Minimum Test Vehicles
This information is not intended to be a definitive statement of law.
This section explains the minimum requirements for vehicles that must be used by candidates for driving tests.
See also ... What are the vehicle category descriptions and minimum age requirements? and
Table of Minimum Vehicle Categories
These requirements are set out in the Second EC Directive on the Driving Licence 91/439/EEC) and in The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 (Statutory Rules of Northern Ireland 1996 no.542). They apply to all the countries within the European Union, thus harmonising licensing and testing standards.
In this section, reference is made to the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of vehicles
and trailers.
This should be taken to mean the permissible maximum weight, also known as gross vehicle weight.
All test vehicles and vehicle combinations must be unladen except for fixed items that are characteristic of the category of vehicle to which it belongs.
All vehicle combinations used for tests in categories B+E, C1+E, D1+E, C+E, and D+E must be equipped with suitable coupling and braking systems designed for use when the trailer is fully laden.
In addition, vehicles used for all types of D category test must normally allow the examiner to see the road behind the vehicle clearly from the deck on which the driver is seated without using any optical aid.
Minimum Speed Requirements
60kph = 37.6mph
80kph = 50mph
100kph = 62.5mph
Further information on driving tests or minimum test vehicle requirements may be obtained from the
Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA),
Balmoral Road, Belfast,
BT12 6QL.
The telephone number is 028 9068 1831. Lines are open between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays.
To book a Theory Test please telephone 0845 600 6 700.
