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Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996

Type Ni-Statutory-Rule

Publication 1996-11-21

State In force

Jurisdiction Northern Ireland

Department Government Printer for Northern Ireland

Source legislation.gov.uk

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Reform history JSON API

(b) the practical test is passed on an invalid carriage, in which case the disqualification shall be deemed to have expired only in relation to invalid carriages;

(c) the test or, as the case may be, the practical test, is passed on a vehicle which is adapted on account of a disability of the person taking the test, in which case the disqualification shall be deemed to have expired only in relation to such classes of motor vehicle included in the additional category or sub-category as are so adapted.

(4) Where the person who is disqualified passes the practical test on a vehicle of a class included in category B the disqualification shall be deemed to have expired additionally in relation to all classes of vehicle included in—

(a) categories B + E, C, C + E, D and D + E unless that test is passed on a vehicle with automatic transmission, in which case the disqualification shall be deemed to have expired only in relation to such classes of motor vehicle included in those categories as have automatic transmission; and

(b) categories F, G, H, K, L and P.

(5) Where a person is, pursuant to regulation 45, disqualified by the Department until he passes a driving test prescribed in respect of a class of large goods or passenger-carrying vehicle, the disqualification shall not be deemed to have expired in relation to any class of large goods or passenger-carrying vehicle until he passes that test.

Test results

Evidence of result of theory tests

36

(1) A person conducting a theory test shall, as soon as practicable after its completion, arrange for the test paper returned by a test candidate to be marked for the purpose of ascertaining whether the candidate has demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the specified matters in accordance with these Regulations.

(2) A person conducting the theory test shall furnish—

(a) a person who passes the test with a certificate (a “pass certificate”) in the form set out in Part 1 of Schedule 9;

(b) a person who fails to pass the test with a statement (a “failure statement”) in the form set out in Part 2 of Schedule 9.

(3) Where a person who has conducted a theory test is satisfied that a pass certificate or a failure statement has been furnished in error to a person who took a theory test, he shall, upon receipt of that document from the person who took the test and subject to paragraph (4), furnish that person with a correct certificate or statement, as the case may be.

(4) Where the person who took the test alleges that a failure statement has been furnished in error returns the statement not later than 14 days after it was sent to him to the person who conducted the test with a request in writing that the paper be remarked, the person who conducted the test shall comply with that request for the purpose of ascertaining whether an error has been made but subject thereto he shall not be obliged to remark any paper.

(5) A pass certificate issued in error may not be presented, in support of an application for a licence, as evidence that a person has passed the test mentioned in such certificate.

(6) A pass certificate shall be valid for the purposes of regulation 27(3) for a period commencing on the date on which the test was taken and ending—

(a) two years later; or

(b) on the date on which the person to whom the certificate was given is disqualified by order of a court under Article 152 or 196 of the Order until he passes the driving test,

whichever is the earlier.

(7) A pass certificate is invalid if the person to whom it is issued is at that time ineligible, by virtue of an enactment contained in the 1981 Order or these Regulations, to take the test to which the certificate relates.

(8) A person authorised to conduct theory tests by virtue of sub-paragraph (c) of regulation 19(1) shall issue pass certificates and failure statements using forms supplied by the Department who may make a charge of £5·00 per form.

Evidence of the result of practical and unitary tests

37

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a person conducting a practical or unitary test shall furnish—

(a) a person who passes the test with a certificate in the form set out in Part 1 of Schedule 10;

(b) a person who fails to pass the test with a statement in the form set out in Part 2 of Schedule 10.

(2) Where, by virtue of regulation 30(2), a person—

(a) elects to apply for an appointment for a practical test before being furnished with a certificate stating that he has passed a theory test; and

(b) passes that practical test taken on that appointment,

the person conducting the practical test shall furnish that person with a certificate in the form set out in Part 3 of Schedule 10.

(3) Where the person who took the practical test has produced a valid theory test pass certificate in accordance with regulation 27(3), he shall surrender that certificate to the person conducting the test upon receipt of the certificate furnished under paragraph (1)(a).

(4) A certificate issued—

(a) under paragraph (1)(a) or (2) is invalid if the person to whom it is issued is at that time ineligible, by virtue of an enactment contained in the 1981 Order or these Regulations, to take the test to which the certificate relates;

(b) under paragraph (1)(a) is invalid if, at the time when it is issued, the person conducting the practical test is unaware that the theory test pass certificate produced to him in accordance with regulation 27(3) is invalid by virtue of regulation 36(7).

(5) A person authorised to conduct practical or unitary tests by virtue of sub-paragraphs (b), (c) or (d) of regulation 18(1) shall issue pass certificates using forms supplied by the Department.

Part IV — Goods and Passenger-Carrying Vehicles

General

Prescribed classes of goods and passenger-carrying vehicle

38

(1) All classes of motor vehicle included in categories C, C + E, D and D + E, except vehicles of classes included in sub-categories C1, C1 + E (8.25 tonnes), D1 (not for hire or reward) and D1 + E (not for hire or reward), are prescribed for the purposes of Article 6(5) of the Order.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), all classes of motor vehicle included in categories C, C + E, D and D + E, except vehicles of classes included in sub-categories C1 + E (8.25 tonnes), D1 (not for hire or reward) and D1 + E (not for hire or reward), are prescribed for the purposes of Article 15(1) and (2) of the Order.

(3) In the case of a licence in force at a time before 1st January 1997, paragraph (2) shall apply as if “C1,” was inserted after “sub-categories”.

(4) All classes of motor vehicle included in categories C, C + E, D and D + E, except vehicles of classes included in sub-categories C1 + E (8.25 tonnes), D1 (not for hire or reward) and D1 + E (not for hire or reward), are prescribed for the purposes of Article 15A(3) and (4) of the Order.

Prescribed classes of large goods and passenger-carrying vehicle

39

(1) Articles 70 to 79 of the Order and regulations 44 to 48 shall not apply to large goods vehicles—

(a) of a class included in category F, G or H, sub-category C1 + E (8.25 tonnes); or

(b) which are exempted goods vehicles or military vehicles.

(2) Articles 70 to 79 of the Order and regulations 44 to 48 shall not apply to—

(a) any passenger-carrying vehicle manufactured more than 30 years before the date when it is driven and not used for hire or reward or for the carriage of more than 8 passengers;

(b) a passenger-carrying vehicle driven by a constable for the purpose of removing or avoiding obstruction to other road users or other members of the public, for the purpose of protecting life or property (including the passenger-carrying vehicle and its passengers) or for other similar purposes.

(3) All classes of large goods and passenger-carrying vehicles to which Articles 70 to 79 of the Order apply are prescribed for the purposes of Article 74(7) of the Order.

