The Motor Cars (Driving Instruction) Regulations 2005

Driving ability and fitness test

6.—(1) Subject to paragraph (8), the driving ability and fitness test shall consist of tests of hazard perception, eyesight and driving technique.

(2) The candidate must—

(a) take the test of hazard perception immediately after he has completed the written examination;

(b) reach the qualifying standard in respect of the test of hazard perception before he may take the remaining elements of the driving ability and fitness test; and

(c) reach the qualifying standard in the tests of eyesight and driving technique on the same occasion.

(3) The test of hazard perception shall—

(a) be conducted by means of the exhibition of film clips that take the perspective of the driver of a motor vehicle and show, at some point during each film clip, one or more hazards to traffic occurring on or near the road; and

(b) require the candidate (using electronic equipment provided for the purpose and capable of recording the exact moment of each response) to indicate during each film clip the moment he observes a hazard relating to traffic on the road.

And for the purposes of this paragraph “film clip” means a sequence of visual images displayed electronically.

(4) A candidate taking the test of hazard perception must satisfy the examiner that his performance in the test of hazard perception demonstrates the necessary ability to perceive hazards on the road.

(5) The test of eyesight shall be a test of the candidate’s ability to read in good daylight, (with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn), a motor vehicle registration mark containing letters and figures—

(a) 79 millimetres in height and 50 millimetres wide at a distance of 27 metres; or

(b) 79 millimetres in height and 57 millimetres wide at a distance of 27.5 metres.

(6) A candidate taking the test of driving technique must satisfy the examiner on—

(a) his expert handling of the controls;

(b) his use of correct road procedure;

(c) his anticipation of the actions of other road users and taking of appropriate action;

(d) his sound judgement of distance, speed and timing; and

(e) his consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users.

(7) A candidate taking the test of driving technique must satisfy the examiner of his ability to meet the requirements specified in Schedule 1 to these Regulations.

(8) Where a candidate has—

(a) passed the written examination before 14th November 2002;

(b) passed the elements of the driving ability and fitness test, other than the test of hazard perception, on his first, second or third attempt after he had passed the written examination; and

(c) fulfilled the conditions specified in sub-paragraphs (c) and (d) of regulation 3(4),

the driving ability and fitness test shall consist only of tests of eyesight and driving technique and paragraphs 2(a) and (b), (3) and (4) shall not apply to him.