The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment)(No. 4) Regulations 2003

• Citation: S.I. 2003/2003
• Sections: 123

Section 1 Citation, commencement and interpretation

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2003 and shall come into force—

(a) as to all regulations except regulation 5, on 1st September 2003, and

(b) as to regulation 5, on 1st October 2003.

(2) In these Regulations “ the principal Regulations ” means the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 .

Section 2 Amendment of regulation 23 of the principal Regulations (persons by whom theory tests may be conducted)

For regulation 23(1)(d) of the principal Regulations substitute—

(d) In England and Wales, a person appointed by the chief officer of any fire brigade maintained in pursuance of the Fire Services Act 1947 or, in Scotland, by the firemaster of such a brigade, for the purpose of testing members of any fire brigade maintained in pursuance of that Act.

Section 3 Amendment of regulation 24 of the principal Regulations (persons by whom practical and unitary tests may be conducted) and consequential amendments to regulations 35 and 48 of the principal Regulations

(1) Regulation 24 of the principal Regulations is amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (4) as follows.

(2) For paragraph (1)(c) substitute—

(c) In England and Wales, a person appointed by the chief officer of any fire brigade maintained in pursuance of the Fire Services Act 1947 or, in Scotland, by the firemaster of such a brigade, for the purpose of testing members of any fire brigade maintained in pursuance of that Act.

(3) Omit paragraph (1)(e).

(4) In each of paragraphs (3) and (5) for “(b), (c), (d), (e) or (f)” substitute “ (b), (c), (d) or (f) ” .

(5) In regulation 35(1) of the principal Regulations for “24(1)(b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) or (2)(b)” substitute “ 24(1)(b), (c), (d) or (f) or (2)(b) ” .

(6) In regulation 48(3) of the principal Regulations for “(b), (c), (d), (e), or (f)” substitute “ (b), (c), (d) or (f) ” .

Section 4 Amendment of regulation 30 of the principal Regulations (fees for theory tests)

For regulation 30(1) of the principal Regulations substitute—

(1) The fee payable for a theory test to be conducted by an appointed person in respect of any category of motor vehicle is £20.50 and is payable to the Secretary of State.

Section 5 Amendment of regulation 37 of the principal Regulations (test vehicles)

(1) Subject to paragraph (6), regulation 37 of the principal Regulations is amended as follows.

(2) For paragraph (1) substitute—

(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the prescribed practical or unitary test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles included in a category shown in column (1) of the Table at the end of this regulation must be conducted in a vehicle having a power, mass, size or other specification, equivalent to or (except in the case of a test prescribed in respect of category F, G, H, K or P) greater than that shown, and conforming to such description as may be set out, in relation to that category in column (2) of the Table.

(3) For paragraph (2) substitute—

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the prescribed practical test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles included in a sub-category shown in column (1) of the Table at the end of this regulation must be conducted in a vehicle having a power, mass, size or other specification, equivalent to or greater than that shown, and conforming to such description as may be set out, in relation to that sub-category in column (2) of the Table.

(4) Insert after regulation 37(10)—

(10A) A person submitting himself for a practical test prescribed in respect of category C, C+E, D, or D+E shall provide a motor vehicle which is fitted with an anti-lock braking system and a tachograph.

(10B) A person submitting himself for a practical test prescribed in respect of category C or C+E shall provide a motor vehicle which has at least eight forward ratios.

(5) For the table at the end of regulation 37 of the principal Regulations substitute the following table—

(a) an articulated goods vehicle combination having a maximum authorised mass of 20,000 kilograms, a length of at least 14 metres and a width of at least 2.4 metres, and which is capable of an unassisted speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level, or

(b) a combination of a minimum test vehicle for category C and a trailer having a length of at least 7.5 metres (each having a width of at least 2.4 metres), a maximum authorised mass of 4,000 kilograms, and which has, in aggregate, a maximum authorised mass of 20,000 kilograms and an overall length of 14 metres and which is capable of an unassisted speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level.

(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Section 6 Amendment of regulation 47 of the principal Regulations (evidence of results of theory test)

In regulation 47(8) of the principal Regulations for “£7.50” substitute “ £10 ” .

Section 7 Amendment of Schedule 8 to the principal Regulations (specified requirements for practical or unitary test) concerning vehicle safety checks and vehicle manoeuvres

For Schedule 8 to the principal Regulations substitute the Schedule set out in the Schedule to these Regulations.

F Alighting from vehicle

Take all precautions necessary when alighting.

Section 1 C. Preparation to drive

Adjust rear view mirrors.

Section 1 Technical control of the vehicle

Start the engine and move off smoothly (uphill and downhill as well as on the flat).

Section 1 E. Behaviour in traffic

Observe (including the use of the rear view mirrors) road alignment, markings, signs and potential or actual risks.

Section 1 B. Vehicle Safety Checks

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

Section 1 C. Preparation to drive

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

Section 1 D. Technical control of the vehicle

Start the engine and move off smoothly (uphill and downhill as well as on the flat).