Exempted goods vehicles and military vehicles

40

(1) For the purposes of this Part, an exempted goods vehicle is a vehicle falling within any of the following classes—

(a) a vehicle propelled by steam;

(b) any road construction vehicle used or kept on the road solely for the conveyance of built-in road construction machinery (with or without articles or materials used for the purpose of that machinery);

(d) a works truck;

(e) an industrial tractor;

(f) an agricultural motor vehicle which is not an agricultural or forestry tractor;

(g) a digging machine;

(h) any vehicle which is not used on public roads or, if it is so used during any calendar week—

(i) is used only in passing from land in the occupation of a person keeping the vehicle to other land in the occupation of that person, and

(ii) is not used on public roads for distances exceeding an aggregate of six miles in that calendar week;

(j) any vehicle other than an agricultural or forestry tractor which—

(i) is used only for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture or forestry,

(ii) is used on public roads only in passing between different areas of land occupied by the same person, and

(iii) in passing between any two such areas does not travel a distance exceeding 1.5 kilometres on public roads;

(k) a vehicle used for no other purpose than the haulage of lifeboats and the conveyance of the necessary gear of the lifeboats which are being hauled;

(l) a vehicle manufactured before 1st January 1960 used unladen and not drawing a laden trailer;

(m) an articulated goods vehicle the unladen weight of which does not exceed 3.05 tonnes;

(n) a vehicle in the service of a visiting force or headquarters as defined in the Visiting Forces and International Headquarters (Application of Law) Order 1965[^f00025];

(o) any vehicle driven by a constable for the purpose of removing or avoiding obstruction to other road users or other members of the public, for the purpose of protecting life or property (including the large goods vehicle and its load) or for other similar purposes;

(p) a vehicle fitted with apparatus designed for raising a disabled vehicle partly from the ground and for drawing a disabled vehicle when so raised (whether by partial superimposition or otherwise) being a vehicle which—

(i) is used solely for dealing with disabled vehicles,

(ii) is not used for the conveyance of any goods or load other than a disabled vehicle when so raised and water, fuel, accumulators and articles required for the operation of, or in connection with, such apparatus or otherwise for dealing with disabled vehicles, and

(iii) has an unladen weight not exceeding 3.05 tonnes;

(q) a passenger-carrying vehicle recovery vehicle; and

(r) a mobile project vehicle.

(2) For the purposes of this Part, an exempted military vehicle is a vehicle falling within any of the following classes—

(a) a vehicle designed for fire fighting or fire salvage purposes which is the property of, or for the time being under the control of, the Secretary of State for Defence, when being driven by a member of the armed forces of the Crown;

(b) being driven by a member of the armed forces of the Crown in the course of urgent work of national importance in accordance with an order of the Defence Council in pursuance of the Defence (Armed Forces) Regulations 1939[^f00026] which were continued permanently in force, in the form set out in Part C of Schedule 2 to the Emergency Laws (Repeal) Act 1959[^f00027] and by section 2 of the Emergency Powers Act 1964[^f00028]; and

(c) an armoured vehicle other than a track-laying vehicle which is the property of, or for the time being under the control of, the Secretary of State for Defence.

(3) In this regulation—

“digging machine” has the same meaning as in paragraph 4(4) of Schedule 1 to the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994;

“agricultural motor vehicle”, “engineering plant”, “industrial tractor”, “track-laying” and “works truck” have the same meaning as in regulation 2(1) of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1989[^f00029];

“public road”, “road construction vehicle” and “road construction machinery” have the same meanings respectively as in section 62(1) of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994.

Correspondences

41

(1) For the purposes of Article 6(5) of the Order, a heavy goods vehicle or public service vehicle of a class specified in column (1) of the table corresponds to a class of large goods vehicle or passenger-carrying vehicle, as the case may be, specified in column (2) in relation to the class of vehicle in column (1).

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), where a heavy goods vehicle driver’s licence held before 1st April 1991 was restricted to vehicles having a permissible maximum weight not exceeding 10 tonnes by virtue of—

(a) paragraph 3(3) and (5) of Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic (Drivers' Ages and Hours of Work) (Northern Ireland) Order 1976[^f00030]; or

(b) paragraph (1) or (2) of regulation 27 of the Heavy Goods Vehicles (Drivers' Licences) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1981[^f00031] before they were revoked by the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Heavy Goods and Public Service Vehicles) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991[^f00032],

such restriction shall be disregarded.

Column (1)	Column (2)
Class of heavy goods or public service vehicles	Corresponding class of large goods or passenger-carrying vehicle
Heavy goods vehicles	Large goods vehicles
1	Categories C and C + E
1A	Categories C and C + E (limited, in each case, to vehicles with automatic transmission)
2	Category C and vehicles in category C + E which are drawbar trailer combinations
2A	Category C and vehicles in category C + E which are drawbar trailer combinations (limited, in each case, to vehicles with automatic transmission)
3	Category C and vehicles in category C + E which are drawbar trailer combinations
3A	Category C and vehicles in category C + E which are drawbar trailer combinations (limited, in each case, to vehicles with automatic transmission)
Public Service vehicles
Passenger-carrying vehicles
1	Categories D and D + E
1A	Categories D and D + E (limited, in each case, to vehicles with automatic transmission)
2	Categories D and D + E
2A	Categories D and D + E (limited, in each case, to vehicles with automatic transmission)
3	Category D
3A	Category D (limited to vehicles with automatic transmission)
4	Sub-category D1 and vehicles in category D not more than 5.5 metres in length
4A	Sub-category D1 and vehicles in category D not more than 5.5 metres in length (limited, in each case, to vehicles with automatic transmission)

Dual purpose vehicles

42

(1) Except in the case of a vehicle mentioned in paragraph (2), Articles 70 to 79 of the Order and regulations 44 to 48 shall apply to dual purpose vehicles to the extent that they apply to passenger-carrying vehicles.

(2) Articles 70 to 79 of the Order and regulations 44 to 48 shall apply to any dual purpose vehicle which is—

(a) adapted to carry not more than 36 persons in addition to the driver;

(b) driven by a member of the armed forces of the Crown; and

to the extent that they apply to large goods vehicles.

Persons under the age of 21

Large goods vehicles drivers' licences issued to persons under the age of 21: trainee drivers

43

(1) A large goods vehicle driver’s licence issued to a person under the age of 21 shall be subject to the following conditions, prescribed for the purposes of Article 72(1) of the Order[^f00033], namely that—

(a) in the case of any LGV trainee driver’s licence, the holder shall not drive a large goods vehicle of any class in respect of which the licence is issued (or in respect of which it is treated as a provisional licence by virtue of Article 14 of the Order) unless either—

(i) he is a registered employee of a registered employer, and

(ii) the vehicle is a large goods vehicle of a class to which his training agreement applies and is owned or operated by that registered employer or by a registered LGV driver training establishment; or

(b) in the case of a licence holder who is a part-time member of the armed forces of the Crown and the vehicle is owned by the Secretary of State for Defence and used for naval, military or air force purposes.

(2) An LGV trainee driver’s full licence is subject to the conditions that the holder—

(a) is a registered employee of a registered employer;

(b) shall drive only large goods vehicles of a class to which his training agreement applies and which are owned or operated by that registered employer or by a registered LGV driver training establishment; and

(c) shall not drive a vehicle of any class if the vehicle is being used to draw a trailer, otherwise than under the supervision of a person who is present with him in the vehicle and who holds a full large goods vehicle driver’s licence authorising the driving of a vehicle of that class which is not an LGV trainee driver’s licence.

