Guidance

Filming or recording driving tests: what you’re allowed to do

Updated 19 April 2021

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

What you’re allowed to film or record

You have to follow the rules about filming or recording audio when you take your theory test, driving test or motorcycle test.

Filming driving tests for insurance purposes

You can use a dashcam or other camera fitted to your vehicle for insurance purposes.

It must:

  • only film outside the vehicle (it must not film the inside)
  • not record audio from inside the vehicle

The camera must not block your or the driving examiner’s view of the road and traffic ahead.

Motorcycle tests

You can use a helmet-mounted camera for insurance purposes if you’re taking a motorcycle test. It must not film the driving examiner.

You’re not allowed to:

  • use a rear-facing camera on your motorcycle
  • use external-facing cameras on a motorcycle an instructor is using to observe a test

Taking photographs of driving tests

You’re not allowed to:

  • take photos of a driving test that’s in progress
  • take photos of driving examiners (unless they give you their permission)

Theory test centres

You’re not allowed to film, take photos or record anywhere inside a theory test centre.

If the driving examiner thinks you’re not following the rules

The driving examiner will:

  • not start the driving test if they think you’re filming or recording the inside of the vehicle
  • stop the test if they become aware it’s being filmed or recorded

They’ll give you the chance to turn the recording equipment off.

The driving examiner will end the test and you’ll have to pay for another if you cannot turn the equipment off quickly or easily.

Using your footage

You must not upload any video, photos or audio to social media if you can identify driving examiners from them. This includes their image, voice or full name.

Driving examiners can report content they appear in to get it removed.

If you upload content that includes identifiable individuals without their consent you could:

  • break the law
  • break the site’s privacy policy or terms and conditions

Check the Information Commissioner’s Office website for detailed data protection guidance.

You can be fined or made to pay compensation if your business misuses personal data.

Using footage to challenge a driving test result

You cannot use video or audio recordings to challenge your driving test result.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will not review or comment on driving test videos or recordings.

Follow the process to appeal your driving test if you think your examiner did not follow the law about how they must carry out driving tests.

DVSA will refer videos or recordings about alleged criminal activity to the police.

Filming for TV or media

You can get permission from DVSA for some types of filming for TV or other broadcasts.

Contact DVSA’s Media team to get permission.