Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002

Amendment of regulation 29 (nature of tests other than extended tests)

5.  In regulation 29–

(1) In paragraph (1A)(a) for the words “theoretical test” there shall be substituted the words “test of driving theory and hazard perception”.

(2) For paragraph (3)(a) there shall be substituted–

“(a) the theory test if he satisfies the person conducting the test–

(i) in respect of the test of driving theory described in paragraph (6A) of his knowledge and understanding of the specified matters; and

(ii) in respect of the hazard perception test described in paragraph (6B) that his performance in the test demonstrates an ability to perceive hazards on the road;”

(3) For paragraph (6) there shall be substituted–

“(6) The theory test shall be conducted in two parts, one part being the test of driving theory described in paragraph (6A) and the other being the hazard perception test described in paragraph (6B).”

(4) After paragraph (6) there shall be inserted the following–

“(6A) The test of driving theory shall–

(a) be conducted as an approved form of examination consisting of 35 questions, the questions being in either a multiple choice or multiple response form and testing a candidate on the specified matters in accordance with Schedule 6; and

(b) have a duration of 40 minutes or, in the circumstances specified in paragraph (7), 80 minutes.

(6B) The hazard perception test shall–

(a) be conducted by means of the exhibition of film clips that take the perspective of the driver of a motor vehicle and show, at some point during each film clip, one or more hazards to traffic occurring on or near the road; and

(b) require the candidate (using electronic equipment provided for the purpose and capable of recording the exact moment of each response) to indicate during each film clip the moment he observes a hazard relating to traffic on the road.

(6C) For the purposes of this regulation–

“an approved form of examination” means a form of examination which is conducted in writing or by means of data recorded on equipment operating in response to instructions given by the candidate, and

“film clip” means a sequence of visual images displayed electronically.”

(5) In paragraph (7) for the words “paragraph (6)” there shall be substituted the words “paragraph (6A)”.