(3) The Holder of an LGV trainee driver’s full licence authorising the driving of a class of large goods vehicles included in category C may not drive large goods vehicles of a class included in category C + E as if he were authorised by a provisional licence to do so before the expiration of a period of two years from the date on which he passed the test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category C.

(4) In this regulation—

“LGV trainee driver’s licence” means a large goods vehicle driver’s licence which— is a licence to drive vehicles of a class included in Category C or C + E; is granted to a person under the age of 21 on the date of the application; and is in force for a period during the whole or part of which the holder is under the age of 21;

“registered”, in relation to an employee, employer or training establishment, means registered for the time being by the Training Committee in accordance with the Training Scheme;

“training agreement”, in relation to an individual who is undergoing, or is to undergo, driver training under the Training Scheme, means the agreement between that individual and a registered employer;

“the Training Committee” means the Northern Ireland Committee for Young LGV Drivers in the Road Goods Transport Industry in Northern Ireland which is referred to in the Training Scheme;

“the Training Scheme” means the scheme which has been established by the Training Committee with the approval of the Department (given for the purpose of regulations under Article 17 of the Order) for training young drivers of large goods vehicles and which provides for— the registration by the Training Committee of employers who are willing and able to provide LGV driver training for persons employed by them; the registration by the Training Committee of persons operating establishments for providing LGV driver training; a syllabus for LGV driver training; and the registration by the Training Committee of individual employees who are undergoing, or are to undergo, LGV driver training in the service of a registered employer in accordance with a form of agreement approved by the Training Committee.

Drivers' conduct

Obligatory revocation of large goods vehicle drivers' licences and disqualification on revocation

44

(1) The prescribed circumstances for the purposes of Article 73(1)(a) of the Order are that, in the case of the holder of a large goods vehicle driver’s licence who is under the age of 21, the counterpart of his ordinary driving licence bears more than one relevant endorsement.

(2) Where a large goods vehicle driver’s licence is revoked under Article 73(1)(a) the cases in which the person whose licence has been revoked must be disqualified indefinitely or for a period, shall be determined by the Department.

(3) Where the Department determines that a person whose licence has been revoked under Article 73(1)(a) is to be disqualified for a period he shall be disqualified until he reaches 21 years of age or for such longer period as the Department may determine.

Applicants for and holders of a licence who are disqualified by order of a court

45

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (4), where a person’s licence is treated as having no effect by virtue of Article 194(4) of the Order the Department may—

(a) order that person to be disqualified indefinitely or for such period as the Department thinks fit under Article 74(2)(a) of the Order; or

(b) except where the licence treated as having no effect by virtue of Article 194(4) is a provisional licence, if it appears to the Department that, owing to the conduct of the person, it is expedient to require him to comply with the prescribed conditions applicable to provisional licences until he passes a test—

(i) prescribed in respect of any category of motor vehicle which he was authorised to drive by that licence, and

(ii) and which, by virtue of these Regulations, he is at that time eligible to take,

order him to be disqualified for holding or obtaining a full licence until he passes such a test under Article 74(2)(b) of the Order.

(2) Where a person’s licence is treated as having no effect by virtue of Article 194(4) of the Order and the Department would have been required to revoke that person’s large goods or passenger-carrying vehicle driver’s licence by virtue of Article 73(1)(a) of the Order and regulation 44 had he not been disqualified by order of a court, the Department must order that person to be disqualified indefinitely or for a period under Article 74(1) of the Order.

(3) The cases in which a person to whom paragraph (2) applies must be disqualified indefinitely or for a period shall be determined by the Department.

(4) Where the Department determines that a person to whom paragraph (2) applies is to be disqualified for a period that person shall be disqualified until he reaches 21 years of age or for such longer period as the Department may determine.

Notice of application for removal of disqualification

46

(1) Where a person who has been disqualified for holding or obtaining a licence intends to apply to a court to remove the disqualification he shall, at least 10 clear days before the day on which the court sits, give notice in writing of his intention to make such application—

(a) where the disqualification was imposed by order of a court of summary jurisdiction, or of a county court on appeal, to the Superintendent of the Royal Ulster Constabulary for the petty sessions district in which the prosecution which resulted in the conviction was originally brought; or

(b) where the disqualification was imposed in any other manner, to the Superintendent of the Royal Ulster Constabulary for the petty sessions district in which was committed the offence for which the person was convicted.

(2) Such notice shall set forth the grounds of the application and shall be given by leaving a copy thereof at the office of the Superintendent, or by forwarding the same by post to him at his office, and shall be in the form set out in Schedule 11.

Removal of disqualification

47

(1) Subject to paragraph (2) and (3) the Department may remove a disqualification under Article 74(4) of the Order, if an application for the removal of the disqualification is made after the expiration of whichever is relevant of the following periods commencing on the date of the disqualification—

(a) two years, if the disqualification is for less than four years;

(b) one half of the period of the disqualification, if it is for less than ten years, but not less than four years;

(2) An application may not be made if the applicant has during the relevant period been convicted (or treated as convicted) of an offence by virtue of which he has incurred any further relevant endorsements.

(3) Where an application under paragraph (1) for the removal of a disqualification is refused, a further such application shall not be entertained if made within three months after the date of refusal.

Part V — Disabilities

Licence groups

48

(1) In this Part—

“Group 1 licence” means a licence in so far as it authorises its holder to drive classes of motor vehicle included in categories A, B, B + E, F, G, H, K, L and P;

“Group 2 licence” means, subject to paragraph (2), a licence in so far as it authorises its holder to drive classes of motor vehicle included in any other category or sub-category; and

“licence” includes, unless the context otherwise requires, a Great Britain licence and a Community licence.

(2) In so far as a licence authorises its holder to drive vehicles of a class included in sub-categories C1, C1 + E (8.25 tonnes), D1 (not for hire or reward) and D1 + E (not for hire or reward) it is a Group 1 licence while it remains in force if—

(a) it was in force at a time before 1st January 1997; or

(b) it was granted upon the expiry of the licence which was in force at a time before 1st January 1997.

(3) A licence shall be a Group 1 licence in so far as it authorises, by virtue of any provision of regulation 5, the driving of a class of motor vehicles which is not included in a category or sub-category specified in relation to a Group 1 licence in paragraph (1) or (2).

Disabilities prescribed in respect of Group 1 and 2 licences

49

(1) The following disabilities are prescribed for the purposes of Article 9(2) of the Order as relevant disabilities in relation to an applicant for, or a person who holds, a Group 1 or Group 2 licence—

(a) epilepsy;

(b) severe mental disorder;

(d) liability to sudden attacks of disabling giddiness or fainting which are caused by any disorder or defect of the heart as a result of which the applicant for the licence or, as the case may be, the holder of the licence has a device implanted in his body, being a device which, by operating on the heart so as to regulate its action, is designed to correct the disorder or defect; and

(e) persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol, whether or not such misuse amounts to dependency.

(2) The disability prescribed in paragraph (1)(d) is prescribed for the purpose of Article 9(4)(b) of the Order in relation to an applicant for a Group 1 or Group 2 licence if the applicant suffering from that disability satisfies the Department that—

(a) the driving of a vehicle by him in pursuance of the licence is not likely to be a source of danger to the public; and

(b) he has made adequate arrangements to receive regular medical supervision by a cardiologist (being a supervision to be continued throughout the period of the licence) and is conforming to those arrangements.

