ANNEX II
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVING TESTS AND KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND BEHAVIOUR FOR DRIVING A POWER-DRIVEN VEHICLE
Part I
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVING TESTS
Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that applicants for driving licences possess the knowledge and skills and exhibit the behaviour required for driving a power-driven vehicle. The tests introduced to this effect must consist of:
(a)
a theory test;
(b)
following successful participation in the theory test, a test of skills and behaviour.
The conditions under which these tests shall be conducted are set out below.
Title A
THEORY TEST
1. Form
The form chosen shall be such as to make sure that the applicant has the required knowledge of the subjects listed in points 2, 3 and 4.
Any applicant for a driving licence in one category who has passed a theory test for a driving licence in a different category may be exempted from the common provisions of points 2, 3 and 4.
Member States may exempt applicants from the questions regarding the basic knowledge of first aid as referred to in point 2, point (e), where the applicant has completed certified first aid practical training, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), any time before the test of skills and behaviour is taken.
2. Content of the theory test concerning all vehicle categories
Questions shall be asked on each of the topics listed in the following points, the content and form of the questions being left to the discretion of each Member State:
(a)
road traffic regulations, in particular as regards road signs, markings and signals, rights of way and speed limits;
(b)
the driver:
(i)
importance of alertness and of attitude towards other road users, including micro-mobility users;
(ii)
general perception, including hazard perception, judgment and decision-taking, especially reaction time, as well as changes in driving behaviour due to the influence of alcohol, drugs or medicinal products, state of mind or fatigue;
(iii)
impacts on the risk of distraction due to the use of mobile phones or other electronic devices while driving and the safety consequences thereof;
(c)
the road:
(i)
the most important principles concerning the observance of a safe distance between vehicles, braking distances and road holding under various weather and road conditions, including, in particular, snow and slippery conditions;
(ii)
driving risk factors related to various road conditions, including the perception and anticipation of hazards, in particular as they change with the weather and the time of day or night;
(iii)
the characteristics of various types of road and the related statutory requirements;
(iv)
adaptation of driving behaviour to the layout of the route, in particular to ensure safe driving in road tunnels, as well as driving uphill and downhill;
(v)
detection of blind spots;
(d)
other road users:
(i)
specific risk factors related to the lack of experience of other road users, especially in respect of vulnerable road users who enjoy a lesser degree of protection in traffic compared to users of motor vehicles, and who are directly exposed to the forces of collisions. This category includes children, pedestrians, cyclists, users of powered two-wheel vehicles, users of personal mobility devices, and persons with disabilities or reduced mobility or orientation;
(ii)
risks involved in the movement of, interaction with, and driving of various types of vehicles that differ with regard to their mass, their dimensions and the field of view of their drivers, including vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving systems;
(iii)
the proper and timely use of direction indicators;
(e)
general rules and regulations and other matters:
(i)
rules concerning the administrative documents required for the use of vehicles;
(ii)
general rules specifying how the driver must behave in the event of an accident (setting warning devices and raising the alarm), including rules on how to behave if an emergency vehicle is approaching, and what to do at the site of a collision, and the measures which the driver can take to assist road accident victims where necessary, including basic knowledge of first aid, in particular CPR;
(iii)
safety factors relating to the vehicle, the load and persons carried;
(iv)
knowledge of safety aspects related to alternatively-fuelled vehicles;
(f)
precautions necessary when alighting from the vehicle, including ensuring that it is safe to open the vehicle door, and that doing so will not create a hazard for other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and micro-mobility users;
(g)
mechanical aspects with a bearing upon road safety; applicants must be able to detect the most common faults, in particular in the steering, suspension and braking systems, tyres, lights and direction indicators, reflectors, rear-view mirrors, windscreen and wipers, the exhaust system, seat-belts and the audible warning device;
(h)
vehicle safety equipment and, in particular, the use of seat-belts, head restraints, child safety equipment;
(i)
charging of electrical vehicles;
(j)
rules and aspects regarding vehicle use in relation to the environment, including as regards electrical vehicles: appropriate use of audible warning devices, moderate fuel or energy consumption, limitation of emissions (greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, noise and microparticles from tyre, brake and road wear etc.);
(k)
advantages, limitations and risks associated with advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving systems. The importance of their differences and safe usage, as well as driver interaction, driver obligations and how the systems can impact the driver’s awareness and behaviour. This includes the field of use of the systems, the possibility of take-over requests generated by the systems, and the subsisting obligations of the driver while the systems are active.
