Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1987 by replacing the part relating to driving tests and making 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, No. 91/439/EEC^f1, 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.

As regards tests, the Regulations make provision in particular for—

• persons to be appointed by the Secretary of State to conduct theory tests;

• a trainer booking facility for theory tests prescribed for categories A and P;

• 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 transitional arrangements);

• the issue of certificates and statements giving the results of tests;

• the fee for a theory test conducted by an appointed person to be £15.

The fees for practical and unitary tests (which were last increased in May 1995) remain unchanged.

The Regulations also make provision limiting the validity of a certificate of successful completion of a motor cycle basic training course to 3 years.

The Regulations come into force for the booking of tests on 1 June and for the tests themselves on 1 July 1996.