(3) The following disabilities are prescribed for the purposes of paragraphs (a) and (c) of Article 9(4) of the Order namely, any disability consisting solely of any one or more of the following—

(a) the absence of one or more limbs;

(b) the deformity of one or more limbs; or

(4) In this regulation—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), the expression “severe mental disorder” includes mental illness, arrested or incomplete development of the mind, psychopathic disorder and severe impairment of intelligence or social functioning;

(b) in paragraph (2)(b), the expression “cardiologist” means a registered medical practitioner who specialises in disorders or defects of the heart and who, in that connection, holds a hospital appointment;

(c) in paragraph (3), references to a limb include references to a part of a limb, and the reference to loss of use, in relation to a limb, includes a reference to a deficiency of limb movement or power.

Disabilities prescribed in respect of Group 1 licences

50

(1) There is prescribed for the purposes of Article 9(2) of the Order as a relevant disability in relation to an applicant for, or a person who holds, a Group 1 licence, the inability to read in good light (with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn) a registration mark fixed to a motor vehicle and containing letters and figures 79.4 millimetres high at a distance of—

(a) 12.3 metres, in the case of an applicant for a licence authorising only the driving of motor vehicles of a class included in category K; or

(b) 20.5 metres, in any other case.

(2) Epilepsy is prescribed for the purposes of Article 9(4)(b) of the Order if an applicant for a Group 1 licence suffering from epilepsy satisfies one of the following conditions, namely that—

(a) he has been free from any epileptic attack during the period of one year immediately preceding the date when the licence is granted; or

(b) (if not so free from attack) he has had an epileptic attack whilst asleep more than three years before the date when the licence is granted and has had attacks only whilst asleep between the date of that attack and the date when the licence is granted,

and that the driving of a vehicle by him in accordance with the licence is not likely to be a danger to the public.

(3) The disability prescribed in paragraph (1) is prescribed for the purposes of Article 11(5)(b)(ii) of the Order in relation to an applicant for, or a person who holds, a Group 1 licence.

Disabilities prescribed in respect of Group 2 licences

51

(1) There is prescribed for the purposes of Article 9(2) of the Order as a relevant disability in relation to an applicant for, or a person who holds, a Group 2 licence, the inability to read in good light (with the aid of corrective lenses if necessary) a registration mark fixed to a motor vehicle and containing letters and figures 79.4 millimetres high at a distance of 20.5 metres.

(2) There is also prescribed for the purposes of Article 9(2) of the Order as a relevant disability in relation to a person other than an excepted licence holder who is an applicant for or who holds a Group 2 licence, such abnormality of sight in one or both eyes that he cannot meet the relevant standard of visual acuity.

(3) The relevant standard of visual acuity for the purposes of paragraph (2) means—

(a) in the case of a person who—

(i) was the holder of a Group 2 licence or an obsolete vocational licence upon each relevant date specified in column (1) of the Table, and

(ii) if he is an applicant for a Group 2 licence, satisfies the Department that he has adequate recent driving experience and has not during the period of 10 years immediately before the date of the application been involved in any road accident in which his defective eyesight was a contributory factor,

the standard prescribed in relation to him in column (2) of Table 1;

(b) in the case of a person who—

(i) does not fall within sub-paragraph (a), and

(ii) was the holder of a Group 2 licence upon the relevant date specified in column (1) of Table 2,

the standard prescribed in relation to him in column (2) of Table 2;

(c) in the case of any other person, a standard of visual acuity (with the aid of corrective lenses if necessary) of at least 6/9 in the better eye and at least 6/12 in the worse eye and, if corrective lenses are worn, uncorrected acuity of at least 3/60 in both eyes.

(4) There is prescribed in relation to a person—

(a) to whom paragraph (3)(c) applies; and

(b) who is able to meet the relevant standard of visual acuity prescribed in that sub-paragraph only with the aid of corrective lenses;

poor toleration of the correction made by the lenses.

(5) There is prescribed for the purposes of Article 9(2) of the Order as a relevant disability in relation to a person who is an applicant for or who holds a Group 2 licence, sight in only one eye unless—

(a) he held an obsolete vocational licence on 1st April 1991, the Department who granted the last such licence knew of the disability before 1st January 1991, and—

(i) in a case of a person who also held such a licence on 1st January 1983, the visual acuity in his sighted eye is no worse than 6/12, or

(ii) in any other case, the visual acuity in his sighted eye is no worse than 6/9, and

if he is an applicant for a Group 2 licence, he satisfies the Department that he has had adequate recent driving experience and has not during the period of 10 years immediately before the date of the application been involved in any road accident in which his defective eyesight was a contributory factor; or

(b) the person is an excepted licence holder.

(6) Diabetes requiring insulin treatment is prescribed for the purposes of Article 9(2) of the Order in relation to an applicant for or a person who holds a Group 2 licence unless the person suffering from the disability held an obsolete vocational licence on 1st April 1991 and the Department who granted the last obsolete vocational licence knew of the disability before 1st January 1991.

(7) Liability to seizures arising from a cause other than epilepsy is prescribed for the purposes of Article 9(2) of the Order in relation to an applicant for or a person who holds a Group 2 licence.

(8) Epilepsy is prescribed for the purposes of Article 9(4)(b) of the Order in the case of an applicant for a Group 2 licence suffering from epilepsy satisfies the Department that—

(a) during the period of 10 years immediately preceding the date when the licence is granted—

(i) he has been free from any epileptic attack, and

(ii) he has not required any medication to treat epilepsy; and

(b) that the driving of a vehicle by him in accordance with the licence is not likely to be a danger to the public.

(9) In this regulation—

(a) references to measurements of visual acuity are references to visual acuity measured on the Snellen Scale;

(b) “excepted licence holder” means a person who—

(i) was the holder of a licence authorising the driving of vehicles included in sub-categories C1 and C1 + E (8.25 tonnes) which was in force at a time before 1st January 1997, and

(ii) is an applicant for, or the holder of, a Group 2 licence solely by reason that the licence applied for or held authorises (or would, if granted, authorise) the driving of vehicles included in those sub-categories; and

(c) “obsolete vocational licence” means a licence to drive heavy goods vehicles or public service vehicles which was in force at a time before 1st April 1991 (whether or not it was continued in force by Article 4(2) of the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1991[^f00034]).

Column (1)	Column (2)
Person holding Group 2 licence or obsolete vocational licence on—	Standard of visual acuity applicable—
1 1st January 1983 and 1st April 1991	Acuity (with the aid of corrective lenses if necessary) of at least 6/12 in the better eye or at least 6/36 in the worse eye, or uncorrected acuity of at least 3/60 in at least one eye.
2 1st October 1992, but not on 1st January 1983	Acuity (with the aid of corrective lenses if necessary) of at least 6/9 in the better eye or at least 6/12 in the worse eye, or uncorrected acuity of at least 3/60 in at least one eye.
Column (1)	Column (2)
---	---
Person holding Group 2 licence on—	Standard of visual acuity applicable—
1 31st December 1996, but not on 1st October 1992	Acuity (with the aid of corrective lenses if necessary) of at least 6/9 in the better eye and at least 6/12 in the worse eye and, if corrective lenses are needed to meet that standard, uncorrected acuity of at least 3/60 in at least one eye.
2 1st January1997, but not on 31st December 1996	Acuity (with the aid of corrective lenses if necessary) of at least 6/9 in the better eye and at least 6/12 in the worse eye and, if corrective lenses are needed to meet that standard, uncorrected acuity of at least 3/60 in both eyes.

