Can You Rent a Car for a Driving Test? The Complete U.S. Guide

Taking your driving  road or behind-the-wheel test is a big milestone  but if you don’t own a car, you might be wondering “Can I rent a car to take my driving test?” The answer: maybe, though with many caveats. 

This article walks through the U.S. situation, state-by-state nuances, how rental company policies play in, what certificates and vehicle conditions matter, costs, alternatives, and how to give yourself the best shot at smooth test day.

Why renting seems useful and the pitfalls you’ll hit

If you don’t have your own car, renting for the test sounds good you get a maintained vehicle, you only need it for a day, you avoid borrowing from friends or family with uncertain insurance. Many driving schools even advertise we provide the car” packages.

While some states permit use of a rental or non-personal vehicle, most major rental companies have policies that prevent renting to learner-permit holders or for the purpose of a driving-test only.

And even if the state rule is ok, you still must meet vehicle registration, insurance, rental contract authorisation (you listed as driver), and age,permit restrictions. For example, in Maryland, the DMV specifies: “No rental vehicles unless the applicant is on the agreement.”

What to check: State & DMV rules

Your best first step: call the local DMV (or its equivalent) in the state where you’ll test. Here’s a broad checklist of what they’ll ask for:

• Vehicle registration: The car you use must be properly registered. For instance, Maryland requires a valid registration card.  
• Proof of insurance: The car must have valid insurance in force. The Maryland MVA states proof of insurance is required for the public road test.  
• Name on rental/permission to use vehicle: If you’re using a rental, your name often must appear on the agreement as a permitted driver. Maryland’s MVA states: “If the applicant is testing in a rental vehicle, your name must appear on the rental contract as an authorized driver.”
  
  
• Vehicle condition & test-day inspection: The car must have working lights, signals, mirrors etc. Many states will reject vehicles with dashboard warning lights. For example, Maryland: “All noncommercial test applicants should come prepared with a test vehicle that is in safe operating condition and has at least ½ tank of gas.”

Tip: Even if the state allows it, the rental company may refuse. So you must check both.

What rental companies’ policies say

Even if your DMV is okay, the rental company’s rules may make it impossible. Key policy lines:

• Budget’s U.S. FAQ states: “No, you cannot rent a car for your driving test because only licensed drivers are able to rent vehicles  you must be at least 21 in most states. 
• Other commentary: Rental firms often require a full license (not just a permit) and will not allow a vehicle to be used for a license-exam/test.  
• Usual rental minimum age: 21 (often 25 to avoid young driver fees) many companies don’t allow under-21 drivers at all.
  
  
• Many states or DMVs say: you might technically be allowed to use a rental, but if your rental contract prohibits it or you’re not on the agreement, it will be rejected.  “Unless something has changed, you cannot take a rental car to the test unless you have explicit written permission from the rental company.”

Before signing any agreement, make sure you understand how authorized driver rules work.If you’re paying for the rental but someone else will be driving, check out our guide on renting a car for someone else  it explains when and how another person can be listed legally on the contract.

State-by-state snapshot 

California (CA)

While we don’t have a single consolidation from the California DMV in the sources here, general articles say that the vehicle must meet standard test requirements (working brakes, mirrors, seat-belts, registration/insurance), and that rental is possible but you must check with the rental company.
some rental companies might have restrictions the car must have all the standard features required for a driving test.

New York (NY)

Similarly, in New York you can rent a car for your driving test — but again, the vehicle must have all required features (horn, lights, brakes) and the rental agreement should permit the test-use. This is referenced in broader articles.

Maryland (MD)

Explicitly says: No rental vehicles unless the applicant is on the rental agreement. Vehicle must be properly insured, registration in good standing. 

Always check the exact state rules and whether the rental company will permit the vehicle to be used for a test.Every state has different DMV rules for vehicle eligibility and rental use.

If you plan to drive across state borders for your test or practice, read our in-depth post on taking a rental car out of state  it covers which states allow cross-border driving and what paperwork you’ll need.

