There are a number of documents which you need to produce at the start of the driving test. These are to ensure that the test is conducted legally. These documents must contain the relevant information and be valid for the day of the test. You will also be asked to sign an insurance declaration stating that the test vehicle is insurance for the purposes of the test. The documents are listed below:
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If you are unable to produce your driving licence (both parts) there are a number of possible alternative documents which can be used. You can view this additional information by selecting the "Evidence for the test" Link.
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The examiner will ask you a series of show me tell me questions relating to vehicle safety. Below is a list of sample questions which you can expect to be asked: -
LGV
- Show me where you would drain the air tanks please.
- Please demonstrate how you would check for an air leak
- Please demonstrate the correct procedure for alighting from the vehicle.
A more comprehensive list of show me tell me questions can be viewed by clicking on the following link: -
More detailed information can be found in
Lorry show me tell me questions (pdf, 185Kb) [top]
At the start of the test the examiner will give you a short introduction explaining what the test entails. S/he will advise you on how long the test will take (approximately 60mins) and what it will include. S/he will inform you that you will have a number of manoeuvres to carryout during the test; some off which will be carried out within the confines of the test centre. These are listed below:
Reverse in an S-shaped curve * (See 'Manoeuvring Area' Link)
A Braking Exercise - (Emergency Stop)*
Gear Change Exercise
* Carried out off road within the test Centre
On tests that include a trailer (Category 'E') the examiner will ask you to perform an additional exercise - Uncoulping & Re-coupling of the trailer. This will be performed within the test centre after the reversing exercise and before the braking exercise.
(Explanatory notes can be viewed by clicking on this link 'Uncoulping & Recoupling')
You will also be asked to carry out an Angle Start (move off from behind a parked car) and several Normal Stops (moving off from the side of the road).
The examiner will advise you to follow the road ahead unless directed otherwise. S/he will explain that if you do not understand the instructions you should let her / him know and s/he will clarify what they have asked you to do.
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At the end of all tests (pass or fail) the examiner will offer you a brief explanation of the faults marked on your driving test report ( DL9V). The debrief will aim to give you a 'word picture' of your performance during the test. It will include all the serious and dangerous faults recorded if you have failed and a selection of the repeated driving faults if you have passed. If you fail as a consequence of accumulating more than 15 driving faults, all the faults will be explained.
The examiners will ask you at this point if you would like to have your instructor or accompanying driver present during the de-brief. It is important therefore to have this individual near bye at the conclusion of the test. The examiner will not have the time for you to going looking for them.
We would encourage you to avail of this service as the feedback that you get, pass or fail, will benefit you during your driving career.
If your instructor / accompanying driver is not present during this process the examiner will not be able to discuss your performance once the test has concluded.
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Any vehicle or vehicle/trailer combination presented for use at test must meet minimum test vehicle standards. These standards are part of European Community Legislation on Driver Licensing. Northern Ireland as a member of the European Union is obliged to comply with these requirements.
Minimum Test Vehicle (MTV) Table:
| Category | Specification |
|---|
C1
(In the case of a vehicle first used before 30th September 2003) | Any vehicle in sub-category Cl having a maximum authorised mass of 4,000 kilograms and capable of a speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level.
|
C1
(In the case of a vehicle first used on or after 30th September 2003) | Any vehicle in sub-category C1 having a maximum authorised mass of 4,000 kilograms, with a length of at least five metres and capable of a speed of at least 80 kilometres per hour on the level; fitted with anti-lock brakes and equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No. 3821/85; The cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and (when in position) as high as the cab.
|
C1+E
(In the case of a vehicle first used before 30th September 2003)
| A combination of a minimum test vehicle for sub-category Cl and a trailer having a maximum authorised mass of 2,000 kilograms, the overall length of which is 8 metres and which is capable of a speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level.
|
C1+E
(In the case of a vehicle first used on or after 30th September 2003) | A combination of a minimum test vehicle for sub-category C1 and a trailer having a maximum authorised mass of 2,000 kilograms; this combination shall be at least eight metres in length and capable of a speed of at least 80 kilometres per hour on the level; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and at least as high as the corresponding dimensions of the tractor vehicle; the closed box body may also be slightly less wide than the tractor vehicle provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the tractor vehicle.
|
C
(In the case of a vehicle first used before 30th September 2003) | Any vehicle in category C, other than an articulated goods vehicle, having a maximum authorised mass of 10,000 kilograms and a length of 7 metres which is capable of a speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level.
|
C
(In the case of a vehicle first used on or after 30th September 2003) | Any vehicle in category C other than an articulated goods vehicle having a maximum authorised mass of 12,000 kilograms, a length of at least eight metres, a width of at least 2.40 metres and capable of a speed of at least 80 kilometres per hour on the level; fitted with anti-lock brakes, equipped with a gearbox having at least eight forward gears and recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No. 3821/85; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and at least as high as the corresponding dimensions of the cab.
|
C+E
(In the case of a vehicle first used before 30th September 2003) | Either-
(a) an articulated goods vehicle combination having a maximum authorised mass of 18,000 kilograms and a length of 12 metres which is capable of a 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 4 metres and a maximum authorised mass of 4 tonnes, which has, in aggregate, a maximum authorised mass of 18,000 kilograms and an overall length of 12 metres and which is capable of a speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level.
|
C+E
(In the case of a vehicle first used on or after 30th September 2003) | Either-
(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 a 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 a speed of 80 kilometres per hour on the level.
The relevant cargo compartment of the articulated goods vehicle combination or the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the corresponding dimensions of the cab or tractor vehicle.
|
| Important Information | Any vehicle used for a practical test in category B+E, C1, C1+E, C, C+E, D1, D1+E, D or D+E must be fitted with an exterior nearside mirror and an exterior offside mirror providing adequate rearward vision from the seat occupied by the examiner |
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Relating to Categories C1, C & C+E
Since 30 September, 2003 new higher, minimum test vehicle standards have been introduced for vehicles brought into first use (first registration) from that date.
Vehicles Registered BEFORE 30 September 2003
For any vehicle brought into/first use (first registration) before 1 October, 2003 the higher standards will apply.
Age of Vehicle
The age of the vehicle is to be determined by the date that the vehicle was brought into first use - more commonly known as the date of first registration. For vehicle/trailer combinations it is the prime mover that determines the age of the vehicle:
If a vehicle/trailer combination is presented for test with a prime mover first registered in September 2000, drawing a trailer that was purchased from the manufacturer in October 2003, it is the prime mover that determines the age of the vehicle and therefore what minimum test standards will apply to that vehicle. In this case the vehicle will have to meet the existing standards in effect before 30 September, 2003.
If a vehicle/trailer combination is presented for test with a prime mover first registered in October 2003 drawing a trailer that was purchased from the manufacturer in September 2000, this combination will have to meet the new higher minimum test vehicle standards. This is because the prime mover was first registered after 30 September 2003.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Under separate EU legislation all trailers manufactured after 1 May 2002 with a MAM over 3500 kgs must be fitted with ABS therefore, ABS must be fitted on both the prime mover and the trailer for category C vehicles brought into/first use from 1 October, 2003.
Closed Box Body/Trailers
The Closed Box Body cargo compartment or Closed Box trailer can be curtain-sided. This applies to both manual and automatic vehicles.
Explanation of Acronyms Used
Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) = the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle, trailer or vehicle/trailer combination. [top]
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