Disabilities requiring medical investigation: High Risk Offenders

52

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the circumstances prescribed for the purposes of paragraph (5) of Article 11 of the Order, under paragraph (4) of that Article, are that the person who is an applicant for, or holder of, a licence—

(a) has been disqualified by an order of a court by reason that the proportion of alcohol in his body exceeded—

(i) 87.5 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath, or

(ii) 200 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood, or

(iii) 267.5 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine;

(b) has been disqualified by order of a court by reason that he has failed, without reasonable excuse, to provide a specimen when required to do so pursuant to Article 18 of the 1995 Order; or

(i) the proportion of alcohol in his breath, blood or urine exceeded the limit prescribed by virtue of Article 16 of the 1995 Order, or

(ii) he was unfit to drive through drink contrary to Article 15 of that Order.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a) a court order shall not be taken into account unless it was made on or after 1st April 1991 and paragraph (1)(c) shall not apply to a person unless the last such order was made on or after 1st April 1991.

Part VI — Supplementary

Transitional provisions

Effect of change in classification of vehicles for licensing purposes

53

(1) In a licence (whether full or provisional) granted before 1st January 1997, a reference to motor vehicles of an old category shall be construed as a reference to motor vehicles of a new category and a reference to motor vehicles of a class included in an old category shall be construed as a reference to vehicles of the class included in the new category.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), a reference in a licence to motor vehicles of an old category (or a class included in that category) includes a reference in a licence granted before 1st January 1991 to a group or class of motor vehicles which is, by virtue of any enactment, to be construed as a reference to vehicles of the old category (or a class included in that category).

(3) If an application for the grant of a licence in respect of a class of motor vehicles included in an old category has been made but the licence has not been granted or refused before the date upon which this regulation comes into force, the application shall be taken on or after that date to be an application in respect of the class included in the new category.

(4) A person who before 1st January 1997 has passed a test prescribed in respect of (or authorising the driving of) motor vehicles of a class included in an old category shall be regarded as having passed a test prescribed in these Regulations authorising the driving of motor vehicles of the corresponding class in the new category.

(5) Where a licence granted before 1st January 1997 authorises only the driving of a class of motor vehicles included in an old category having automatic transmission, it shall authorise the driving of the corresponding class of vehicles in the new category having automatic transmission.

(6) In this regulation—

“old category” and “class included in an old category” means respectively a category (or, as the case may be, a sub-category) and a class of vehicles specified in column (1) of the Table; and

“new category” and “class included in a new category”, in relation to an old category, mean respectively a category (or, as the case may be, a sub-category) and a class of vehicles specified in column (2) of the Table corresponding to the relevant old category or class included therein. TABLE Column (1)Column (2)Old category or classCorresponding new category or class AAB1B1B1, limited to invalid carriagesB1 (invalid carriages)BBB plus EB + EC1C1C1 plus EC1 + E (8.25 tonnes)CCC plus EC + EC plus E, limited to drawbar trailer combinations onlyVehicles in category C + E which are drawbar trailer combinationsD1D1 (not for hire or reward)D1 + ED1 + E (not for hire or reward)D, limited to 16 seatsD1D, limited to vehicles not more than 5.5 metres in lengthD1 and vehicles in category D not more than 5.5 metres in lengthD, limited to vehicles not driven for hire or rewardVehicles in category D which are driven otherwise than for hire or rewardDDD plus ED + EFFGGHHKKLLNNPP

Mobile cranes as exempted goods vehicles

54

Paragraph (1)(c) of regulation 40 (exempted vehicles) shall apply until 1st January 1998 as if the words “other than a mobile crane” were omitted.

Miscellaneous

Persons who become resident in Northern Ireland

55

(1) A person who becomes resident in Northern Ireland who is—

(a) the holder of a relevant permit; and

(b) is not disqualified for holding, or obtaining a licence in Northern Ireland,

shall, during the period of one year after he becomes so resident, be treated for the purposes of Article 3 of the Order as the holder of a licence authorising him to drive all classes of small vehicle which he is authorised to drive by that permit.

(2) The following enactments relating to licences or licence holders shall apply in relation to relevant permits or the holders of such permits (as the case may be) subject to modifications in accordance with the following provisions—

(a) Article 169(1) of the Order (production of licence to court) shall apply as if the reference to a licence were a reference to a relevant permit, but with the omission of the words “for the purpose of endorsement”;

(b) Article 197(3) of the Order (production of licence) shall apply as if the references to a licence were references to a relevant permit, but with the omission of sub-paragraph (b) and the words “for the purpose of endorsement” where they occur;

(c) Article 194(9) of the Order (duty of a court when it orders a disqualification to be removed) shall apply in relation to the holder of a relevant permit as if for the words “endorsed on the licence” onwards there were substituted the words “notified to the Department”;

(d) Article 197(8) of the Order (powers and duties of a court when it orders a disqualification or an endorsement) shall apply in relation to the holder of a relevant permit as if for the words “shall also on the production of the licence” onwards there were substituted the words “shall also on the production of the permit retain it and forward it to the Department which shall keep the permit until the disqualification has expired or been removed or the person entitled to the permit leaves Northern Ireland and in any case has made a demand in writing for its return to him”;

(e) Article 180(2), (3) and (4) of the Order (which authorise a police constable to require the production of a licence)[^f00035] shall apply as if the references to a driving licence or licence were references to a relevant permit; and

(f) Article 174(2) of the Order (forgery of documents, etc.)[^f00036] shall apply as if the reference to a licence were a reference to a relevant permit.

(3) In this regulation “relevant permit” means—

(i) a “domestic driving permit”,

(ii) a “Convention driving permit”, or

(iii) a “British Forces (BFG) driving licence”,

within the meaning of Article 3(7) of the Motor Vehicles (International Circulation) Order (Northern Ireland) 1990[^f00037] which is—

(a) for the time being valid for the purposes for which it was issued; and

(b) is not a domestic driving permit or a British Forces (BFG) driving licence in respect of which any order made, or having effect as if made, by the Department is for the time being in force under Article 2(b) of that Order.

(4) In this regulation, “permit” means a “Convention driving permit”, a “domestic driving permit” or a “British Forces (BFG) driving licence” as defined in Article 3(7) of the Motor Vehicles (International Circulation) Order (Northern Ireland) 1990 not being a domestic driving permit or a British Forces (BFG) driving licence in the case of which any order made, or having effect as if made, by the Department is for the time being in force under Article 2(b) of the said Order.

Revocation

56

The Regulations specified in Schedule 12 are hereby revoked.

