Motor Cars (Driving Instruction) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004

Driving ability and fitness test

11.—(1) The driving ability and fitness test shall consist of tests of eyesight and driving technique and the candidate shall be required to reach the qualifying standard in both tests on the same occasion.

(2) The test of eyesight shall be a test of the candidate’s ability to read in good daylight (with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn), a motor vehicle registration mark containing letters and figures –

(a) 79 millimetres in height and 50 millimetres wide at a distance of 26.5 metres; or

(b) 79 millimetres in height and 57 millimetres wide at a distance of 27.5 metres.

(3) The test of driving technique shall, so far as possible, be conducted both on urban roads and on roads of different classes outside built-up areas and a candidate must satisfy the examiner that he has an adequate knowledge of the principles of good driving and road safety and that he can apply them in practice.

(4) The candidate taking the test of driving technique shall be required to satisfy the examiner of his ability to perform on 5 occasions (or at the discretion of the person conducting the test, show how to perform) a check on the condition and safety of one component of the vehicle, chosen at the discretion of the person conducting the test, from the list of components specified in paragraph (5), and conduct an actual check on the condition of a second component, similarly chosen from the list.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4) the list of components of the vehicle is as follows: tyres, steering, brakes, fluids (e.g. engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device.

(6) A candidate taking the test of driving technique shall in particular be required to satisfy the examiner on –

(a) his expert handling of controls;

(b) his use of correct road procedure;

(c) his anticipation of the actions of other road users and taking of appropriate action;

(d) his sound judgement of distance, speed and timing; and

(e) his consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users.

(7) The candidate taking the test of driving technique shall be required to demonstrate his ability to perform all or any of the following manoeuvres –

(a) moving away straight ahead or at an angle;

(b) overtaking, meeting or crossing the path of other vehicles and taking an appropriate course;

(c) turning right-hand and left-hand corners;

(d) stopping the vehicles as in an emergency; and

(e) carrying out manoeuvres involving the use of reverse gear.

(8) The candidate shall, during the test, allow to travel in the vehicle –

(a) the person authorised to conduct the test; and

(b) any person authorised by the Department for the purpose of supervising the test.