The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999

[F1 PART 3 E+W+S Practical Test: Categories C and C+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—

(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 C or C+E, the manoeuvres and activities mentioned in sections A to D and G below are prescribed.

(3) In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles included in category C or C+E (other than a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in sub-category C1 but not outside that sub-category), the manoeuvres and activities mentioned in section E are also prescribed.

(4) In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles included in category C+E, the activities mentioned in section F are also prescribed.

A. Vehicle Safety Checks E+W+S

1.   In the case of a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in category C only, on 5 occasions demonstrate (or at the test conductor’s discretion describe how to perform) a check on, at the test conductor’s discretion, either—

(a) the condition and safety of a component of the vehicle specified in paragraph 3;

(b) the condition and safety of one of the following; the body of the vehicle, any sheeting used in respect of a load on the vehicle, a load itself, anything intended to secure such a load, the vehicle’s cabin locking (if any), or its cargo doors (if any); or

(c) the vehicle’s tachograph or any other part of the dashboard instrument panel.

2.   In the case of a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in category C+E only, demonstrate on one occasion, and describe on a second occasion how to perform, a check (chosen at the test conductor’s discretion) on the condition and safety of either—

(a) a component of the vehicle or trailer (as relevant) specified in paragraph 3;

(b) one of the following: the body of the trailer, any sheeting used in respect of a load on the trailer, a load itself, anything intended to secure such load, or the trailer’s cargo doors (if any); or

(c) 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 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.

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.   Park the vehicle at or by a loading ramp or platform (or equivalent installation) in a position which would enable the safe loading or unloading of the trailer.

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. 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

Uncouple the trailer from the tractor vehicle, then park the tractor vehicle parallel to the trailer, then drive the tractor vehicle from the parked position to in front of the tractor vehicle so that the tractor vehicle and trailer can be easily coupled, and finally re-couple the tractor vehicle and trailer.

G. Vehicle safety E+W+S

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