PART III TESTS OF COMPETENCE TO DRIVE

Requirements at tests

Test vehicles37.

F1(1)

Subject to F2paragraphs (3) and (3A), the prescribed F3manoeuvres test, F4large vehicle off road manoeuvres test, practical test or unitary test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles included in a category shown in column (1) of F5Table 1 at the end of this regulation must be conducted in a vehicle having a power, mass, size or other specification, equivalent to or (except in the case of a test prescribed in respect of category F6AM, F, G, H or K) greater than that shown, and conforming to such description as may be set out, in relation to that category in column (2) of F5Table 1.

F7(2)

Subject to F8paragraphs (3) and (3A), the prescribed F9manoeuvres test, large vehicle off road manoeuvres test or practical test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles included in a sub-category shown in column (1) of F5Table 1 at the end of this regulation must be conducted in a vehicle having a power, mass, size or other specification, equivalent to or greater than that shown, and conforming to such description as may be set out, in relation to that sub-category in column (2) of F5Table 1.

F10(2A)

Where in an application for a manoeuvres test or a practical test prescribed in respect of category AM it is declared that the applicant is suffering from a relevant disability of such a nature that the applicant is unable to ride a moped with two wheels, that test shall be conducted on a specially adapted two-wheeled moped, a three-wheeled moped or a light quadricycle.

F11F12(3)

Subject to paragraph (3A), where the test referred to in paragraph (1) is for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in sub-category A1, A2 or A3 shown in column (1) of Table 1, the test must be conducted in a vehicle conforming to the description set out in relation to that sub-category in column (2) of Table 1.

F13(3A)

Where in an application for a manoeuvres test or a practical test prescribed in respect of category A it is declared that the applicant is suffering from a relevant disability of such a nature that the applicant is unable to ride a motorcycle without side-car, the test must be conducted––

(a)

in the case of the test for a licence authorising the driving of a vehicle in sub-category A1, on an A1 motor tricycle or an A1 motorcycle with sidecar where the capacity and unassisted speed on the level of the motor tricycle or the motorcycle, (as the case may be), conforms to the specification in the description set out in relation to sub-category A1 in column (2) of Table 1;

(b)

in the case of the test for a licence authorising the driving of a vehicle in sub-category A2, on an A2 motorcycle with sidecar where the capacity and power output of the motorcycle conforms to the specification in the description set out in relation to sub-category A2 in column (2) of Table 1; and

(c)

in the case of the test for a licence authorising the driving of a vehicle in sub-category A3, on an A3 motor tricycle or an A3 motorcycle with sidecar where the capacity and unassisted speed on the level of the motor tricycle or the motorcycle, (as the case may be) conforms to the specification in the description set out in relation to sub-category A3 in column (2) of Table 1 which-

(i)

applies until 30th December 2018 where the test is conducted on or before that date; and

(ii)

applies on and from 31st December 2018 where the test is conducted on or after that date

(4)

A person submitting himself for a F14manoeuvres test, F15large vehicle off road manoeuvres test, practical test or unitary test shall provide a vehicle which—

(a)

corresponds to the specification referred to in paragraph (1), (2) F16, (2A) or (3), as the case may be,

(b)

is not fitted with a device designed to permit a person other than the driver to operate the accelerator, unless any pedal or lever by which the device is operated and any other parts which it may be necessary to remove to make the device inoperable by such a person during the test have been removed, and

(c)

is reasonably representative of the class to which it belongs and is otherwise suitable for the purposes of the test.

(5)

A person submitting himself for a practical test prescribed in respect of category B or B+E shall provide a motor vehicle which—

(a)

is fitted with a front passenger seat unless it—

F17(i)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii)

has been adapted on account of a disability of the person who has submitted himself for the test and as part of that adaptation has had the front passenger seat removed,

(b)

has fitted for use with the front passenger seat (or, if there is no such seat, with another seat in which the person conducting the test may conveniently sit for the purpose of the test) a properly anchored and functioning three-point seat belt, and

(c)

in the case of a vehicle fitted with a front passenger seat, has fitted as an integral part of that seat a head restraint which satisfies the requirements of F18Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor.

F19(6)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F20(7)

A person submitting himself for a F21large vehicle off road manoeuvres test or practical test prescribed in respect of category B+E, C, C+E, D, or D+E shall provide a vehicle which is not carrying goods or burden other than either or both of the following—

(a)

fixed items which are characteristic of the class to which it belongs;

(b)

any load carried in accordance with paragraph (7A).

