Driving Test, Disabilities & The Law

On a wet road, by how much should the stopping distance be expected to increase compared with a dry road?

• AAt least double✓
• BBy about one quarter
• CIt remains the same
• DBy roughly ten percent

Answer: On a wet road stopping distances at least double because tyre grip is reduced and braking is less effective. In icy conditions the distance can increase to ten times the dry-road figure.

During the practical driving test, how is a 'dangerous' fault defined?

• AA fault involving actual danger to the candidate, examiner, public or property✓
• BA minor error that is repeated more than three times
• CAny fault that causes the examiner to take notes
• DA habit that could become a serious fault over time

Answer: A dangerous fault is one that involves actual danger to the candidate, the examiner, other road users or property. A single dangerous fault results in a test failure.

How many driving (minor) faults can a candidate accumulate and still pass the practical driving test?

• AUp to 15 driving faults, provided none is serious or dangerous✓
• BUp to 6 driving faults only
• CAny number, as long as none is dangerous
• DUp to 20 driving faults

Answer: A candidate may accumulate up to 15 driving faults and still pass, provided no single serious or dangerous fault is recorded. Sixteen or more driving faults, or any serious or dangerous fault, results in a fail.

What distinguishes a 'serious' fault from a 'driving' (minor) fault on the practical test?

• AA serious fault is potentially dangerous, while a driving fault is not in itself dangerous✓
• BA serious fault always involves a collision
• CA driving fault automatically fails the test
• DThere is no practical difference between the two

Answer: A serious fault is one that is potentially dangerous, even if no actual danger occurred, whereas a driving fault is a minor error that is not in itself dangerous. A single serious fault fails the test, but driving faults only fail it if 16 or more are recorded.

What is the minimum eyesight standard a candidate must meet before the practical driving test begins?

• ARead a number plate from 20 metres (current style) in good daylight✓
• BRead a number plate from 50 metres at night
• CIdentify colours on a chart held at arm's length
• DRead text from a handheld card at 10 metres

Answer: Before the test a candidate must read a current-style number plate from a distance of 20 metres in good daylight, wearing glasses or lenses if normally used. Failure to meet this standard ends the test immediately and is recorded as a fail.

Under what condition can a disabled person who cannot use their legs still meet the requirements to drive a car?

• ABy driving a vehicle fitted with appropriate adaptations such as hand controls✓
• BOnly as a passenger with a qualified driver present
• CThey are permanently barred from holding a licence
• DOnly on private land away from public roads

Answer: A disabled person who cannot use their legs can drive a car fitted with suitable adaptations, such as hand controls for acceleration and braking. The licence may be coded to require those adaptations to be present.

What is the minimum age at which a person can normally apply to take the car (category B) driving test in Great Britain?

• A17 years old✓
• B16 years old
• C18 years old
• D21 years old

Answer: A person can normally drive and take the category B car test from the age of 17. Those receiving the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment may drive a car from 16.

A driver must inform the DVLA of which of the following medical conditions that may affect driving?

• AConditions such as epilepsy, certain heart conditions and diabetes treated with insulin✓
• BA common cold lasting under a week
• CA minor sprained ankle
• DTemporary tiredness after a long shift

Answer: Drivers are legally required to notify the DVLA of notifiable conditions such as epilepsy, certain heart conditions and insulin-treated diabetes, as these can affect fitness to drive. Failing to declare a notifiable condition is an offence that can result in a fine.