What to Do If You Don’t Have a Car for Your DMV Driving Test (2025 Guide)
What to Do If You Don’t Have a Car for Your DMV Driving Test
(2025 Guide) – How to avoid last-minute cancellations and get a test-ready vehicle.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Car for Your Driving Test?
It’s more common than you think. You’ve scheduled your DMV road test, but you don’t have access to a car that meets the test requirements. Maybe your parents’ car isn’t available. Maybe you're an international resident or new driver without a vehicle. Whatever the reason — you're stuck. The DMV does not provide a car for the test, and most rental companies don’t allow their vehicles to be used for road exams. So what are your options?
3 Options If You Don’t Have a Car for the DMV Driving Test
Borrow a Car from a Family Member or Friend
This works — if the car is in good shape, fully insured, and the owner is comfortable handing it over.
Risks:
The car must meet DMV requirements (functioning lights, no cracks in the windshield, valid insurance, etc.)
You need a licensed driver to accompany you
If something goes wrong, you might not be covered by insurance
Book a Driving School DMV Package
Some driving schools offer “test day packages” that include a practice lesson and use of their car.
Downsides:
Typically cost $250–$400+
Often reserved for their own students
May require scheduling a lesson first, even if you just want the car
Rent a DMV-Test-Ready Car with a Licensed Driver
This is where we come in. At DMVRentalCar.com, we provide fully-insured, DMV-approved vehicles delivered directly to your test location — with a licensed driver included. You don’t need to take lessons, and you don’t need to worry about the car not meeting DMV standards. It’s fast, legal, and made just for road tests.
Can You Rent a Car for Your Driving Test?
Not from a traditional company like Hertz or Enterprise. Most major rental companies require you to be at least 21 with a full license, and their contracts forbid use during DMV tests. Services like Zipcar and Turo also have strict rules — and they won’t rent to people with a permit. So if you're a learner driver, your best bet is a service designed specifically for DMV tests — like ours.
DMV Car Requirements (California)
To take your test, the car must have:
Valid registration and insurance
Functioning brake lights and turn signals
No cracks in the windshield
Working horn and emergency brake
A passenger-side mirror
A licensed driver with you at all times
If anything is missing, the DMV will cancel your test on the spot.
The Fastest Way to Get a Car for Your Test
Booking with us is simple:
Choose your DMV location and date
We confirm your driver and vehicle
Meet at the DMV — car ready, insured, and legal
Take your test and go home with a license
Common Questions
Can I take my test with just a permit?
Yes — but only if you have a licensed driver with you and a car that meets DMV rules. That’s why our service includes both a car and driver.
Can I use Uber or Lyft?
No. Rideshare drivers cannot accompany you during your driving test.
How much does it cost?
Our Bay Area DMV test car rental service starts at $249, including the vehicle and licensed driver.
Need a DMV Test Car? Book in 2 Minutes.
Don’t let a missing car stop you from getting your license. Book a DMV-ready vehicle today and we’ll meet you at your appointment.
👉 [Book Your DMV Test Car ➝] www.dmvrentalcar.com
Need help preparing for your DMV test? Read our guide →
