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It’s time. You’ve waited patiently for your opportunity to take your skills test at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and get your license. Congratulations; it’s a big deal. Still, if you’re concerned about choosing the wrong vehicle for your driving test, you might want to stack the deck in your favor by choosing a familiar and sensible sedan or hatchback.

The best car to take your driving test is one you feel comfortable driving

In short, the best car for your driving test is the one you feel most comfortable driving. If a family member helped you get your seat time in a Ford Focus or Toyota Corolla, you should test in a similar vehicle. 

Your skills test will likely involve much of the following.

  • Starting and stopping
  • Obeying traffic signs and signals
  • Tight turns
  • Parking and parallel parking
  • Backing up

As such, you should stick to a car similar to or even the car that you practiced in. This way, you won’t be concerned with learning specific controls in your would-be test vehicle. Instead, you’ll be able to focus on passing the test with flying colors. 

The vast majority of testing contexts won’t loan you a car to take your driving test. Consequently, you’ll need to arrive with a car in working order on test day. To avoid irritating delays, test your horn, lights, signals, and windshield wipers before heading to your local DMV.

Frankly, a small, manageable car with lots of visibility is one of the best options for a driver skills test. Consider a used Honda Fit, Volkswagen Golf, or Subaru Legacy to take your driving test. Of course, without a license, your options for a test-ready vehicle are limited. As such, you may end up driving the same family or friend’s car you used for practice.

Still, there are a few types of vehicles you should avoid. For instance, a large, lifted pickup truck is likely much too cumbersome for new drivers. Moreover, a high-horsepower muscle car like a Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack is far too unruly for a new driver in a test.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).