Taking your driving test without owning a car might sound impossible. How do you learn how to drive when you don’t have a car to learn with? Fortunately, there are ways around this predicament. Unfortunately renting a car isn’t one of them, but there is one exception.
Why can’t you rent a car for the driving test?
Hertz Car Rental location in New York City | Cindy Ord/Getty Images
Per Budget rental car’s rules, you have to hold a driver’s license and a credit card in order to rent a car. You also need to be at least 21 years old (in some states), so if you’re a budding 16-year-old looking to pull up to the DMV in a rented Toyota Corolla for your test, think again.
But don’t count on your parents to rent the car either as the rules clearly state that the renter is financially responsible for the car and if they try to add a driver, then the driver must be at least 25 years old.
That’s a bummer, but don’t worry, there are other solutions for this situation.
Borrow a car from a friend or family member
Rearview of a car with a handwritten sign reading Student Driver. | Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Since you can’t rent a car for the driving test, your next option would be to borrow one from a family or friend. Just remember that you may need to borrow the car for a few days in order to learn the car and then take the test. So don’t count on borrowing the car for just a few hours and then returning it afterward.
One important recommendation from Reviews.com is to check the car owner’s insurance policy before borrowing the car. Typically, the car’s insurance policy follows the car, not the driver, which means that if you crash the car, the owner will be liable. In this case, it’s a good idea to check the owner’s insurance policy first as the owner may need to add you to it first.
It’s also important to ensure that the vehicle you’re borrowing is safe. The DMV will likely check the lights and a few other systems on the car to make sure that everything is in working order, so make sure the turn signals, power windows, and doors are functioning well.
Rent a car from your driving school
If you’re currently taking a course at a driving school then you may be able to rent a car from there. Some driving schools are privy to the fact that you can’t get a car from a rental agency, so they make the option of renting a car available.
What is the one exception to renting a car for a driving test?
A woman sits in her car after a driving test. | MEHDI FEDOUACH/AFP via Getty Images
While you can’t technically rent a car to take your driving test, the one exception is if you’re an international driver. International drivers can rent a car to take the driving test as long as they provide their international driver’s license. In some states, an International Driving Permit may be required.
The car rental agency may check your driving history and also require that you must be at least 25 years old, have car insurance, and have a credit card to make the reservation. Any blemishes could cause them to cancel the reservation.
Keyword: Can I use a Rental Car For My Driving Test?