Question: My parents typically use public transportation, but I’m trying to get my driver’s license. Can I rent a car for my driving test?
Answer:
Can you use a rental car for a driving test from a rental car company? The answer is most likely no. Most rental car companies have strict rules, and your local DMV might also have regulations in place to prevent it. However, there is still hope; you might be able to rent a car from a local driving school or borrow one from a family or friend.
Reasons you can’t use a rental car on driving tests
While it’s not impossible to rent a car for a driving test, you will likely have difficulty renting a car for a driving test for several reasons:
- You need a valid driver’s license to rent a car. If you only have a learner’s permit, most traditional rental car agencies won’t rent you a vehicle. However, if you’re an international driver who holds a license in another country, you may be able to rent a car to use for your driving test.
- You can’t rent a car if you’re under 21. Many new drivers don’t meet the age requirements to rent a car. Some rental car agencies even require that renters be at least 25 to rent a car.
- Rental cars might be prohibited for the test. Some states won’t allow you to use a rental car for testing—and some rental car agencies prohibit it as well. You’ll need to check with both your DMV and the rental car company if you’re planning to try to use a rental car to take your driving test.
- You may not have permission to drive the car if someone else rents it. The person who rents a vehicle is responsible for it, and typically the renter is prohibited from letting anyone else get behind the wheel. And while some rental car companies will allow the renter to add a second driver, that driver must already hold a valid license.
Where can I rent a car for the driving test?
But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck—you still have two options to obtain a car for your driver’s test:
- Rent a vehicle from a driver training school
- Borrow a car from a friend or family member
Rent a car from a driving school
Some driver training schools will offer you the option to rent a car from them. In some cases, you may need to be enrolled in a course with that school to use their car, but some schools will allow you to rent a car even if you haven’t taken lessons with them. Typically, a member of the driving school will meet you at the DMV at a specified time, although some schools may arrange to pick you up at home before your test.
On average, renting a car from a driver training school can cost $50 to $300. The cost will vary depending on where you live, how long the test will take and how much the school charges per hour.
Availability may be limited, so try to make your appointment several days ahead of when you plan to take your test.
Note that some schools require you to take your test at a specific location.
Consider borrowing a car
You can also borrow a car from a close friend or family member. The vehicle must be properly registered with your state and covered by insurance that meets your state’s minimum insurance requirements.
Some states require the car’s registered owner to be present when you take the test—check with your local DMV to find out if they’ll need to accompany you to the testing center.
Be sure your testing vehicle is road-ready
Whatever car you use needs to be registered and insured in the state you take the test. It also needs to be up to date with its registration. Additionally, make sure the following components are working:
- Brakes and brake lights
- Turn signals and lights
- Windshield wipers
- Seatbelts and supplemental restraint systems (airbags)
- Horn
- Tires with sufficient tread and pressure
- Mirrors (side and rear view)
- Speedometer
To see if your state has any additional vehicle requirements, call your local DMV or visit their website.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Ashley Eneriz is an editor and finance writer with over 15 years of experience in a wide range of financial topics, including car loans and insurance. In editing for Jerry, Ashley aims to make all car material reader-friendly for both the new driver and car enthusiast alike. Prior to joining Jerry, Ashley was the financial deputy editor for ConsumerAffairs. Her work is featured on Forbes, Yahoo, MSN, The Hartford and more.