3. Specific provisions concerning categories A1, A2 and A
Compulsory check of general knowledge on:
(a)
the use of protective outfits, such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmets;
(b)
the visibility of motorcycle riders for other road users;
(c)
risk factors related to various road conditions as laid down in point 2, point (c), with additional attention to slippery parts such as drain covers, road markings such as lines and arrows, tram rails;
(d)
mechanical aspects with a bearing on road safety, as laid down in point 2, point (g), with additional attention to the emergency stop switch, the oil levels and the chain.
4. Specific provisions concerning categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E
(1)
Compulsory check of general knowledge on:
(a)
rules on driving hours and rest periods as defined by Regulation (EC) No 561/2006; use of the recording equipment defined by Regulation (EU) No 165/2014;
(b)
rules concerning the type of transport concerned: goods or passengers;
(c)
vehicle and transport documents required for the national and international carriage of goods and passengers;
(d)
how to behave in the event of an accident; knowledge of measures to be taken after an accident or similar occurrence, including emergency action such as evacuation of passengers and basic knowledge of first aid;
(e)
the precautions to be taken during the removal and replacement of wheels;
(f)
rules on vehicle weights and dimensions; rules on speed limiters;
(g)
purpose and use of endurance braking systems;
(h)
obstruction of the field of view caused by the characteristics of their vehicles, particularly regarding the detection of vulnerable road users at the front and the sides of the vehicle;
(i)
(optional) reading a road map, route planning, including the use of electronic navigation systems;
(j)
safety factors relating to vehicle loading: controlling the load (stowing and fastening), difficulties with various kinds of load (for instance liquids, hanging loads, etc.), loading and unloading goods and the use of loading equipment (categories C, CE, C1, C1E only);
(k)
the driver’s responsibility in respect of the carriage of passengers; the comfort and safety of passengers, and in particular persons with disabilities or reduced mobility; transport of children; necessary checks before driving away; all sorts of buses shall be covered by the theory test, such as public service buses and coaches and buses with special dimensions (categories D, DE, D1, D1E only).
(l)
Member States may exempt applicants for a driving licence for a category C1 or C1E vehicle outside the scope of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 from demonstrating their knowledge of the subjects listed in point 4.(1), points (a) to (c).
(2)
Compulsory check of general knowledge on the following additional provisions concerning categories C, CE, D and DE:
(a)
the principles of the construction and functioning of: internal combustion engines, fluids (for instance engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), the fuel system, the electrical system, the ignition system, the transmission system (clutch, gearbox, etc.);
(b)
lubrication and antifreeze protection;
(c)
the principles of the construction, the fitting, correct use and care of tyres;
(d)
the principles of the types, operation, main parts, connection, use and day-to-day maintenance of brake fittings and speed governors, and use of anti-lock brakes;
(e)
the principles of the types, operation, main parts, connection, use and day-to-day maintenance of coupling systems, including the various trailer to truck coupling mechanisms, taking into account the fifth wheel coupling for articulated vehicles (for semi-trailers), and drawbar hitch coupling for drawbar trailers (rigid truck), as well as the standard operating procedures and protocols for connecting and disconnecting trailers from trucks while using those coupling mechanisms (categories CE, DE only);
(f)
methods of locating causes of breakdowns;
(g)
preventive maintenance of vehicles and necessary running repairs;
(h)
the driver's responsibility in respect of the receipt, carriage and delivery of goods in accordance with the agreed conditions (categories C, CE only).
Title B
TEST OF SKILLS AND BEHAVIOUR
5. The vehicle and its equipment
(1) Vehicle transmission
(a)
The driving of a vehicle with manual transmission shall be subject to the passing of a skills and behaviour test taken on a vehicle with manual transmission.
