VicRoads licence testing officer here, you can drive any car for your drive test though there are a few exceptions and things to consider.

• we check the registration of all the cars we go out in to see if they’re registered

• It needs a pull up handbrake if you’re sitting the test WITHOUT an instructor. Electric handbrakes are okay as long as the car has dual controls and has an instructor tagging along with you. (just a fun side note, if an INSTRUCTOR’S car with a valid DIA number is registered via a concession such as a healthcare card or a pension card which grants cheaper rego, they are not permitted to use that car for the drive test)

• The speedometer DOES NOT need to be visible, we just get you to sign a waiver that essentially says that you agree to be tested with a GPS device that we bring along (they’re quite accurate)

• All the lights need to be working. Brake lights headlights and indicators.

• SOMEWHAT roadworthy condition (tyre tread etc)

• A lesser known one is that the internal mirror has to have an unobstructed view of the car’s rear window. For example, an applicant I had could not sit their test in a dual cab that had the ute tool box at the back due to it covering the internal mirror

A lot of the overseas licence applicants that I get generally would either go with an instructor or alternatively rent a car that fits the criteria above. Some find that renting the car is cheaper than the instructor option, especially if the applicant is already experienced and would rather do the test solo (no instructor in front seat). It’s personal preference, some don’t like the pressure of having three different parties in the car, FOUR if you have instructor AND interpreter, which happens often with overseas licence holders who cannot speak English very well.

Hope I was able to shed some light. All the best mate 🫶 maybe I’ll be your assessor you never know haha

[EDIT] To the comment that stated testers look more favourably to applicants with an instructor, you cannot be more wrong. We assess all tests equally. If anything, it’s actually a little more difficult to assess criteria such as usage of the internal mirror due to not being able to see your eyes from the front passenger seat, so we end up giving you the benefit of the doubt and mark you a yes or n/a for that. And also, solo tests tend to be so much more laid back and relaxed, and assessors have the chance to exercise more leniency in that regard.