SCHEDULE 1 — Categories and Sub-Categories of Vehicle for Licensing Purposes

Part 1

(1)	(2)	(3)
Category or sub-category	Classes of vehicle included	Additional categories and sub-categories
A	Motor bicycle but excluding any motor vehicle in category K	B1, K and P
A1	A sub-category of category A comprising motor bicycles but excluding any motor vehicle in category A or P.	P
B	Motor vehicle, other than a vehicle included in category A, F or P having a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes and not more than 8 seats in addition to the driver’s seat, including— a combination of such a vehicle and a trailer where the trailer has a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 750 kg, and a combination of such a vehicle and a trailer where the maximum authorised mass of the combination does not exceed 3.5 tonnes and the maximum authorised mass of the trailer does not exceed the unladen mass of of the tractor vehicle.	F, K and P
B1	A sub-category of category B comprising motor vehicles having three or four wheels, an unladen weight not exceeding 550 kilograms, a maximum design speed exceeding 50 km per hour and, if powered by an internal combustion engine, a cubic capacity exceeding 50 cubic centimetres.	K and P
B1 (invalid carriages)	A sub-category of category B comprising motor vehicles which are invalid carriages.
B + E	Combination of a motor vehicle and trailer where the tractor vehicle is in category B but the combination does not fall within that category.
C	Any motor vehicle having a maximum authorised mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes, other than a vehicle falling within category D, F, G or H, including such vehicle drawing a trailer having a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 750 kilograms.
C1	A sub-category of category C comprising motor vehicles having a maximum authorised mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes, including such a vehicle drawing a trailer having a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 750 kilograms.
D	Any motor vehicle constructed or adapted for the carriage of passengers having more than 8 seats in addition to the driver’s seat, including such a vehicle drawing a trailer having a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 750 kilograms.
D1	A sub-category of category D comprising motor vehicles having more than 8 but not more than 16 seats in addition to the driver’s seat and including such a vehicle drawing a trailer with a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 750 kilograms.
C + E	Combination of a motor vehicle and trailer where the tractor vehicle is in category C but the combination does not fall within that category.	B + E
C1 + E	A sub-category of category C + E comprising any combination of a motor vehicle and trailer where— the tractor vehicle is in sub-category C1, the maximum authorised mass of the trailer exceeds 750 kilograms but not the unladen weight of the tractor vehicle, and the maximum authorised mass of the combination does not exceed 12 tonnes.	B + E
D + E	Combination of a motor vehicle and trailer where the tractor vehicle is in category D but the combination does not fall within that category.	B + E
D1 + E	A sub-category of category D + E comprising any combination of a motor vehicle and trailer where— the tractor vehicle is in sub-category D1, the maximum authorised mass of the trailer exceeds 750 kilograms but not the unladen weight of the tractor vehicle, the maximum authorised mass of the combination does not exceed 12 tonnes, and the trailer is not used for the carriage of passengers.
F	Agricultural or forestry tractor, but excluding any motor vehicle included in category H.	K
G	Road roller.
H	Track-laying vehicle steered by its tracks.
K	Mowing machine or vehicle controlled by a pedestrian excluding any motor vehicle included in category B.
N	Motor vehicle exempted from duty under section 20A of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994[^f00038].
P	Moped.

Part 2

(1)	(2)	(3)
Category or sub-category	Classes of vehicle included	Additional categories and sub-categories
C1 + E (8.25 tonnes)	A sub-category of category C + E comprising any combination of a motor vehicle and trailer in sub-category C1 + E the maximum authorised mass of which does not exceed 8.25 tonnes.
D1 (not for hire or reward)	A sub-category of category D comprising motor vehicles in sub-category D1 driven otherwise than for hire or reward.
D1 + E (not for hire or reward)	A sub-category of category D + E comprising any combination of a motor vehicle and trailer, motor vehicles in sub-category D1 + E driven otherwise than for hire or reward.
L	Motor vehicle propelled by electric power.

SCHEDULE 2 — Licence Fees

	(1)	(2)
	Description of licence and circumstances of application	Fee payable
1.	A first licence.	£12
2.	A full licence granted in exchange for a full Great Britain licence which was granted under section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1972[^f00039] or section 97 of the Road Traffic Act 1988[^f00040].	£6
3.	A licence granted to an applicant who has previously been granted a provisional licence.	Nil
4.	A renewal licence to remain in force for a period of 10 years under Article 15(1)(a) of the Order.	£12
5.	A renewal licence to remain in force for a period mentioned in Article 15(1)(b) of the Order, i.e. for a period ending on the applicant’s seventieth birthday or for 3 years, whichever is the longer.	£12
6.	A renewal licence to remain in force for a period determined under Article 15(1)(c) of the Order, i.e. granted to an applicant suffering from a relevant or prospective disability.	Nil
7.	A renewal licence where the applicant is aged 70 years or over.	Nil
8.	A licence granted under Article 15(8) of the Order (issue of a new licence in certain circumstances on surrender of a licence (unless no fee is payable)).	£12
9	A provisional licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category C.	£24
10.	A provisional licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category D.	£24
11.	A full Group 2 licence.	£24
12.	A full Group 2 licence granted following the addition of category E entitlement.	£12
13.	A full Group 2 licence where the applicant has been granted a provisional licence for that Group.	Nil
14.	A licence granted by way of replacement of a lost or defaced licence.	£12
15.	A full licence granted upon the expiry of a period of disqualification ordered by a court under Article 152 or Article 196 of the Order.	£12
16.	A licence issued free from endorsement under Article 197(7) of the Order.	£12

In this Schedule—

“first licence” means a licence (other than a licence falling in paragraph 2 of the table granted to a person who has not previously held a licence granted under Article 13 of the Order;

“renewal licence” means a licence granted upon expiry of a previous licence; and

“Group 1 licence” and “Group 2 licence” have the meanings respectively given in regulation 48.

SCHEDULE 3

Part 1

Part 2 SCHEDULE 4 — Fees for Tests

1

A, B1 and P

2

B, F, G, H and K

3

B + E, C1, C1 + E, D1 + E, C, C + E, D and D + E

4

B1, limited to invalid carriages

SCHEDULE 5

Evidence of Identity of Theory Test Candidates

SCHEDULE 6 — Specified Matters for Theory Test

Part 1 — Categories A and P

The specified matters are set out in paragraphs A to G. The person conducting the test shall examine candidates on all the items included in paragraphs A to G but need not examine them on every item mentioned in paragraphs F and G provided that he asks at least one question about them at random.

Road traffic regulation

A

Road traffic regulations including road signs, road markings, signals, rights of way and speed limits.

The driver

B

(1) The importance of alertness and attitudes to other road users.

(2) Perception, judgement and decision-making, including especially reaction time and changes in driver behaviour due to the influence of alcohol, drugs and medicinal products, state of mind and fatigue.

The road

C

(1) The most important principles concerning the observance of safe distance between vehicles, braking distances and roadholding under various weather and road conditions.

(2) Driving risk factors related to various road conditions, in particular as they change with the weather and the time of day or night.

(3) Characteristics of various types of road and the related statutory requirements.

