Can I take my test in a Toyota iQ?

Question of the month

Q) My parents have just bought me a new Toyota iQ for learning to drive in. I love it to bits, but my driving instructor thinks that I wont be able to sit my practical test in it because its too small. Is he right?
Helen Green

Its true that you wont be able to sit the practical driving test in your Toyota, but not because of its dinky dimensions. Instead, its because it failed a risk assessment by the DSA (Driving Standard Agency) due to unsatisfactory all-round visibility from the examiners seat.

For the same reason, the Ford Streetka, Mini Convertible and Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet are also classed as unsuitable for the driving test.

However, like all cars, the iQ had to pass a set of safety criteria before going on sale, which means visibility from the drivers seat is acceptable.