‘Vehicle with manual transmission’ means a vehicle in which a clutch pedal (or lever operated manually for categories A, A2 and A1) is present and must be operated by the driver when starting or stopping the vehicle and changing gears.
(b)
Vehicles that do not meet the criteria laid down in point 5.(1), point (a), shall be considered to have automatic transmission.
Without prejudice to point 5.(1), point (c), if an applicant takes the test of skills and behaviour on a vehicle with automatic transmission this shall be recorded on any driving licence issued on the basis of such a test with the relevant Union code set out in Annex I, Part E. Driving licences with this indication shall be used only for driving vehicles with automatic transmission.
The Union code described in the second subparagraph shall not be recorded on, or shall subsequently be removed from, a category A1, A2, A, B1, B or BE driving licence if the applicant or holder passes a dedicated test of skills and behaviour or completes a dedicated training, which may occur before or after the test of skills and behaviour on a vehicle with automatic transmission.
Member States shall take the necessary measures to:
(i)
approve and supervise the dedicated training, which may be part of the general driver training; or
(ii)
organise the dedicated test of skills and behaviour.
Vehicles used for the training or the test covered by this point shall be with manual transmission and shall fall within the category of the driving licence for which the participants have applied.
The training shall contain all aspects covered in points 6 or 7 of this Annex, with particular attention paid to the operation of the vehicle transmission. Each participant shall perform the practical components of the training and demonstrate his or her skills and behaviour on public roads. The duration of the training shall be at least 7 hours.
The length of the test of skills and behaviour and the distance travelled shall be sufficient to assess the skills and behaviour laid down in points 6 or 7 of this Annex, with particular attention paid to the operation of the vehicle transmission.
(c)
Specific provisions concerning vehicles of category BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 and D1E
Member States may decide that no restriction to vehicles with automatic transmission shall be recorded on the driving licence for a category BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E vehicle referred to in point 5.(1), point (b), when the applicant already holds a driving licence without the restriction provided for under point (b) in at least one of the following categories: B, BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E, and has performed the actions described in point 8.(4) during the test of skills and behaviour.
(2) The vehicles used in tests of skills and behaviour shall comply with the minimum criteria referred to in this point. Member States may make provisions for more stringent criteria or may add other criteria. Member States may apply to vehicles of category A1, A2 and A, used in the test of skills and behaviour, a tolerance of 5 cm 3 below the required minimum cylinder capacity.
(a)
Category A1:
Category A1 motorcycle without sidecar, with a power rating not exceeding 11 kW and with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0,1 kW/kg, and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h.
If the motorcycle is powered by an internal combustion engine, the cylinder capacity of the engine shall be at least 120 cm 3 .
If the motorcycle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0,08 kW/kg;
(b)
Category A2:
Motorcycle without sidecar, with a power rating of at least 20 kW but not exceeding 35 kW and with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0,2 kW/kg.
If the motorcycle is powered by an internal combustion engine, the cylinder capacity of the engine shall be at least 250 cm 3 .
If the motorcycle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0,15 kW/kg;
(c)
Category A:
Motorcycle without sidecar, the unladen mass of which is more than 180 kg, with a power rating of at least 50 kW. A tolerance of 5 kg below the required minimum mass may be accepted by the Member State.
If the motorcycle is powered by an internal combustion engine, the cylinder capacity of the engine shall be at least 600 cm 3 .
If the motorcycle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0,25 kW/kg.
(d)
Category B:
A four-wheeled category B vehicle capable of a speed of at least 100 km/h;
(e)
Category BE:
A combination, made up of a category B test vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1 000 kg, capable of a speed of at least 100 km/h, which does not fall within category B; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the motor vehicle; the closed box body may alternatively be slightly less wide than the motor vehicle, provided that a view to the rear is possible only by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the motor vehicle; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total mass;
(f)
Category B1:
A motor-powered quadricycle capable of a speed of at least 60 km/h; or, if the driving licence authorises the driving of vehicles referred to in Article 9(4), first subparagraph, point (c), the vehicle used in tests of skills and behaviour shall meet the conditions stated in that point.