F22(7A)

A person submitting himself for a F23large vehicle off road manoeuvres test or practical test prescribed in respect of any of the categories or sub-categories shown in column 1 of Table 2 at the end of this regulation—

(a)

may, during the period beginning with 15th August 2013 and ending with 14th November 2013, provide a vehicle which—

(i)

is carrying a load of the nature and weight shown in column 2 of Table 2, in relation to that category or sub-category and description of vehicle; and

(ii)

is loaded in such a way that the person authorised to conduct the test can visually assess the weight of the load without the load being disturbed;

(b)

shall, on or after 15th November 2013, provide a vehicle which—

(i)

is carrying a load of the nature and weight shown in column 2 of Table 2, in relation to that category or sub-category and description of vehicle; and

(ii)

is loaded in such a way that the person authorised to conduct the test can visually assess the weight of the load without the load being disturbed.

(8)

A person submitting himself for a F24large vehicle off road manoeuvres test or practical test prescribed in respect of category C, C+E, D or D+E shall provide a motor vehicle which is fitted with a seat which is firmly secured to the vehicle and in such a position that the person conducting the test may properly do so and is protected from bad weather during the test.

(9)

A person submitting himself for a practical test prescribed in respect of category D or D+E shall provide a motor vehicle which is fitted with a seat which is so placed that the person conducting the test can, from the deck of the vehicle on which the driver is seated, clearly observe the road to the rear of the vehicle without the use of any optical device, unless—

(a)

the construction of the vehicle makes it impossible to fulfil that requirement, or

(b)

the examiner consents to the requirement not being complied with in consequence of an arrangement to conduct part of the test elsewhere than on a road.

(10)

A person submitting himself for a F25large vehicle off road manoeuvres test or practical test prescribed in respect of category B+E, C+E or D+E shall provide a motor vehicle which is fitted with linkage and braking mechanisms which are designed for use when the trailer is fully laden.

F26(10A)

A person submitting himself for a F27large vehicle off road manoeuvres test or practical test prescribed in respect of category C, C+E, D, or D+E shall provide a motor vehicle which is fitted with an anti-lock braking system and a tachograph.

(10B)

A person submitting himself for a F28large vehicle off road manoeuvres test or practical test prescribed in respect of category C or C+E shall provide a motor vehicle which F29is capable of manual transmission.

F30(10C)

A person submitting himself for a F31large vehicle off road manoeuvres test or practical test prescribed in respect of category F32C, C+E, D or D+E shall provide a motor vehicle in which any seat which is used by the person conducting the test and any seat used by any person authorised by the Secretary of State to attend the test for the purpose of supervising it or otherwise, are each fitted with a properly anchored and functioning two or three-point seat belt.

(10D)

A person submitting himself for a F33large vehicle off road manoeuvres test or practical test prescribed in respect of category B+E, C, C+E, D or D+E shall provide a motor vehicle which is fitted with an exterior nearside mirror and an exterior offside mirror providing adequate rearward vision from the seat occupied by the person conducting the test.

(11)

In the case of a test being conducted by a person appointed in accordance with paragraph (1)(b) or (2)(b) of regulation 24, paragraphs (5)(c) and (6) shall not apply.

(12)

In F34Table 1 at the end of this regulation, “minimum test vehicle" means, in relation to any category or sub-category, a vehicle of a specification shown in relation to the category or sub-category in column (2) of F34Table 1.

F35Table 1

F36(1) Category or sub-category

(2) Specification or description

F37AM

Any two-wheeled moped

F38A1

F39An A1 motorcycle without side-car, with a power rating not exceeding 11kW and a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg that is capable of an unassisted speed of at least 90 kilometres per hour on the level. If powered by an internal combustion engine, the cylinder capacity shall be at least 115 cubic centimetres. If powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0.08 kW/kg.

A2

F40An A2 motorcycle without side-car, with a power rating of at least 20kW but not exceeding 35kW and a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg. If powered by an internal combustion engine, the cylinder capacity of the engine shall be at least F41245 cubic centimetres. If powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0.15 kW/kg.

A3

F42Until 30th December 2018, an A3 motorcycle without side-car and a power of at least 40kW. If powered by an internal combustion engine, the cylinder capacity of the engine shall be at least 595 cubic centimetres. If powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0.25 kW/kg.