Section 1 E. Behaviour in traffic

Observe (including the use of the rear view mirrors) road alignment, markings, signs and potential or actual risks.

Section 1 A. Vehicle Safety Checks

In the case of a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in category C only, on 5 occasions demonstrate (or at the test conductor’s discretion describe how to perform) a check on, at the test conductor’s discretion, either—

(a) the condition and safety of a component of the vehicle specified in paragraph 3;

(b) the condition and safety of one of the following; the body of the vehicle, any sheeting used in respect of a load on the vehicle, a load itself, anything intended to secure such a load, the vehicle’s cabin locking (if any), or its cargo doors (if any); or

(c) the vehicle’s tachograph or any other part of the dashboard instrument panel.

Section 1 B. Preparation to drive

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

Section 1 C. Technical control of the vehicle

Start the engine and move off smoothly (uphill and downhill as well as on the flat).

Section 1 D. Behaviour in traffic

Observe (including the use of the rear view mirrors) road alignment, markings, signs and potential or actual risks.

Section 1 E. Larger vehicles: speed reduction and steering

Check the power-assisted braking and steering systems.

Section 1 A. Vehicle safety checks

In the case of a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in category D only, on 5 occasions demonstrate (or at the test conductor’s discretion describe how to perform) a check (chosen at the test conductor’s discretion) on the condition and safety of either—

(a) a component of the vehicle (chosen at the test conductor’s discretion) listed in paragraph 3; or

(b) a feature (chosen at the test conductor’s discretion) of the vehicle listed in paragraph 4.

Section 1 B. Preparation to drive

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

Section 1 C. Technical control of the vehicle

Start the engine and move off smoothly (uphill and downhill as well as on the flat).

Section 1 D. Behaviour in traffic

Observe (including the use of the rear view mirrors) road alignment, markings, signs and potential or actual risks.

Section 1 E. Larger vehicles: speed reduction and steering

Check the power-assisted braking and steering systems.

Section 1

Either—

(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 millimetres high and 57 millimetres wide at a distance of—

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

(ii) 20.5 metres, in any other case, or

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

(i) 12 metres, in the case of a test conducted in respect of a vehicle included in category K;

(ii) 20 metres, in any other case.

Section 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).

Section 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.

Section 2 C. Preparation to drive

Adjust crash helmet.

Section 2

Accelerate to a suitable speed while maintaining a straight course, including during gear-changes.

Section 2 E. Behaviour in traffic

Communicate with other road users using the authorised means.

Section 2 B. Vehicle Safety Checks

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

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

(b) the condition and safety of one of the following; the body of the trailer, any sheeting used in respect of a load on the trailer, a load itself, anything intended to secure such a load, the trailer’s cabin locking (if any), or its cargo doors (if any); or

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

Section 2 C. Preparation to drive

Adjust rear view mirrors, head restraint and seat belt.

Section 2 D. Technical control of the vehicle

Accelerate to a suitable speed while maintaining a straight course, including during gear-changes.

Section 2 E. Behaviour in traffic

Communicate with other road users using the authorised means.

Section 2 A. Vehicle Safety Checks

In the case of a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in category C+E only, demonstrate on one occasion, and describe on a second occasion how to perform, a check (chosen at the test conductor’s discretion) on the condition and safety of either—

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

(b) one of the following: the body of the trailer, any sheeting used in respect of a load on the trailer, a load itself, anything intended to secure such load, or the trailer’s cargo doors (if any); or

(c) the coupling mechanism or the brake and electrical connection between the tractor vehicle and the trailer.

Section 2 B. Preparation to drive

Adjust rear view mirrors and seat belt.

Section 2 C. Technical control of the vehicle

Accelerate to a suitable speed while maintaining a straight course, including during gear-changes.

Section 2 D. Behaviour in traffic

Communicate with other road users using the authorised means.

Section 2 E. Larger vehicles: speed reduction and steering

Use the various braking systems.

Section 2 A. Vehicle safety checks

In the case of a test for a licence authorising the driving of vehicles in category D+E only, demonstrate on one occasion, and on a second occasion describe how to perform, a check (chosen at the test conductor’s discretion) on the condition and safety of either—

(a) a component (chosen at the test conductor’s discretion) of the vehicle or trailer (as relevant) listed in paragraph 3;

(b) a feature (chosen at the test conductor’s discretion) of the vehicle or trailer (as relevant) listed in paragraph 4; or

(c) the coupling mechanism or the brake and electrical connection between the tractor vehicle and the trailer.

Section 2 B. Preparation to drive

Adjust rear view mirrors and seat belt.

Section 2 C. Technical control of the vehicle

Accelerate to a suitable speed while maintaining a straight course, including during gear-changes.

Section 2 D. Behaviour in traffic

Communicate with other road users using the authorised means.

Section 2 E. Larger vehicles: speed reduction and steering

Use the various braking systems.

Section 2

Start the engine of the vehicle.

Section 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.

Section 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.

Section 3

Adjust speed to negotiate left or right turns at junctions, possibly in restricted spaces, while maintaining control of the vehicle.

Section 3

React appropriately in actual risk situations.