What you must do if you’re attempting it

If you decide to go the rental route, here’s a step-by-step plan:

1.Choose the car you’ll use.
Confirm it meets vehicle-inspection standard (brakes, lights, mirrors, no warning lights, registration current, insurance valid).

2.Contact the rental company.

• Can you rent with your license/permit status (some rental companies need full license).
  
• Will the contract list you as an authorised driver (so you’re covered).
  
• Does the contract allow use for a driving/road test or contain a clause forbidding it.
  
• Confirm the age requirement, minimum license requirement, and insurance/driver-permit requirements.

3.Confirm with your state DMV:

• Rental vehicle is acceptable with you as authorised driver.
  
• Entities like registration and insurance must be presented at the test.
  
• Vehicle must be in safe operable condition, etc.
  

4.On the day: Bring these documents:

• Your learner permit or permit + test appointment.
  
• Rental agreement showing you as authorised driver.
  
• Vehicle registration.
  
• Proof of insurance (on that vehicle).
  
• Make sure the car has no warning light, functioning signals, mirrors, seat-belts.
  
• Arrive early so you can do a quick inspection.
  

5.Practice in that car ahead of test day (if possible) so you’re comfortable with its controls, handling, mirrors and seat-adjustment.

If you’re using a car borrowed from family/friend: make sure their insurance covers the test (some policies exclude “driving test” usage), the registration is in good standing, car meets inspection standard, and the friend/owner is willing to allow you to use it.

What about costs & fees?

While comprehensive nationwide data is limited, you’ll typically see:

• Rental cost for 1-day or short-term use maybe US $100-US $200+ depending on location, car type, and whether you need extra insurance. For example, one NYC service quoted ~$110 for a car for the road test.
  
  
• Additional charges young-driver fees (if under 25), additional insurance or damage waiver, extra driver fee, late return or usage fee.
  
  
• If you fail the test and need to retake you might need to re-rent the vehicle or pay the driving school/rental again, so budget for that.
  
  
• Expenses for borrowed car (if not rental): Check insurance impacts, possible owner premium increases, etc.
  

Keep in mind that young driver surcharges, additional driver fees, or special-use charges might apply.
Our breakdown of rental car fees and hidden costs will help you understand what to expect before you pay.

Pros and cons of renting for your driving test

Advantages

• You don’t own a vehicle but still get access to one for the test.
  
• Rental cars are often newer, well-maintained, and ensure you don’t face mechanical setbacks.
  
• If arranged with a driving school/pick-up service you might get “warm up” time in the vehicle and instructor support (e.g., NYC service above includes warm-up).
  

Disadvantages

• Rental company restrictions may block you (permit/age/licence issue).
  
• High cost compared to borrowing a private vehicle.
  
• You have less control over the car (you might not be familiar with it, which can affect performance).
  
• If the contract prohibits test-usage or you’re not listed on the contract, you risk being rejected at the DMV/test centre.
  
• Insurance and liability risks: If anything goes wrong, you may be responsible.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Can you take a driving test in a rental car?
Yes, in certain U.S. states it is permitted if you are listed on the rental agreement, the vehicle meets DMV test-day standards and your rental company allows you to use it for a test.

Q: What documents do I need to use a rental car for a driving test?
You’ll need your learner’s permit, rental agreement listing you as an authorised driver, the vehicle’s registration card, and proof of valid insurance.

Q: Can you rent a car with only a learner’s permit for a road test?
Generally, no. Most rental companies require a full valid driver’s license and often age 21+. They typically won’t allow a rental only for a driving-test. 

Q: What if the car for the test has a warning light or bad brakes?
The DMV can reject the vehicle and you may be asked to reschedule. Make sure the car is in safe, operable condition ahead of time.

Q: How much does renting a car for the driving test cost?
 It varies widely by region and vehicle, but short-term test-day packages can begin around US $100 or more, and may include instructor/warm-up time. 

Q: Are there alternatives if I cannot rent a car for the test?
Yes  you can borrow a car from a friend/family (if insured and meets requirements) or use a driving school’s test-car service.