Other road users

D

(1) Specific risk factors related to the lack of experience of other road users and the most vulnerable categories of user such as children, pedestrians, cyclists and people whose mobility is reduced.

(2) Risks involved in the movement and driving of various types of vehicle and of the different fields of view of their drivers.

General rules and regulations and other matters

E

(1) Rules concerning the administrative documents required for the use of vehicles.

(2) General rules specifying how the driver must behave in the event of an accident (setting warning device and raising the alarm) and the measures which he can take to assist road accident victims where necessary.

(3) Safety factors relating to persons carried, including balancing with a passenger.

Road and Vehicle safety

F

(1) Mechanical aspects of the vehicle with a bearing on road safety, i.e. the detection of the most common faults, in particular in the steering, suspension and brake systems, tyres, lights and direction indicators, reflectors, rear-view mirrors, and the exhaust system.

(2) Vehicle safety equipment including, in particular, the use of crash helmets and visors.

Environmental matters

G

Rules regarding vehicle use in relation to the environment, including the appropriate use of audible warning devices, moderate fuel consumption, limitation of pollutant emissions and matters of a similar nature.

Part 2 — Category B

Road traffic regulation

A

Road traffic regulations including road signs, road markings, signals, rights of way and speed limits.

The driver

B

(1) The importance of alertness and attitudes to other road users.

(2) Perception, judgement and decision-making, including especially reaction time and changes in driver behaviour due to the influence of alcohol, drugs and medicinal products, state of mind and fatigue.

The road

C

(1) The most important principles concerning the observance of safe distance between vehicles, braking distances and roadholding under various weather and road conditions.

(2) Driving risk factors related to various road conditions, in particular as they change with the weather and the time of day or night.

(3) Characteristics of various types of road and the related statutory requirements.

Other road users

D

(1) Specific risk factors related to the lack of experience of other road users and the most vulnerable categories of user such as children, pedestrians, cyclists and people whose mobility is reduced.

(2) Risks involved in the movement and driving of various types of vehicle and of the different fields of view of their drivers.

General rules and regulations and other matters

E

(1) Rules concerning the administrative documents required for the use of vehicles.

(2) General rules specifying how the driver must behave in the event of an accident (setting warning device and raising the alarm) and the measures which he can take to assist road accident victims where necessary.

(3) Safety factors relating to persons carried.

Road and Vehicle safety

F

(1) Mechanical aspects of the vehicle with a bearing on road safety, i.e. the detection of the most common faults, in particular in the steering, suspension and brake systems, tyres, lights and direction indicators, reflectors, rear-view mirrors, windscreen and wipers, and the exhaust system and seat belts.

(2) Vehicle safety equipment including, in particular, the use of seat-belts and child safety equipment.

Environmental matters

G

Part 3

The specified matters are set out in paragraphs A and B. The person conducting the test shall examine candidates on all the items included in paragraphs A but need not examine them on every item mentioned in paragraph B provided that he asks at least one question about them at random.

Mandatory matters

A

(1) Rules on vehicle weights and dimensions.

(2) Rules on driving hours, rest periods and the use of the tachograph.

(3) Principles of braking systems and speed governors.

(4) Checks on the condition of tyres, lights, reflectors, steering, brakes, direction indicators and audible warning devices.

(5) Precautions when alighting from the vehicle.

(6) Safety factors relating to vehicle loading.

Random questioning

B

(1) Obstruction of the field of view of the driver and other road users caused by characteristics of the vehicle.

(2) The effect of wind on the course of the vehicle.

(3) Precautions to be taken when cornering because of the danger of splashing spray or mud.

Part 4 — Category D

The specified matters are set out in paragraphs A and B. The person conducting the test shall examine candidates on all the items included in paragraph A but need not examine them on every item mentioned in paragraph B provided that he asks at least one question about them at random.

Mandatory matters

A

(1) Rules on vehicle weights and dimensions.

(2) Rules on driving hours, rest periods and the use of the tachograph.

(3) Principles of braking systems and speed governors.

(4) Rules concerning persons carried.

(5) How to behave in the event of an accident.

(6) Checks on the condition of tyres, lights, reflectors, steering, brakes, direction indicators and audible warning devices.

(7) Precautions when alighting from the vehicle.

(8) Safety factors relating to vehicle loading.

Random questioning

B

(1) Obstruction of the field of view of the driver and other road users caused by characteristics of their vehicles.

(2) The effect of wind on the course of the vehicle.

(3) Precautions to be taken when cornering because of the danger of splashing spray or mud.

SCHEDULE 7 — Specified Requirements for Practical or Unitary Test

Part 1 — Practical Test: Categories A and P

Test candidates must satisfy the examiner as to—

(a) their 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 paragraphs A to E in all respects in accordance with those paragraphs; and

(b) their understanding of how to balance safely with a passenger.

Eyesight

A

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 79.4 millimetres high at a distance of 20.5 metres.

Preparation to drive

B

(1) Adjust rear view mirrors.

(2) Adjust crash helmet.

Technical control of the vehicle

C

(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) Lean over to turn.

(5) Keep balance at various speeds.

(6) Brake accurately to stop, if need be by performing an emergency stop.

(7) Park the vehicle on its stand.

(8) Remove motor bicycle from its stand and move it, without the aid of the engine, by walking alongside it.

(9) Cause the vehicle to face in the opposite direction by driving it forward (a “U-turn”).

Behaviour in traffic

D

(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, traffic wardens, etc.

(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.

Alighting from vehicle

E

Take all precautions necessary when alighting.

Part 2 — Practical Test: Categories B and B + E

(1) Test candidates must, subject to paragraphs 2 and 3, satisfy the examiner as to their 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 paragraphs A to E below in all respects in accordance with those paragraphs.

(2) Any requirement contained in those paragraphs shall, in the case of a test for a licence authorising the driving a motor vehicle in sub-category B1, only be complied with to the extent that it is compatible with the characteristics of the vehicle on which the test is taken.

(3) Requirement F shall only be complied with during a test for a licence authorising the driving of a vehicle of a class included in category B + E and, in the case of a disabled driver, may be carried out through oral questioning.

Eyesight

A

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 79.4 millimetres high at a distance of 20.5 metres.

Preparation to drive

B

(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.

(4) Adjust crash helmet (where appropriate).

Technical control of the vehicle

C

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

(6) In the case of a vehicle in category B1, without reverse gears fitted, cause the vehicle to face in the opposite direction by driving it forward (a “U-turn”).

Behaviour in traffic

D

(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, traffic wardens, etc.

(5) Move off from the kerb and/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.

Alighting from vehicle

E

Take all precautions necessary when alighting.

Trailer

F

Uncouple and recouple trailer.

Part 3 — Practical Test: Categories C and C + E

(1) Test candidates must satisfy the examiner as to their 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 Schedule.

(2) In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category C or C + E or in a sub-category thereof, the manoeuvres and activities mentioned in paragraph A to C and F below are prescribed.

(3) In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category C or C + E or in sub-category C1 + E, the manoeuvres and activities mentioned in paragraph D are also prescribed.

(4) In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category C + E or sub-category C1 + E, the activity mentioned in paragraph E is prescribed.

