8.—(1) A candidate for the driving ability and fitness test or the instructional ability and fitness test shall provide, at his own expense, a motor car for the purposes of the test, in respect of which the following conditions are satisfied.
(2) Subject to paragraph (3) below, the vehicle must—
(a)have four wheels and be constructed solely for the carriage of passengers and their effects and be fitted with a rigid roof, with or without a sliding panel; and
(b)have a readily adjustable driving seat and a seat for a forward-facing front passenger;
(c)have a steering wheel on its off-side;
(d)be provided with a means whereby the driver may, independently of the use of the accelerator or the brakes, gradually vary the proportion of the power being produced by the engine which is transmitted to the road wheels; and
(e)be otherwise suitable for the purposes of the test.
(3) In the case of a vehicle provided by a candidate who fulfils the conditions mentioned in section 125A(1)(a) and (b) of the Act, paragraph (2)(d) above shall not apply.
(4) In the case of a vehicle provided for the purposes of a driving ability and fitness test, the vehicle must—
(a)have fitted to the front passenger seat a head restraint and seat belt;
(b)have a rear view mirror for use by the occupant of the front passenger seat, in addition to the rear view mirror provided for use by the driver of the vehicle; and
(c)not, during the conduct of the test, carry the distinguishing mark prescribed by regulation 16(2) of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999.
(5) In the case of a vehicle provided for the purpose of an instructional ability and fitness test, the vehicle must—
(a)be capable of being driven by the examiner;
(b)have fitted to the driver’s seat a seat belt and head restraint;
(c)have a rear view mirror for use by the driver of the vehicle; and
(d)have in force in relation to it an insurance policy that meets the conditions set out in paragraph (6);
and throughout the test there shall be displayed in a conspicuous manner on the front and on the back of the vehicle distinguishing marks in the form prescribed by regulation 16(2) of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999.
(6) The policy of insurance referred to in regulation 8(5)(d) shall—
(a)comply with the requirements of section 145 of the Act in relation to the candidate as driver of the vehicle;
(b)comply with the requirements of that section in relation to the examiner as the driver of the vehicle as if the section applied to persons in the public service of the Crown; and
(c)insure the examiner as driver of the vehicle in respect of liability for damage to the vehicle during the test.