SCHEDULE 8 SPECIFIED REQUIREMENTS FOR PRACTICAL OR UNITARY TEST

F1PART 2Practical Test: Categories B and B+E

Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F3

Words in Sch. 8 Pt. 2 Section D para. 5(a) substituted (4.10.2010) by The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1203), regs. 1(2), 24

F5

Sch. 8 Pt. 2 section E para. 12(e)-(h) inserted (31.12.2015) by The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1797), regs. 1, 10

 

1

Each test candidate must, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), 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

specified in sections A to F below in all respects in accordance with those sections.

F42

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

3

A test candidate undertaking a test for a licence authorising the driving of a vehicle included in category B+E must in addition satisfy the person conducting the test as to his ability to carry out properly the activities specified in section G but in the case of a disabled driver, the requirements to uncouple and re-couple the tractor vehicle and trailer are met by the driver describing under oral questioning how these activities should be performed.

A. Eyesight

Either—

  • read in good daylight (with the aid of corrective lenses if worn) a registration mark fixed to a motor vehicle and containing letters and figures 79 millimetres high and 57 millimetres wide at a distance of 20.5 metres, or

  • read in good daylight (with the aid of corrective lenses if worn) a registration mark fixed to a motor vehicle and containing letters and figures 79 millimetres high and 50 millimetres wide at a distance of 20 metres.

B. Vehicle Safety Checks

1

In the case of a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in category B only, describe how to perform a check on the condition and safety of one component of the vehicle, chosen at F2the discretion of the person conducting the test, from the list of components specified in paragraph 3 below, and demonstrate an actual check on the condition of a second component, similarly chosen from the list.

2

In the case of a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in category B + E only, on 5 occasions demonstrate (or at F2the discretion of the person conducting the test describe how to perform) a check on, at F2the discretion of the person conducting the test, either—

a

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

b

the condition and safety of 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 a load, the trailer’s cabin locking (if any), or its cargo doors (if any); or

c

the condition and safety of the trailer coupling mechanism or its brake and electrical connections.

3

The components are: tyres, steering, brakes, lights, reflectors, direction indicators, audible warning device, and the liquids used in the braking system, steering system, engine or elsewhere in the vehicle as a coolant, lubricant, cleaner or otherwise.

C. Preparation to drive

1

Adjust the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seating position.

2

Adjust rear view mirrors, head restraint and seat belt.

3

Check that the doors are closed.

D. Technical control of the vehicle

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 F3one or more 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

(in the case of a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in category B+E only) reverse in an S-shaped curve.

E. Behaviour in traffic

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.

F5e

Negotiate roundabouts.

f

Pass bus or tram stops.

g

Approach and cross pedestrian crossings.

h

Drive up or down long inclines on roads.

F. Alighting from vehicle

Take all precautions necessary when alighting.

G. Trailer

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.