Nine ways to avoid failing the restricted licence test before it even starts.
1. Fuel: Make sure the car you’re using has plenty of fuel for the test (around 45 mins of driving time).
2. Road legal: The car will need to have a current warrant of fitness (WoF) and vehicle licence (rego) label. A current RUC label is needed if it’s a diesel. Electric vehicles (including both electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles) will also need a RUC label. If you’re going for your restricted licence it will need to have L-plates correctly displayed.
3. Bodywork: The bodywork of the car must be in a safe condition. Minor scratches and dents are okay.
4. Tyres: The tread on all tyres must be deep enough to be safe. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.5 mm. The car needs to sit square on the road – if it’s not, you might need to check that the tyres are all inflated to the recommended pressure.
5. Seatbelts: The seatbelts must all be working as designed.
6. Lights: All the indicators and brake lights must work, including the high brake light.
7. Horn: The horn must work.
8. Mirrors: All mirrors must be clean and correctly adjusted.
9. Windscreen: The windscreen and windows must be clean enough that you can see out. The windscreen wipers must work.