MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 1
SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 65.18
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) 
REGULATIONS
2nd January, 2004;
29th March, 2004
LEGAL NOTICE 191 of 2002, as amended by Legal Notice 14 of 2004.
P A R T  I
PRELIMINARY
Title.
Licences) Regulations.
Interpretation.
Amended by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
2. In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires:
''agricultural tractor'' means any power-driven vehicle running on
wheels or tracks, having at least two axles, the principal function of
which lies in its tractive power, which is specially designed to pull,
push, carry or operate certain tools, machines or trailers used in
connection with agricultural operations, and the use of which for
carrying persons or goods by road or drawing, on the road, vehicles
used for the carriage of persons or goods is only a secondary
function;
''authorisation'' means any authorisation in writing by the
competent authority in terms and for the purposes of these
regulations;
Cap. 386.
''company'' has the same meaning as is assigned to it in article 2
of the Companies Act;
Cap. 332.
established under the Malta Transport Authority Act;
''competent medical authority'' means a medical practitioner or a
group of medical practitioners; 
''counterpart driving licence'' means a document accompanying
the photocard driving licence containing the driver’s personal
details, driving entitlements, driving offences and other relevant
information;
''Director'' means the head of the Licensing and Testing
Directorate;
''Directorate'' means the Licensing and Testing Directorate
within the Malta Transport Authority;
''domestic driving permit'', in relation to a country outside Malta
and the European Union, means a document issued under the law of
that country, and authorising the holder to drive motor vehicles, or
a specified class or description of motor vehicles, in that country;
''driving disqualification'' means any measure related to the
commission of a road traffic offence which results in the
withdrawal or the suspension of the right to drive of a driver of a
motor vehicle and which disqualification shall not be subject to a
right of appeal.   The measure may constitute either a primary,
2 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
secondary or supplementary penalty or a safety measure and may
have been taken either by a judicial authority or by an
administrative authority;
''dual control system'' means a system with double clutch
controls and double foot brake controls and which may include two
steering wheels;
''European Union driving licence'' means a valid driving licence
issued by a Member State; 
''examination of ability to give instruction'' means the
examination referred to in regulation 68(1) and the nature of which
is prescribed in the Eleventh Schedule;
''full driving licence'' means a driving licence which is not a
probationary driving licence;
''g.v.w.'' means gross vehicle weight;
''gross vehicle weight'' means the road weight specified by the
manufacturer as being the maximum design weight capacity of the
vehicle, such weight being the combined weight of the vehicle, the
maximum specified load, the driver, and a tank full of fuel;
''learner’s permit'' means a temporary licence which allows a
person to drive a motor vehicle under instruction; 
''licensed driving instructor'' means an individual duly qualified
to hold a licence issued by the competent authority to carry out
driving instruction according to these regulations;
''licensed operator'' means an individual, partnership or company
licensed by the competent authority in accordance with these
regulations to operate a motoring school;
''Malta'' has the same meaning as is assigned to it in article 124
of the Constitution of Malta;
''medical certificate'' means a certificate issued by a competent
medical authority based on the standards indicated in the Eighth
Schedule;
''Member State'' means any Member State of the European
Union;
''minimum test vehicle'' means, in relation to any category or
sub-category, a vehicle of a specification shown in relation to the
category or sub-category in the Third Schedule;
''Minister'' means the Minister responsible for transport; 
''motor vehicle'' means any power-driven vehicle, other than a
motorcycle, which is normally used for carrying persons or goods
by road or for drawing, on the road, vehicles used for the carriage
of persons or goods, and includes trolleybuses, that is, vehicles
connected to an electric conductor and not rail-borne; it shall not
include agricultural or forestry tractors;
''motorcycle'' means any two-wheeled power-driven vehicle with
or without a sidecar;
''normal residence'' means the place where a person habitually
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 3
lives, for at least 185 days in each calendar year, because of
personal and occupational ties, or, in the case of a person with no
occupational ties, because of personal ties which show close links
between that person and the place where he is living:
Provided that, the normal residence of a person whose
occupational ties are in a different place from his personal ties and
who consequently lives in turn in different places situated in two or
more Member States shall be regarded as being the place of his
personal ties, provided that such person returns there regularly.
This last condition need not be met where the person is living in a
Member State in order to carry out a task of a definite duration.
Attendance at a university or school shall not imply transfer of
normal residence;
Cap. 386.