(g)
Category C:
A category C vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least 12 000 kg, a length of at least 8 m, a width of at least 2,40 m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes, equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EU) No 165/2014; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the driver compartment; the vehicle shall be presented with a minimum of 10 000 kg real total mass;
(h)
Category CE:
Either an articulated vehicle or a combination of a category C test vehicle and a trailer of at least 7,5 m in length; both the articulated vehicle and the combination shall have a maximum authorised mass of at least 20 000 kg, a length of at least 14 m and a width of at least 2,40 m, shall be capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h, fitted with anti-lock brakes, equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EU) No 165/2014; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the driver compartment; both the articulated vehicle and the combination shall be presented with a minimum of 15 000 kg real total mass; it is recommended, as good practice, that the vehicle be equipped with a fifth wheel and a gearbox with at least eight forward ratios;
(i)
Category C1:
A category C1 vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least 4 000 kg, with a length of at least 5 m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes and equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EU) No 165/2014; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the driver compartment; when the candidate is not to be tested on that candidate’s ability to use recording equipment, the vehicle need not be equipped with recording equipment;
(j)
Category C1E:
A combination made up of a category C1 test vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1 250 kg; this combination shall be at least 8 m in length and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the driver compartment; the closed box body may alternatively be slightly less wide than the driver compartment provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the motor vehicle; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total mass;
(k)
Category D:
A category D vehicle with a length of at least 10 m, a width of at least 2,40 m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes and equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EU) No 165/2014;
(l)
Category DE:
A combination made up of a category D test vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1 250 kg, a width of at least 2,40 m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least 2 m wide and 2 m high; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total mass;
(m)
Category D1:
A category D1 vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least 4 000 kg, with a length of at least 5 m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes and equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EU) No 165/2014;
(n)
Category D1E:
A combination made up of a category D1 test vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1 250 kg and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least 2 m wide and 2 m high; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total mass;
6. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories A1, A2 and A
(1) Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road safety
Applicants shall demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to ride safely, by satisfying the following requirements:
(a)
adjust the protective outfit, such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet;
(b)
perform random checks on the condition of the tyres, brakes, steering, emergency stop switch, if applicable, chain, oil levels, lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device.
(2) Special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on road safety:
(a)
putting the motorcycle on and off its stand and moving it, without the aid of the engine, by walking alongside the vehicle;
(b)
parking the motorcycle on its stand;
(c)
at least two manoeuvres to be executed at slow speed, including a slalom; this shall allow competence to be assessed in handling of the throttle, brake, balance, vision direction and position on the motorcycle and the position of the feet on the foot rests; If the test is taken on a motorcycle with manual transmission, it shall be in combination with handling of the clutch.
(d)
at least two manoeuvres to be executed at higher speed, of which one manoeuvre at least shall be at a minimum speed of 30 km/h and one manoeuvre shall include avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50 km/h; this shall allow competence to be assessed in the position on the motorcycle, vision direction, balance and steering technique. If the test is taken on a motorcycle with manual transmission, one manoeuvre must be performed in second or third gear; this shall allow competence to be assessed in technique of changing gears;
(e)
braking: at least two braking exercises shall be executed, including an emergency braking at a minimum speed of 50 km/h; this shall allow competence to be assessed in handling of the front and rear brake, vision direction and the position on the motorcycle;
(f)
making a U turn, if possible.
(3) Behaviour in traffic
Applicants shall perform all the following actions in normal traffic situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions:
(a)
riding away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway;
(b)
riding on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces;
(c)
riding around bends;
(d)
crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions;
(e)
changing direction, including adequate use of indicators; left and right turns; changing lanes;
(f)
approach to /exit from motorways or similar, if available: joining from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;
(g)
overtaking/passing: overtaking other road users including vulnerable road users, if possible; riding alongside obstacles, for instance parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic and anticipating the blind spots of other vehicles, if appropriate;
(h)
special road features, if available: roundabouts; railway level crossings, tram/bus stops, pedestrian crossings, bicycle lanes, paying due attention; riding up-/downhill on long slopes; tunnels;
(i)
reacting and anticipating to hazardous situations; by way of derogation from the obligation to perform the actions in normal traffic situations, the actions shall be performed only where the hazardous situation is encountered accidentally; alternatively, simulators may be used for the testing of these skills;
(j)
taking the necessary precautions when getting off the vehicle.
7. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories B, B1 and BE
(1) Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road safety
Applicants shall demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to drive safely by satisfying the following requirements:
(a)
adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position;
(b)
adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints, if available;
(c)
checking that the doors are closed;
(d)
performing random checks on the condition of the tyres, steering, brakes, fluids (for instance engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device;
(e)
checking the safety factors relating to vehicle loading: body, sheets, cargo doors, cabin locking, way of loading, securing load (category BE only);
(f)
checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical connections (category BE only).
(2) Categories B and B1: special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on road safety
A selection of the following manoeuvres shall be tested (at least two manoeuvres for the four points, including one in reverse gear):
(a)
reversing in a straight line or reversing right or left around a corner while keeping within the correct traffic lane;
(b)
turning the vehicle to face the opposite way, using forward and reverse gears;
(c)
parking the vehicle and leaving a parking space (parallel, oblique or right-angle, forwards or in reverse, on the flat, uphill or downhill);
(d)
braking accurately to a stop; however, performing an emergency stop is optional.
(3) Category BE – special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on road safety:
(a)
coupling and uncoupling, or uncoupling and re-coupling a trailer from its motor vehicle; the manoeuvre must involve the towing vehicle being parked alongside the trailer, i.e. not in one line;
(b)
reversing along a curve, the line of which shall be left to the discretion of the Member States;
(c)
parking safely for loading/unloading.
(4) Behaviour in traffic
Applicants shall perform all the following actions in normal traffic situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions:
(a)
driving away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway;
(b)
driving on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces;
(c)
driving around bends;
(d)
crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions;
(e)
changing direction with making adequate use of indicators: left and right turns; changing lanes;
(f)
approach and exit of motorways or similar, if available: joining from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;
(g)
overtaking and passing: overtaking other road users including vulnerable road users, anticipating blind spots, if possible; driving alongside obstacles, for instance parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic, if appropriate;
(h)
independent driving following road signs, if possible;
(i)
special road features, if available: roundabouts; railway level crossings, tram/bus stops, pedestrian crossings, bicycle lanes, paying due attention; driving up- and downhill on long slopes; tunnels;
(j)
entering and alighting from the vehicle, including ensuring that it is safe to open the vehicle door and that doing so will not create a hazard for other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and micro-mobility users, with particular emphasis on opening the door with the hand furthest from it;
(k)
reacting and anticipating to hazardous situations; by way of derogation from the obligation to perform the actions in normal traffic situations, the actions shall be performed only where the hazardous situation is encountered accidentally; alternatively, simulators may be used for the testing of these skills.
8. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 and D1E
(1) Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road safety
Applicants shall demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to drive safely by satisfying the following requirements:
(a)
adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position;
(b)
adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if available;
(c)
random checks on the condition of the tyres, steering, brakes, lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device;
(d)
checking the power-assisted braking and steering systems; checking the condition of the wheels, wheel nuts, mudguards, windscreen, windows and wipers, fluids (for instance engine oil, coolant, washer fluid); checking and using the instrument panel, including the recording equipment as defined in Regulation (EU) No 165/2014. This latter requirement does not apply to applicants for a driving licence for a category C1 or C1E vehicle not falling within the scope of that Regulation;
(e)
checking the air pressure, air tanks and the suspension;
(f)
checking the safety factors relating to vehicle loading: body, sheets, cargo doors, loading mechanism, if available, cabin locking, if available, way of loading, securing load (categories C, CE, C1, C1E only);
(g)
checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical connections (categories CE, C1E, DE, D1E only);
(h)
being capable of taking special vehicle safety measures; controlling the body, service doors, emergency exits, first aid equipment, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment (categories D, DE, D1, D1E only);
(i)
(optional) reading a road map, route planning, including the use of electronic navigation systems.
