You can rent a car from a commercial rental company, borrow from someone you know, or use your driving school's vehicle

The road test requires you to bring a vehicle that meets your state's safety standards — you cannot show up in any car you find. Your three main options are a rental car from a company like Enterprise or Hertz, a borrowed vehicle from a friend or family member, or a car provided by your driving school if you took lessons there. Each route has different costs, timing, and paperwork requirements.

Most test-takers use either a borrowed car or their driving school's vehicle because both are free or low-cost; rental companies work if you have no other option, but they charge daily rates and require a credit card in your name. The choice depends on what is available to you, how much time you have before your test, and whether you want to pay for convenience or save money by borrowing.

Key Takeaways

  • Rental car companies require you to be at least 18 years old, have a valid learner's permit, and provide a credit card in your name — not a parent's.
  • Borrowed vehicles must pass your state's safety inspection (working brakes, lights, wipers, horn, mirrors) and the owner must be present or give written permission.
  • Driving schools often let you use their car for the test if you completed lessons with them, usually for a small fee or included in your package.
  • Book a rental car at least one week ahead if you choose that route, because availability tightens closer to your test date.
  • Bring proof of insurance for any vehicle you use — your own policy, the owner's policy, or the rental company's coverage.

Renting from a commercial car rental company

National chains like Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis rent to permit holders, but the process is stricter than renting as a licensed driver. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid learner's permit (not just a learner's process), and present a credit card in your own name — rental companies will not accept a parent's card. Some locations charge an underage driver fee (usually $15 to $25 per day) if you are under 25, on top of the daily rental rate.

Call ahead rather than showing up in person. Tell the rental agent you need the car for a road test and ask about their permit-holder policy, because not all locations rent to people without a license. Ask specifically whether they require a co-signer (usually a parent) to be present, because some do. Rental rates vary by location and season — expect $40 to $80 per day in most areas, though prices spike during summer and holiday weeks. Book at least one week in advance; last-minute rentals are more expensive and may not be available.

You will need proof of insurance. If you are not on your parents' policy, ask whether the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) covers the test, or whether you need to add yourself to a parent's policy first. The rental agreement is a contract, so read it carefully before signing. Return the car on time and in the same condition you rented it, or you will be charged for damage or late fees.

Borrowing a vehicle from family or friends

A borrowed car is free and usually the fastest option if someone you know has one available. The vehicle must pass your state's safety inspection — your examiner will check the brakes, lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals), windshield wipers, horn, and mirrors before the test begins. If any of these fail, the examiner will not let you test and you will have to reschedule. Ask the owner to make sure the car is in working order a few days before your test date.

The owner does not have to be in the car during the test, but they must give you written permission to use it. Some states require the owner to sign a form or provide a notarized letter; check your state's DMV website to see what counts as proof of permission. Bring the vehicle's registration and proof of insurance — the owner's insurance policy, not yours. If you are not listed on the policy, call the insurance company ahead of time to confirm the car is covered when you drive it for the test.

Borrowed cars are reliable only if the owner is reliable. If plans change and the car becomes unavailable the day before your test, you have no backup. If you are counting on borrowing, have a second option ready (a rental car or your school's vehicle) in case the first falls through.

Using your driving school's vehicle

If you took lessons at a driving school, ask whether they offer a test-day car rental. Many schools include this as part of their package, or charge a small fee ($25 to $75) to use their vehicle for the road test. The advantage is that the car is already set up for testing — the examiner knows it, it passes safety checks every time, and the school handles all the paperwork. You do not need to worry about insurance or permission forms.

Book this option early, especially if you are testing during busy seasons (spring and summer). Some schools have only one or two test cars and they fill up weeks ahead. If your school does not offer a test car, ask whether they can recommend a rental company or whether they know of other students who have borrowed cars successfully. This inside knowledge can save you time and money.

What your state requires the vehicle to have

Every state requires the same basic safety equipment, though the exact inspection varies slightly. Your examiner will check these items before the test starts: working brakes that stop the car smoothly and do not pull to one side; headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals that all work; windshield wipers that clear the glass; a working horn; side mirrors and a rearview mirror, all adjusted and unbroken; a steering wheel that turns smoothly without excessive play; seat belts for the driver and examiner that latch and hold; and a valid registration and proof of insurance in the vehicle.

Some states also check the windshield for cracks, the tires for tread depth, and the exhaust system for leaks. A few states require the car to be no more than a certain age (usually 20 to 30 years old). Check your state's DMV website for the full list of requirements before you book a car. If you are borrowing or renting, ask the owner or rental company whether the vehicle meets these standards — most do, but it is worth confirming rather than discovering a problem on test day.

Insurance and liability when you test

You must have proof of insurance in the vehicle, even though you are taking a test. If you borrowed the car, bring the owner's insurance card. If you rented it, the rental company's coverage is included. If you are on your parents' policy, bring that card. The examiner will ask to see it before you start, and you cannot take the test without it.

If you cause an accident during the test, the vehicle's insurance covers the damage — not you personally. This is why the owner's insurance matters: if something goes wrong, their policy pays, not yours. If you are not listed on the policy and the owner is worried, call the insurance company together and ask whether the policy covers you as a permitted driver using the car for a test. Most do, but it is better to confirm than to find out after an accident.

Timing and booking your test car

Plan to have your test car confirmed at least two weeks before your test date. If you are borrowing, ask the owner now and confirm again one week out. If you are renting, book online or call the rental company at least one week ahead — same-day rentals are expensive and may not be available. If you are using your school's car, sign up as soon as you schedule your test, because school cars book up fast.

On the day of your test, arrive at the testing location at least 15 minutes early so the examiner has time to inspect the vehicle. Bring the registration, proof of insurance, and any permission forms. If you borrowed the car and the owner gave you a letter, bring that too. Do not assume the examiner will skip the safety check because the car looks fine — they check every vehicle the same way, and a failed inspection means rescheduling your test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my parent's car if I am not on the insurance?

Yes, as long as your parent's insurance covers you as a permitted driver. Call the insurance company before the test and ask whether their policy covers you driving for a road test. Most policies do, but confirm in writing so you have proof if something goes wrong.

What happens if the car fails the safety inspection?

The examiner will not let you test. You will have to reschedule and bring a different vehicle that passes. This is why you should have the car checked a few days before your test — if something is broken, you have time to fix it or find another car.

Do I need to be 18 to rent a car for the test?

Yes, most rental companies require you to be at least 18 years old. If you are younger, ask whether they make exceptions for road tests, or borrow a car instead. Some schools also rent to younger students if they took lessons there.

Can I use a rental car from a peer-to-peer service like Turo?

Check your state's rules first. Some states allow peer-to-peer rentals for road tests; others do not. Call your DMV or check their website to confirm whether Turo or similar services are permitted before you book.

What if the car breaks down on the way to my test?

Reschedule your test. If you rented the car, call the rental company when ready and they will arrange a replacement or refund. If you borrowed the car, contact your DMV to reschedule. This is another reason to have a backup plan — if your first car option falls through, you can use your second one instead of losing your test date.