From 31st December 2018, an A3 motorcycle without side-car with a power of at least 50kW whose unladen mass is more than 175kg. If powered by an internal combustion engine, the cylinder capacity of the engine shall be at least 595 cubic centimetres. If powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0.25 kW/kg.

B

Any four-wheeled vehicle in category B capable of an unassisted speed of 100 kilometres per hour on the level.

B1

Any vehicle in sub-category B1 capable of an unassisted speed of 60 kilometres per hour on the level.

B+E

A combination of a minimum test vehicle for category B and a trailer having a maximum authorised mass of 1,000 kilograms, which combination is capable of an unassisted speed of 100 kilometres per hour on the level. The cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the corresponding dimensions of the tractor vehicle. The closed box body may be narrower than the tractor vehicle provided that the driver’s view to the rear of the trailer is only made possible by the use of the external rear-view mirrors of the tractor vehicle.

C1

Any vehicle in sub-category C1 having a maximum authorised mass of 4,000 kilograms, a length of at least 5 metres, and capable of an unassisted speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level. The cargo compartment of the vehicle shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the corresponding dimensions of the cab.

C1+E

A combination of a minimum test vehicle for sub-category C1 and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of 2,000 kilograms, which combination is at least 8 metres long and capable of an unassisted speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level. The combination must have a maximum authorised mass of 4,000 kilograms. The cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the corresponding dimensions of the tractor vehicle. The closed box body may be narrower than the tractor vehicle provided that the driver’s view to the rear of the trailer is only made possible by the use of the external rear-view mirrors of the tractor vehicle.

D1

Any vehicle in sub-category D1 having a maximum authorised mass of 4,000 kilograms, a length of at least 5 metres, which is capable of an unassisted speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level.

D1+E

A combination of a minimum test vehicle for sub-category D1 and a trailer having a maximum authorised mass of 1,250 kilograms which is capable of an unassisted speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level. The cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least 2 metres wide and at least 2 metres high.

C

Any vehicle in category C, other than an articulated goods vehicle, having a maximum authorised mass of 12,000 kilograms, a length of at least 8 metres and a width of at least 2.4 metres, which is capable of an unassisted speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level. The cargo compartment of the vehicle shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the corresponding dimensions of the cab.

C+E

Either—

 

(a)

an articulated goods vehicle combination having a maximum authorised mass of 20,000 kilograms, a length of at least 14 metres and a width of at least 2.4 metres, and which is capable of an unassisted speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level, or

 

(b)

a combination of a minimum test vehicle for category C and a trailer having a length of at least 7.5 metres (each having a width of at least 2.4 metres), a maximum authorised mass of 4,000 kilograms, and which has, in aggregate, a maximum authorised mass of 20,000 kilograms and an overall length of 14 metres and which is capable of an unassisted speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level.

 

The cargo compartment of the articulated goods vehicle combination or the trailer (as the case may be) shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the corresponding dimensions of the cab or tractor vehicle.

D

Any vehicle in category D having a length of at least 10 metres, a width of at least 2.4 metres, and capable of an unassisted speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level.

D+E

A combination of a minimum test vehicle for category D and a trailer of a width of at least 2.4 metres having a maximum authorised mass of 1,250 kilograms, which combination is capable of an unassisted speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level. The cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least 2 metres wide and at least 2 metres high.

F

Any vehicle in category F.

G

Any vehicle in category G.

H

Any vehicle in category H.

K

Any vehicle in category K.

F43. . .

F43. . .

F44Table 2Load requirements for test vehicles

(1) Category or sub-category and description of vehicle

(2) Nature and weight of load required to be carried on the vehicle or trailer or both.

B+E

A training load weighing a minimum of 600kg and a maximum of 1,000kg loaded on the trailer.

C

(a) fire engine

Water or foam carried on the fire engine so that the total laden weight of the fire engine is at least 10,000kg.

C

(b) other motor vehicles

Five IBCs loaded on the motor vehicle.

C+E

(a) articulated goods vehicle combination

Eight IBCs loaded on the combination.

C+E

(b) combination of a minimum test vehicle for category C and a trailer

Five IBCs loaded on the motor vehicle and three IBCs loaded on the trailer.

C1+E

A training load weighing a minimum of 600kg and a maximum of 1,000kg loaded on the trailer.

D+E

A training load weighing a minimum of 600kg and a maximum of 1,000kg loaded on the trailer.

D1+E

A training load weighing a minimum of 600kg and a maximum of 1,000kg loaded on the trailer.