book these tests is covered in how to book a DMV test appointment.
Who can be in the car during the test
- Nevada: passengers and animals are not allowed.
- Colorado: only you and the examiner. No interpreters, family, friends or pets.
- Washington: you, the examiner, a service animal and a sign language interpreter only.
- Massachusetts: your sponsor rides in the back, plus an approved interpreter or trained service animal if needed.
Empty the back seat and trunk of loose items before you arrive.
Cameras and driver-assist features
Whatever car you use, some features may have to be off. California, Nevada and Arizona ban driver-assist features such as automated parking. Most states allow backup cameras but expect you to look over your shoulder. The state-by-state rules are in can you use a backup camera or parking assist on the road test.
Test car checklist
- Registration card and plates current; bill of sale if the car is new.
- Insurance card for this car, in date, in the glove box.
- Rental contract naming you and any permission letter your state needs.
- Inspection certificate or sticker, where required.
- All lights, signals, horn, wipers and belts tested.
- Tires inflated with good tread; no donut spare.
- Any dashboard warning light fixed; enough fuel for the test.
- Clean windows and a clear passenger seat.
- You know where every control is.
The full paperwork list is in the road test day checklist, and state test content is in US road test by state.
Common questions
Can I use my parent’s car if I am not on the insurance?
Check with the insurer before the test. The examiner needs proof the car is insured, and you need to be covered to drive it. Policies differ on permit holders, so ask.
Does the car need to be registered in my state?
The states covered here ask for valid registration and plates, not specifically an in-state one. Some DMVs may still question an out-of-state car, so ask when you book.
Can I take my road test in a car with a temporary tag?
Often yes, with the right papers. Georgia accepts a car bought in the last 30 days with its bill of sale. Hawaii lists the sales contract, inspection certificate and decal, insurance card and a fitted temporary plate for a new car.
What happens if my car fails the vehicle check?
The test doesn’t go ahead. California reschedules; Massachusetts charges the fee again. Fix the problem and rebook.
Can I use a manual car?
Yes, if it meets the safety rules and you can drive it. Use the car you practiced in.
Is a driving school car worth the cost?
It helps if your family car is likely to fail the check, has features you would need to switch off, or isn’t insured for you. You also practice in the same car you test in.
Sources
- Nevada DMV, “Nevada Driver’s Handbook (DMV 700, March 2024)” (dmv.nv.gov)
- Georgia Department of Driver Services, “Section 3: Testing Information” (dds.georgia.gov)
- Connecticut DMV, “Connecticut Driver’s Manual” (portal.ct.gov)
- California DMV, “California Driver’s Handbook: The Testing Process” (dmv.ca.gov)
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, “Road Skills Test” (alea.gov)
- Alaska DMV, “Road Test Information” (dmv.alaska.gov)
- Arizona Department of Transportation, “Road Tests” (azdot.gov)
- DC DMV, “Road Skills Test” (dmv.dc.gov)
- Hawaii Department of Transportation and City and County of Honolulu, road test pages (hidot.hawaii.gov; honolulu.gov)
- Idaho Transportation Department, “Idaho Driver’s Manual” (itd.idaho.gov)
- Kentucky State Police, “Driver Testing” (kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov)
- Louisiana OMV, “Class E Driver’s Guide” (expresslane.org)
- Massachusetts RMV, “Road Test” (mass.gov)
- Minnesota DPS Driver and Vehicle Services, “Road Test” and “Minnesota Driver’s Manual” (June 2026) (dps.mn.gov)
- New Hampshire DMV, “Road Test” (dmv.nh.gov)
- New Jersey MVC, “Road Test” (nj.gov)
- New York State DMV, “Road test” (dmv.ny.gov)
- SCDMV, “Regular License Testing” (dmv.sc.gov)
- Texas Department of Public Safety, “Driving Test” (dps.texas.gov)
- Vermont DMV, “Road Test” (dmv.vermont.gov)
- Washington State Department of Licensing, “Drive test” (dol.wa.gov)
- Colorado DMV, “Drive Test” (dmv.colorado.gov)