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Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996

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Regulation 29

SCHEDULE 7Specified Requirements for Practical or Unitary Test

Part 1Practical Test: Categories A and P

Test candidates must satisfy the examiner as to—

(a)their ability to—

(i)carry out properly the activities, and

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

specified in paragraphs A to E in all respects in accordance with those paragraphs; and

(b)their understanding of how to balance safely with a passenger.

Eyesight

A.  Read in good daylight (with the aid of corrective lenses if worn) a registration mark fixed to a motor vehicle and containing letters and figures 79.4 millimetres high at a distance of 20.5 metres.

Preparation to drive

B.—1. Adjust rear view mirrors.

2. Adjust crash helmet.

Technical control of the vehicle

C.—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. Lean over to turn.

5. Keep balance at various speeds.

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

7. Park the vehicle on its stand.

8. Remove motor bicycle from its stand and move it, without the aid of the engine, by walking alongside it.

9. Cause the vehicle to face in the opposite direction by driving it forward (a “U-turn”).

Behaviour in traffic

D.—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, traffic wardens, etc.

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.

Alighting from vehicle

E.  Take all precautions necessary when alighting.

Part 2Practical Test: Categories B and B + E

1. Test candidates must, subject to paragraphs 2 and 3, satisfy the examiner as to their ability to—

(i)carry out properly the activities, and

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

specified in paragraphs A to E below in all respects in accordance with those paragraphs.

2. Any requirement contained in those paragraphs shall, in the case of a test for a licence authorising the driving a motor vehicle in sub-category B1, only be complied with to the extent that it is compatible with the characteristics of the vehicle on which the test is taken.

3. Requirement F shall only be complied with during a test for a licence authorising the driving of a vehicle of a class included in category B + E and, in the case of a disabled driver, may be carried out through oral questioning.

Eyesight

A.  Read in good daylight (with the aid of corrective lenses if worn) a registration mark fixed to a motor vehicle and containing letters and figures 79.4 millimetres high at a distance of 20.5 metres.

Preparation to drive

B.—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.

4. Adjust crash helmet (where appropriate).

Technical control of the vehicle

C.—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, 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)in the case of a test authorising the driving of vehicles in category B + E only, reverse in an S-shaped curve.

6. In the case of a vehicle in category B1, without reverse gears fitted, cause the vehicle to face in the opposite direction by driving it forward (a “U-turn”).

Behaviour in traffic

D.—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, traffic wardens, etc.

5. Move off from the kerb and/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.

Alighting from vehicle

E.  Take all precautions necessary when alighting.

Trailer

F.  Uncouple and recouple trailer.

Part 3Practical Test: Categories C and C + E

1. Test candidates must satisfy the examiner as to their ability to—

(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 Schedule.

2. In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category C or C + E or in a sub-category thereof, the manoeuvres and activities mentioned in paragraph A to C and F below are prescribed.

3. In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category C or C + E or in sub-category C1 + E, the manoeuvres and activities mentioned in paragraph D are also prescribed.

4. In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category C + E or sub-category C1 + E, the activity mentioned in paragraph E is prescribed.

Preparation to drive

A.—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.

Technical control of the vehicle

B.—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, 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.

Behaviour in traffic

C.—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, traffic wardens, etc.

5. Move off from the kerb and/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.

Larger vehicles: speed reduction and steering

D.—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.

Trailers

E.  Uncouple and re-couple trailer or semi-trailer from and to the tractor vehicle.

Vehicle safety

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

Part 4Practical Test: Categories D and D + E

1. Test candidates must satisfy the examiner as to their ability to—

(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 Schedule.

2. In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category D or D + E or in a sub-category thereof, the manoeuvres and activities mentioned in paragraph A to C and F below are prescribed.

3. In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category D or D + E or in sub-category D1 + E, the manoeuvres and activities mentioned in paragraph D are also prescribed.

4. In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category D + E or sub-category D1 + E, the activity mentioned in paragraph E is prescribed.

Preparation to drive

A.—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.

Technical control of the vehicle

B.—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, 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.

Behaviour in traffic

C.—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, traffic wardens, etc.

5. Move off from the kerb and/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.

Larger vehicles: speed reduction and steering

D.—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.

Trailers

E.  Uncouple and re-couple trailer or semi-trailer from and to the tractor vehicle.

Vehicle safety

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

Part 5Unitary Test: Categories F, G, H and K

1. Read in good daylight (with the aid of corrective lenses if worm) a registration mark fixed to a motor vehicle and containing letters and figures 79.4 millimetres high at a distance of—

(a)12.3 metres, in the case of a unitary test conducted in respect of a vehicle included in category K;

(b)20.5 metres in any other case.

2. Start the engine of the vehicle.

3. Move away straight ahead or at an angle.

4. Overtake, meet or cross the path of other vehicles and take an appropriate course.

5. Turn right-hand and left-hand corners correctly.

6. Stop the vehicle in an emergency and normally and, in the latter case, bring it to rest in an appropriate part of the road.

7. In the case of category F and K, be fully conversant with the contents of the Highway Code.

Part 6Unitary Test: Categories F and G

1. Carry out manoeuvres involving the use of reverse gear (except in a case where the vehicle is not fitted with a means of reversing).

2. Indicate intended actions at appropriate times by giving appropriate signals in a clear and unmistakable manner.

  • In the case of a test taken on a vehicle with a left-hand drive or by a disabled person for whom it is impracticable or undesirable to give signals by arm, there shall be no requirement to give signals which cannot be given by mechanical means.

3. Act correctly and promptly on all signals given by traffic signs and traffic controllers and take appropriate action in relation to signs given by other road users.

Part 7Unitary Test: Category H

1. Indicate intended actions at appropriate times by giving appropriate signals in a clear and unmistakable manner.

  • In the case of a test taken on a vehicle with a left-hand drive or by a disabled person for whom it is impracticable or undesirable to give signals by arm, there shall be no requirement to give signals which cannot be given by mechanical means.

2. Act correctly and promptly on all signals given by traffic signs and traffic controllers and take appropriate action in relation to signs given by other road users.

3. Drive the vehicle backwards and cause it to face in the opposite direction by means of its tracks.

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