The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999

[F1 PART 4 E+W+S Practical Test: Categories- D and D+E

Textual Amendments

F1 Sch. 8 substituted (1.9.2003) by The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment)(No. 4) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/2003), regs. 1(1)(a), 7, Sch.

1.   Each test candidate must satisfy the person conducting the test as to his ability to— E+W+S

(i) carry out properly the activities, and

(ii) perform competently, without danger to and with due consideration for other road users, the manoeuvres

prescribed in paragraph (2), (3) or (4), as the case may be, in all respects in accordance with this Part of this Schedule.

2.   In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles included in category D or D+E, the manoeuvres and activities mentioned in sections A to D[F2 , G and H] below are prescribed. E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in Sch. 8 Pt. 4 para. 2 substituted (10.4.2014) by The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/613), regs. 1, 10(b)(i)

3.   In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles included in category D or D+E (other than a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in sub-category D1 but not outside that sub-category), the manoeuvres and activities mentioned in section E are also prescribed. E+W+S

F3 4.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F3 Sch. 8 Pt. 4 para. 4 omitted (15.11.2021 at 1.00 a.m.) by virtue of The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/1154), regs. 1(2), 22(b)(i)

A. Vehicle safety checks E+W+S

1.

In the case of a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in category D only, on 5 occasions demonstrate (or at [F4 the discretion of the person conducting the test] describe how to perform) a check (chosen at [F4 the discretion of the person conducting the test]) on the condition and safety of either—

(a)

a component of the vehicle (chosen at [F4 the discretion of the person conducting the test]) listed in paragraph 3; or

(b)

a feature (chosen at [F4 the discretion of the person conducting the test]) of the vehicle listed in paragraph 4.

2.

In the case of a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in category D+E only, [F5 where the test candidate has passed a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in category D,] demonstrate on one occasion, and on a second occasion describe how to perform, a check (chosen at [F4 the discretion of the person conducting the test]) on the condition and safety of either—

(a)

a component (chosen at [F4 the discretion of the person conducting the test]) of the vehicle or trailer (as relevant) listed in paragraph 3;

(b)

a feature (chosen at [F4 the discretion of the person conducting the test]) of the vehicle or trailer (as relevant) listed in paragraph 4; or

(c)

the coupling mechanism or the brake and electrical connection between the tractor vehicle and the trailer.

2A.

[F6 In the case of a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in category D + E only, where the test candidate has not passed a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in category D—

(a)

on three occasions demonstrate (or at the discretion of the person conducting the test describe how to perform) a check (chosen at the discretion of the person conducting the test) on the condition and safety of either—

(i)

a component of the vehicle (chosen at the discretion of the person conducting the test) listed in paragraph 3, or

(ii)

a feature (chosen at the discretion of the person conducting the test) of the vehicle listed in paragraph 4, and

(b)

demonstrate on one occasion, and describe on a second occasion how to perform, a check (chosen at the discretion of the person conducting the test) on the condition and safety of either—

(i)

a component of the vehicle or trailer (as relevant) listed in paragraph 3,

(ii)

a feature (chosen at the discretion of the person conducting the test) of the vehicle or trailer (as relevant) listed in paragraph 4, or

(iii)

the coupling mechanism or the brake and electrical connection between the tractor vehicle and the trailer.]

3.

The components are: tyres, steering, brakes, lights, reflectors, direction indicators, audible warning device, the power-assisted braking and steering systems, wheels, wheelnuts, mudguards, windscreen, windows and wipers, the tachograph or other dashboard instrument, the air pressure in the braking system, air tanks for the braking system, the suspension, and the liquids used in the braking system, steering system, engine or elsewhere in the vehicle as a coolant, lubricant, cleaner or otherwise.

4.

The features are: the service doors, the emergency exits, the first aid equipment, the fire extinguishers, and any other piece of safety equipment.