(2) Driving the towing vehicle without trailer (categories C1E, CE, D1E and DE only)
If the driver is not already entitled to drive the vehicles in categories C1, C, D1 and D, respectively, competence for driving the towing vehicle must be ensured before driving in traffic with a connected trailer.
(3) Special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on road safety:
(a)
coupling and uncoupling, or uncoupling and re-coupling a trailer from its motor vehicle; the manoeuvre must involve the towing vehicle being parked alongside the trailer, i.e. not in one line (categories CE, C1E, DE, D1E only);
(b)
reversing along a curve, the line of which shall be left to the discretion of the Member States;
(c)
making a U turn, if possible;
(d)
parking safely for loading/unloading at a loading ramp/platform or similar installation (categories C, CE, C1, C1E only);
(e)
parking to let passengers on or off the bus safely (categories D, DE, D1, D1E only).
(4) Behaviour in traffic
Applicants shall perform all the following actions in normal traffic situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions:
(a)
driving away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway;
(b)
driving on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces;
(c)
driving around bends;
(d)
crossroads: approaching and crossing intersections and junctions;
(e)
changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes;
(f)
approach and exit of motorways or similar, if available: joining from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;
(g)
overtaking and passing: overtaking other road users including vulnerable road users, anticipating blind spots (if possible); driving alongside obstacles, for instance parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate);
(h)
special road features, if available: roundabouts; railway level crossings, tram/bus stops, pedestrian crossings, bike lanes, paying due attention; driving up- and downhill on long slopes; tunnels;
(i)
reacting to and anticipating hazardous situations; by way of derogation from the obligation to perform the actions in normal traffic situations, the actions shall be performed only where the hazardous situation is encountered accidentally; alternatively, simulators may be used for the testing of these skills;
(j)
entering and alighting from the vehicle, including ensuring that it is safe to open the vehicle door and that doing so will not create a hazard for other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and micro-mobility users.
(5) Safe and energy-efficient driving:
Driving in such a way as to ensure safety and to reduce fuel or energy consumption and emissions during acceleration, deceleration, uphill and downhill driving (eco-driving).
9. Marking of the test of skills and behaviour
(1)
For each of the driving situations set out in points 6, 7 and 8, the assessment shall reflect the degree of ease with which the applicant handles the vehicle controls and that applicant’s demonstrated capacity to drive in traffic in complete safety. The examiner must feel safe throughout the test. Driving errors or dangerous conduct immediately endangering the safety of the test vehicle, its passengers or other road users shall be penalised by failing the test, whether or not the examiner or accompanying person has to intervene. The examiner shall nevertheless be free to decide whether the skills and behaviour test shall be completed.
Driving examiners shall be trained to assess correctly the applicants’ ability to drive safely. The work of driving examiners shall be monitored and supervised by a body authorised by the Member State and fulfilling the requirements set out in Annex IV, point 4.(1), point (e), to ensure correct and consistent application of fault assessment in accordance with the standards laid down in this Annex.
(2)
During their assessment, driving examiners shall pay special attention to whether an applicant is showing defensive and social driving behaviour. This shall reflect the overall style of driving, and the driving examiner shall take this into account in their overall assessment of the applicant’s driving. This shall include adapted and determined (i.e. safe) driving, taking into account road and weather conditions, other traffic and the interests of other road users, in particular vulnerable road users, and anticipation by the applicant.
