Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations replace Part III of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994 which relates to driving tests and make certain other incidental and minor amendments.
The principal changes made concern driving tests for vehicles in categories A (motor bicycles), B (motor cars and small goods vehicles) and P (mopeds) to give effect to the second Council Directive on driving licences 91/439/EEC (O.J. No. L237, 29.7.91, p.1) as regards those categories of vehicle. The new tests are divided into two parts, a theory test and a practical test, the requirements for each part being specified. Other tests remain unchanged as unitary tests.
The Regulations in particular make provision for—
persons who may conduct practical tests;
persons to be appointed by the Department to conduct theory tests;
the Department to revoke approvals in respect of persons authorised to conduct practical tests on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence and the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary;
exemptions from the theory test;
mandatory presentation of licences at tests;
the specification of vehicles to be provided for each type of test;
the theory test to be passed before a practical test can be taken (subject to temporary transitional arrangements); and
the issue of certificates and statements evidencing the results of tests.
The fee for a theory test conducted by an appointed person is set at £16·50. The fees for practical and unitary tests, which were introduced on 3rd June 1996, remain unchanged.
The Regulations come into operation in so far as is necessary to enable persons to apply for tests on 3rd June and for all other purposes on 1st July 1996.
The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (Test Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 are hereby revoked as a consequence of these Regulations.
Copies of the EEC Directive referred to in this note can be obtained from Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 16 Arthur Street, Belfast.