Specialist vehicle practical test
- What will the test include?
- How will the test be carried out?
- Driving test standards
- Weather conditions/ mechanical problems etc
The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:
- can drive safely
- complete the set exercises
- know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving
What will the test include?
All practical driving tests for specialist vehicles include an eyesight test and an emergency stop. If you fail the eyesight test your test will not continue. For more details see the Practical test eyesight requirements.
For categories B1, F or G (fitted with a reverse gear), you will be asked two safety check questions after the eyesight check.
You will then be examined on your general driving and on at least one of these special exercises:
• reversing around a corner
• turning in the road
• reverse parking
Category H driving tests require you to drive the vehicle backwards and to turn your vehicle around, using its tracks, to face in the opposite direction. Your examiner will explain how you should perform this manoeuvre.
Category K driving tests do not include a reversing section.
At the end of the category F, G, H or K practical drive you will be asked five questions on the Highway Code and other motoring matters. You will also be asked a sixth question about six traffic signs.
How will the test be carried out?
This depends on the type of vehicle you use for the test.
Category B1 constructed like a car, with side-by-side front seats.
This test will be carried out as a car test, with the examiner sitting alongside you giving instructions and watching how you drive.
Category B1 with controls and seating similar to a motorcycle.
This test will be carried out as a motorcycle test, except that the 'U' turn, wheeling without the use of the engine and the 'Balance' question will be omitted. The examiner will follow you on a motorcycle or in a car, giving you instructions over a radio system that the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) provides.
When booking your test, make it clear which type of vehicle you will be using.
Categories F, G, H, K vehicles are usually only single seat, or with a passenger seat where the examiner would not be able to watch the driver. For these tests the examiner will give you instructions at the side of the road and watch how you drive as you go around left and right circuits.
For very slow vehicles, such as pedestrian-controlled vehicles, your examiner may walk along near you where he or she can watch your driving.
Driving test standards
All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same standard, they do not have pass or fail quotas. So as long as you demonstrate the standard required you will pass your driving test.
Weather conditions/ mechanical problems etc
The Driving Standards Agency do not conduct tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner. We will arrange another appointment at no further cost, but compensation is not payable. Candidates should call the telephone number quoted on the appointment letter to check whether their test will go ahead.
If the driving test is not completed for reasons attributable to you or your vehicle, you will have to take another test at your own cost.
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Page last updated: 22/05/2008