Textual Amendments

F4 Words in Sch. 8 substituted (12.1.2004) by The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/3313), regs. 1(1), 2

F5 Words in Sch. 8 Pt. 4 Section A(2) inserted (15.11.2021) by The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/1251), regs. 1(2), 8(b)(i) (with reg. 9)

F6 Sch. 8 Pt. 4 Section A(2A) inserted (15.11.2021) by The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/1251), regs. 1(2), 8(b)(ii) (with reg. 9)

B. Preparation to drive E+W+S

1.

Adjust the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seating position.

2.

Adjust rear view mirrors and seat belt.

3.

Check that the doors are closed.

C. Technical control of the vehicle E+W+S

1.

Start the engine and move off smoothly (uphill and downhill as well as on the flat).

2.

Accelerate to a suitable speed while maintaining a straight course, including during gear-changes.

3.

Adjust speed to negotiate left or right turns at junctions, possibly in restricted spaces, while maintaining control of the vehicle.

4.

Brake accurately to stop where directed, if need be by performing an emergency stop.

5.

Either—

(a)

perform any two of the following manoeuvres—

(i)

reverse in a straight line and reverse right or left round a corner while keeping within the correct traffic lane;

(ii)

turn the vehicle to face the opposite way, using forward and reverse gears;

(iii)

park the vehicle and leave a parking space (parallel, oblique or right-angle) both forwards and in reverse, on the flat, uphill and downhill; or

(b)

reverse in an S-shaped curve.

6.

F7 ...

Textual Amendments

F7 Sch. 8 Pt. 4 Section C(6) omitted (15.11.2021 at 1.00 a.m.) by virtue of The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/1154), regs. 1(2), 22(b)(ii)

D. Behaviour in traffic E+W+S

1.

Observe (including the use of the rear view mirrors) road alignment, markings, signs and potential or actual risks.

2.

Communicate with other road users using the authorised means.

3.

React appropriately in actual risk situations.

4.

Comply with road traffic regulations and the instructions of the police and traffic controllers.

5.

Move off from the kerb or a parking space.

6.

Drive with the vehicle correctly positioned on the road, adjusting speed to traffic conditions and the line of the road.

7.

Keep the right distance between vehicles.

8.

Change lanes.

9.

Pass parked or stationary vehicles and obstacles.

10.

Approach and cross junctions.

11.

Turn right and left at junctions or to leave the carriageway.

12.

Where the opportunity arises—

(a)

Pass oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces.

(b)

Overtake in various situations.

(c)

Approach and cross level-crossings.

(d)

Drive in road tunnels.

(e)

[F8 Negotiate roundabouts.

(f)

Pass bus or tram stops.

(g)

Approach and cross pedestrian crossings.

(h)

Drive up or down long inclines on roads.]

Textual Amendments

F8 Sch. 8 Pt. 4 section D para. 12(e)-(h) inserted (31.12.2015) by The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1797), regs. 1, 10

E. Larger vehicles: speed reduction and steering E+W+S

1.

Check the power-assisted braking and steering systems.

2.

Use the various braking systems.

3.

Use the speed reduction systems other than the brakes.

4.

Adjust course to allow for the length of the vehicle and its overhang.

F. Trailers E+W+S

F9 ...

Textual Amendments

F9 Sch. 8 Pt. 4 Section F omitted (15.11.2021 at 1.00 a.m.) by virtue of The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/1154), regs. 1(2), 22(b)(iii)

G. Vehicle safety E+W+S

Show awareness of vehicle safety measures and be able to operate vehicle safety systems.

[F10 H Safe and energy-efficient driving E+W+S

Drive in such as way so as to ensure safety and reduce fuel consumption and emissions during acceleration, deceleration, uphill and downhill driving, when necessary by selecting gears manually.]]

Textual Amendments

F10 Sch. 8 Pt. 4 Section H inserted (10.4.2014) by The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/613), regs. 1, 10(b)(ii)