If you’re taking the Virginia road skills test at a DMV location, you need to bring a vehicle that meets specific requirements. The DMV examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins, and if anything fails that inspection, you won’t be allowed to test that day. That means a wasted trip, a rescheduled appointment, and more waiting.
Use this checklist to make sure your vehicle is ready, or learn why many families choose to test with Abba Driving School and skip the vehicle worry entirely.
Required Vehicle Documentation
Before the examiner even looks at the car itself, they’ll ask for paperwork. You must have all three of the following documents present in the vehicle:
- Valid Virginia inspection sticker: The vehicle must display a current Virginia state inspection sticker on the windshield. An expired sticker means an automatic rejection, even if the car is mechanically perfect.
- Current vehicle registration: The registration card must be in the vehicle and must not be expired. If you’re borrowing a car, make sure the owner’s registration is up to date and present in the glove box or console.
- Proof of insurance: You need a valid insurance card or printed proof of insurance for the vehicle. The policy must be current on the day of the test. Digital proof on a phone is generally accepted, but having a printed copy is safer in case of technical issues.
If any of these documents are missing or expired, the examiner won’t allow you to take the road skills test. Double-check all three the night before your appointment.
Vehicle Equipment Checklist
The DMV examiner will perform a quick walk-around and in-car check before the test begins. Every item on this list must be in proper working order. Have someone help you verify these before you leave home:
Exterior Lights and Signals
- Headlights: Both low beams must work. The examiner may also check high beams.
- Taillights: Both taillights must illuminate when the headlights are on.
- Brake lights: Both brake lights must respond when the brake pedal is pressed. Have someone stand behind the car while you press the brake to confirm.
- Turn signals (front and rear): All four turn signals must blink properly. Check left and right on both the front and back of the vehicle.
Visibility and Safety Equipment
- Horn: The horn must be functional and produce a sound that can be heard from a reasonable distance.
- Rearview mirror: The interior rearview mirror must be securely attached and positioned to give a clear view out the rear window.
- Both side mirrors: The driver-side and passenger-side mirrors must both be present, securely mounted, and adjustable. A missing or cracked side mirror will disqualify the vehicle.
- Windshield wipers: The wipers must operate correctly. If there’s any chance of rain on test day, the examiner may test them.
Tires and Dashboard
- Tires in good condition: All four tires must have adequate tread depth and no visible damage such as bulges, cuts, or exposed cords. Bald tires or a spare “donut” tire in use will disqualify the vehicle.
- No dashboard warning lights: The check engine light, airbag light, ABS light, or any other warning indicator must not be illuminated. If your dashboard is lit up with warnings, resolve them before test day.
What Will Disqualify Your Vehicle
If any of the following conditions are present during the pre-test inspection, the examiner will refuse to conduct the road test and you’ll need to reschedule:
- Expired inspection sticker: This is one of the most common reasons vehicles get rejected. Virginia inspection stickers expire, and it’s easy to forget about them. Check the sticker on your windshield well before your test date.
- Broken or burned-out lights and signals: A single non-functioning brake light, headlight, or turn signal is enough to fail the vehicle check. Replacement bulbs are inexpensive, so fix them early.
- Cracked or obstructed windshield: A significant crack, especially one that spans the driver’s line of sight, will disqualify the vehicle. Small chips outside the main viewing area may be allowed at the examiner’s discretion, but it’s best not to risk it.
- Bald or damaged tires: Tires without sufficient tread are a safety hazard and a guaranteed rejection. If you can see the tread wear indicators (the small raised bars between the grooves), the tires need to be replaced.
- Missing mirrors: The vehicle must have an interior rearview mirror and both exterior side mirrors. A missing or heavily damaged mirror will disqualify the car.
- Active dashboard warning lights: Check engine, airbag, brake system, or other safety-related warning lights must not be on. Get any issues diagnosed and resolved before your test appointment.
- Loose or unsecured items: The interior of the vehicle should be reasonably clear. Loose items that could roll under the pedals or obstruct the examiner aren’t acceptable.
What Car Can I Use for the Driving Test in Virginia?
You can use any passenger vehicle that meets the requirements listed above, whether you own it or are borrowing it from a friend or family member. There are a few additional things to keep in mind when choosing a vehicle:
- The vehicle doesn’t need to be registered in your name, but the registration and insurance paperwork must be present.
- Pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans, and sedans are all acceptable, as long as they pass the equipment check.
- Vehicles with a manual (stick shift) transmission are permitted, but if you aren’t fully comfortable with one, use an automatic. Stalling during the test will count against you.
- Rental cars are generally acceptable if you have the rental agreement and proof of insurance coverage.
- Vehicles with heavily tinted front windows may be questioned by the examiner, as Virginia law restricts front-side window tint to 50% light transmittance.
The safest strategy is to practice your driving lessons and take the test in the same vehicle, so you are fully comfortable with how it handles, where the controls are, and how the mirrors are positioned.
The Abba Advantage: We Provide the Vehicle
One of the biggest advantages of testing with Abba Driving School is that you don’t need to worry about any of these vehicle requirements. We provide a clean, modern, automatic-transmission vehicle that is:
- Always DMV-inspection ready: Our vehicles are professionally maintained and inspected yearly. Every light works, every mirror is in place, and every tire has proper tread.
- Clean and comfortable: You’ll take your test in a vehicle that’s well-maintained inside and out, so you can focus on driving rather than worrying about the car.
- Familiar to you: When you take behind-the-wheel lessons with Abba, you practice in the same vehicle you’ll use on test day. No surprises, no adjustment period.
- Fully documented: Registration, insurance, and inspection are always current. You never have to scramble for paperwork on the morning of the test.
We’ve seen students show up to the DMV only to be turned away because of an expired inspection sticker or a burned-out brake light. When you test through Abba, that simply can’t happen.
Testing Through a Certified School vs. at the DMV
In Virginia, you have two options for taking the road skills test: at a DMV customer service center, or through a certified driving school like Abba Driving School. The key differences related to vehicle requirements are:
- At the DMV: You must provide your own vehicle that meets all the requirements above. You’re responsible for ensuring the car passes the pre-test inspection.
- Through a certified school: The school provides the vehicle. It’s part of the service. With Abba, our vehicle is always test-ready, so there’s zero risk of being turned away for a vehicle issue.
Beyond the vehicle, testing through a certified school often means shorter wait times, a more familiar testing environment, and the support of an instructor who has already helped you prepare. Learn more about what to expect on test day and read our tips for how to pass the Virginia road test on your first attempt.
Preparing Your Vehicle: A Quick Summary
If you’re bringing your own vehicle to the DMV, run through this checklist at least two days before your appointment so you have time to fix any issues:
- Check the inspection sticker expiration date on the windshield.
- Locate the registration card and verify it is current.
- Find the insurance card or print a current proof of insurance.
- Test all headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
- Honk the horn.
- Check that all three mirrors are securely attached and adjustable.
- Run the windshield wipers.
- Inspect all four tires for adequate tread and damage.
- Start the car and confirm no dashboard warning lights are illuminated.
- Clear the interior of loose items.
If anything on this list isn’t right, get it fixed before test day. A failed vehicle inspection at the DMV means going home and starting the scheduling process over again.
For more details on budgeting for your road test and driving lessons, see our guide on behind-the-wheel costs. And if you’d rather skip the vehicle checklist entirely, register with Abba Driving School and let us handle everything.