Preparation to drive

A

(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.

Technical control of the vehicle

B

(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, 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.

Behaviour in traffic

C

(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, traffic wardens, etc.

(5) Move off from the kerb and/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.

Larger vehicles: speed reduction and steering

D

(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.

Trailers

E

Uncouple and re-couple trailer or semi-trailer from and to the tractor vehicle.

Vehicle safety

F

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

Part 4 — Practical Test: Categories D and D + E

(1) Test candidates must satisfy the examiner as to their 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 Schedule.

(2) In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category D or D + E or in a sub-category thereof, the manoeuvres and activities mentioned in paragraph A to C and F below are prescribed.

(3) In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category D or D + E or in sub-category D1 + E, the manoeuvres and activities mentioned in paragraph D are also prescribed.

(4) In the case of candidates taking a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles of a class included in category D + E or sub-category D1 + E, the activity mentioned in paragraph E is prescribed.

Preparation to drive

A

(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.

Technical control of the vehicle

B

(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, 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.

Behaviour in traffic

C

(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, traffic wardens, etc.

(5) Move off from the kerb and/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.

Larger vehicles: speed reduction and steering

D

(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.

Trailers

E

Uncouple and re-couple trailer or semi-trailer from and to the tractor vehicle.

Vehicle safety

F

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

Part 5 — Unitary Test: Categories F, G, H and K

(1) Read in good daylight (with the aid of corrective lenses if worm) a registration mark fixed to a motor vehicle and containing letters and figures 79.4 millimetres high at a distance of—

(a) 12.3 metres, in the case of a unitary test conducted in respect of a vehicle included in category K;

(b) 20.5 metres in any other case.

(2) Start the engine of the vehicle.

(3) Move away straight ahead or at an angle.

(4) Overtake, meet or cross the path of other vehicles and take an appropriate course.

(5) Turn right-hand and left-hand corners correctly.

(6) Stop the vehicle in an emergency and normally and, in the latter case, bring it to rest in an appropriate part of the road.

(7) In the case of category F and K, be fully conversant with the contents of the Highway Code.

Part 6 — Unitary Test: Categories F and G

(1) Carry out manoeuvres involving the use of reverse gear (except in a case where the vehicle is not fitted with a means of reversing).

(2) Indicate intended actions at appropriate times by giving appropriate signals in a clear and unmistakable manner.

In the case of a test taken on a vehicle with a left-hand drive or by a disabled person for whom it is impracticable or undesirable to give signals by arm, there shall be no requirement to give signals which cannot be given by mechanical means.

(3) Act correctly and promptly on all signals given by traffic signs and traffic controllers and take appropriate action in relation to signs given by other road users.

Part 7 — Unitary Test: Category H

(1) Indicate intended actions at appropriate times by giving appropriate signals in a clear and unmistakable manner.

In the case of a test taken on a vehicle with a left-hand drive or by a disabled person for whom it is impracticable or undesirable to give signals by arm, there shall be no requirement to give signals which cannot be given by mechanical means.

(2) Act correctly and promptly on all signals given by traffic signs and traffic controllers and take appropriate action in relation to signs given by other road users.

(3) Drive the vehicle backwards and cause it to face in the opposite direction by means of its tracks.

SCHEDULE 8 — Upgraded Entitlements on Passing Second Test etc.

(1) Test prescribed in respect of—	Prescribed test also passed for—	Prescribed test also passed for—
	(2) Category C + E	(3) Sub-category C1 + E
D	D + E	D1 + E
D1	D1 + E	D1 + E
(A) Automatic test pass—	Manual test pass in category (or sub-category)—	Manual test pass in category (or sub-category)—
---	---	---
	(1)	(2)
	C1	C
C1	—	—
C	—	—
C1 + E	—	C1 + E
C + E	—	—
D1	D1	D1
D	—	D
D1 + E	—	D1 + E
D + E	—	—

SCHEDULE 9

Forms of Certificate and Statement of Theory Test Result

SCHEDULE 10

Forms of Certificate and Statement of Practical and Unitary Test Result

SCHEDULE 11

Notice of Intention to Apply for Removal of Disqualification

ROAD TRAFFIC (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 1981

SCHEDULE 12 — Regulations Revoked

Title	Year and Number
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Large Goods and Passenger-Carrying Vehicles) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991	S.R. 1991 No. 100
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Large Goods and Passenger-Carrying Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992	S.R. 1992 No. 30
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Large Goods and Passenger-Carrying Vehicles) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992	S.R. 1992 No. 375
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Large Goods and Passenger-Carrying Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1993	S.R. 1993 No. 106
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994	S.R. 1994 No. 365
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Large Goods and Passenger-Carrying Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994	S.R. 1994 No. 366
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995	S.R. 1995 No. 152
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Large Goods and Passenger-Carrying Vehicles) (Test Fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995	S.R. 1995 No. 156
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (Test Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996	S.R. 1996 No. 141
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996	S.R. 1996 No. 197
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996	S.R. 1996 No. 299
Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Large Goods and Passenger-Carrying Vehicles) (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996	S.R. 1996 No. 305

Signed

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of the Environment on 21st November 1996.

J. Ritchie — Assistant Secretary

The Department of Finance and Personnel approves regulations 7, 10, 16, 21, 22, 23 and 24.

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Finance and Personnel on 21st November 1996.

D. Thomson — Assistant Secretary

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations.)

These Regulations consolidate with amendments the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994 and the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Large Goods and Passenger-Carrying Vehicles) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991 and the regulations which amended them as specified in Schedule 12 to these Regulations. The amendments have been made for the purpose of implementing that part of Council Directive 91/439/EEC of 29th July 1991 (O.J. No. L237, 24.8.91, p. 1) relating to driving tests and for general purposes.

The principal changes made to those regulations which are revoked are as follows—

(a) the categories of vehicle for licensing and testing purposes have been brought into line with the categories specified in the Directive (regulations 3, 4, 5 and 29 and Schedule 1);

(b) eligibility to apply for a provisional licence for the categories of larger vehicle is staged and depends upon the possession of a licence to drive smaller vehicles (regulation 8);

(c) the specifications for vehicles which must be provided for tests have been modified (regulation 26) and photographic evidence of identity is required at tests (regulation 27(2) and (4) and Schedule 5); and

(d) a test pass in a category B vehicle (motor cars and small goods vehicles) does not automatically confer entitlement to drive medium-sized goods vehicles and small buses (categories C1 and D1), for which separate tests must now be passed (regulations 29 and 32 and Schedules 1, 6 and 7);

(e) driving tests for medium-sized and large goods and passenger-carrying vehicle drivers' licences are divided into two parts, a theory test and a practical test, and the content of the practical tests has been modified (regulation 29 and Schedules 6 and 7);

(f) access to licences authorising the riding of larger motor cycles is permitted only after the expiration of a period of two years commencing on the date on which a test was passed to drive smaller motor cycles (regulation 33);

(g) the medical standards required in respect of licences are modified (regulations 48 to 51) by—

(i) the creation of two groups, Group 1 including the smaller and slower vehicles and Group 2 including medium-sized and large goods vehicles and all passenger-carrying vehicles, and

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