(3)
The driving examiner shall, furthermore, assess whether the applicant:
(a)
controls the vehicle, taking into account: proper use of safety belts, driving assistance systems and automated driving systems, rear-view mirrors, head restraints; seat; proper use of lights and other equipment; proper use, where applicable, of clutch, gearbox, accelerator, braking systems (including third braking system, if available), steering; controlling the vehicle under various circumstances, at various speeds; steadiness on the road; the weight and dimensions and characteristics of the vehicle; the weight and type of load (categories BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, DE, D1E only); the comfort of the passengers (categories D, DE, D1, D1E only) (no fast acceleration, driving smoothly and avoiding hard braking);
(b)
drives economically and in a safe and energy-efficient way, taking into account the revolutions per minute, changing gears, braking and accelerating (categories B, BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E only);
(c)
complies with observation rules: all-round observation; proper use of mirrors; far, middle, and near distance observation;
(d)
observes rights of way and gives way: observes priority at crossroads, intersections and junctions; giving way at other occasions (for instance when changing direction, changing lanes, during special manoeuvres);
(e)
has a correct position on the road: proper position on the road, in lanes, on roundabouts, around bends, suitable for the type and the characteristics of the vehicle; pre-positioning;
(f)
keeps distance: keeping adequate distance to the front and the side; keeping adequate distance from other road users, in particular from vulnerable road users;
(g)
observes speed limits and recommendations: not exceeding the maximum allowed speed; adapting speed to weather and traffic conditions, and where appropriate up to national speed limits; driving at such a speed that stopping within distance of the visible and free road is possible; adapting speed to the general speed of the same kind of road users;
(h)
observes traffic lights, road signs and other indications: acting correctly at traffic lights; obeying instructions from traffic controllers; acting correctly at road signs (prohibitions or commands); takes appropriate action at road markings;
(i)
observes signaling: gives signals where necessary, correctly and properly timed; indicating directions correctly; taking appropriate action with regard to all signals made by other road users;
(j)
controls braking and stopping: decelerating in time, braking or stopping according to circumstances; anticipation; using the various braking systems (only for categories C, CE, D, DE); using speed reduction systems other than the brakes (only for categories C, CE, D, DE).
10. Length of the test
The length of the test and the distance travelled shall be sufficient to assess the skills and behaviour laid down in Title B of this Annex. In no circumstances shall the time spent driving on the road be less than 25 minutes for categories A, A1, A2, B, B1 and BE, or 45 minutes for the other categories. This time shall not include the reception of the applicant, the preparation of the vehicle, the technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road safety, the special manoeuvres, the assurance of competence according to point 8(2) or the announcement of the outcome of the practical test.
11. Location of the test
The part of the test assessing special manoeuvres may be conducted on a special testing ground. Wherever practicable, the part of the test to assess behaviour in traffic shall be conducted on roads outside built-up areas, expressways or motorways (or similar), as well as on all kinds of urban streets (residential areas, 30 and 50 km/h areas, urban expressways) which shall represent the various types of difficulty likely to be encountered by drivers. It is also desirable for the test to take place in various traffic density conditions. The time spent driving on the road shall be used in an optimal way to assess the applicant in all the various traffic areas that may be encountered, with a special emphasis on changing between those areas.
Part II
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND BEHAVIOUR FOR DRIVING A POWER-DRIVEN VEHICLE
Drivers of all power-driven vehicles shall at all times have the knowledge, skills and behaviour described under Part I, points 1 to 9, with a view to being able to:
(a)
recognise and anticipate traffic dangers and hazards and assess their seriousness;
(b)
have command of their vehicle sufficient not to create dangerous situations and to react appropriately should such situations occur;
(c)
comply with road traffic regulations, in particular with those intended to prevent road accidents and to maintain the flow of traffic;
(d)
detect any major technical faults in their vehicles, in particular those posing a safety hazard, and have them remedied in an appropriate fashion;
(e)
take account of all the factors affecting driving behaviour (for instance alcohol, fatigue, poor eyesight, use of electronic devices etc.) so as to retain full use of the faculties needed to drive safely;
(f)
help ensure the safety of all road users, and in particular of vulnerable road users, by showing due respect for others;
(g)
have sufficient knowledge of risk factors related to cyclists, pedestrians and micro-mobility users;
(h)
have sufficient knowledge of safety related to the use of alternatively-fuelled vehicles;
(i)
have sufficient knowledge of the use of advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving systems.
Member States may implement the appropriate measures to ensure that drivers who no longer display the knowledge, skills and behaviour described in Part I, points 1 to 9, can recover that knowledge and those skills, and will continue to exhibit the behaviour required for driving a power-driven vehicle.