''partnership'' includes an association, not registered under the
Companies Act, between two or more persons;
''photocard driving licence'' means a credit card format document
which displays the driver’s photograph, details, signature and
driving entitlements;
''power to weight ratio'', in relation to a motorcycle, means the
ratio of the maximum net power output of the engine of the vehicle
to its weight, including the weight of any sidecar, with -
( a ) full supply of fuel in the tank, 
( b ) an adequate supply of other liquids needed for its
propulsion, and
( c ) no load other than its normal equipment, including
loose tools; 
''power-driven vehicle'' means any self-propelled vehicle running
on a road under its own power, other than a rail-borne vehicle;
''probationary driving licence'' means a licence granted to new
drivers for a probationary period of not more than three years at the
time of passing their theory test and the test of skills and behaviour
in respect of Categories A and B vehicles;
''public highway'' means national arterial, distributor, access and
local access roads;
''public transport vehicle'' means any motor vehicle authorised by
the Public Transport Directorate, within the Malta Transport
Authority, to carry passengers for hire and/or reward; 
''State of residence'' means the State within the territory of which
the person who has been disqualified from driving has his normal
residence:
''State of the offence'' means the State within the territory of
which the road traffic offence that has given rise to a driving
disqualification was committed;
''test of continued ability and fitness to give instruction'' means
the test referred to in regulation 69 and the nature of which is
prescribed in the Twelfth Schedule;
''tricycle'' and ''quadricycle'' mean respectively any three and
four-wheeled vehicle in Category B with a maximum design speed
4 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
of over 45km/h or powered by a spark-ignition internal combustion
engine with a cubic capacity of more than 50 cm³ or any other
engine of equivalent power. The unladen mass shall not exceed 550
kilograms. The unladen mass of electrically propelled vehicles
shall not take account of the battery mass;
''under instruction'' means accompanied and supervised by either
a licensed driving instructor or a driver with at least five years
experience in respect of the particular class of vehicle which the
learner is driving;
''valid driving licence'' means a driving licence issued either by
the competent authority, under the provisions of these regulations,
or issued by another country which is recognised by the competent
authority and provided that the said licence -
( a ) is neither expired, suspended, withdrawn or cancelled,
( b ) covers the category of vehicle being driven, and
( c ) is used by its holder in conformity with any conditions
included on the driving licence;
''vehicle with automatic transmission'' means a vehicle in which
the gear ratio between the engine and the wheels can be varied only
by use of the accelerator or the brakes.
Prescribed 
requirements.
3. No person shall be allowed to drive any of the vehicles
listed in the First Schedule on a public highway if that person is not
in possession of either a valid driving licence or a learner’s permit
which has been issued by the competent authority.
Eligibility for 
driving vehicles in 
Malta.
4. No person shall be allowed to drive any of the vehicles
listed in the First and Second Schedules on a public highway if that
person is under 18 years of age.
Validity of driving 
licences issued by 
competent 
authorities outside 
Malta and the 
European Union.
5. It shall be lawful for a person residing outside Malta and
the European Union to drive in Malta any class or description of
vehicle under a domestic driving permit, issued outside Malta and
the European Union, for a period not exceeding twelve months
from the date of his last entry into Malta.
Recognition of 
driving licences 
issued by Member 
States.
6. European Union driving licences shall be recognised in
Malta.
Exchange of a 
European Union 
driving licence.
7. Any holder of a European Union driving licence, who takes
up normal residence in Malta, shall be entitled to have his driving
licence exchanged for an equivalent Maltese licence. 
National 
provisions to apply 
to European Union 
driving licences.
8. National provisions regarding the restriction, suspension,
withdrawal or cancellation of a driving licence shall apply to
holders of a European Union driving licence who have their normal
residence in Malta. 
Categories and 
sub-categories of 
vehicles for which 
a licence may be 
granted.
9. (1) For the purposes of these regulations the categories and
sub-categories of vehicles for which a licence may be granted shall
be as shown in the First Schedule.
(2) Save as otherwise provided in regulation 5, these
regulations shall apply to every vehicle of a category and sub-
category specified in the First Schedule.
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 5
Exemptions.
person from all or any of the provisions of these regulations.
Applicability of 
Motor Vehicles 
Regulations.
S.L.65.11
11. The Motor Vehicles Regulations shall apply to driving
licences in so far as they are not inconsistent with these
regulations.
P A R T  II
INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLING
International 
Driving Permit.
12. Any person wishing to drive a motor vehicle abroad may
apply to the competent authority for the issue of an international
driving permit in accordance with the provisions of any
international convention applicable to Malta. The competent
authority shall, subject to the provisions of regulation 14, issue
such permit.
Application 
requirements.
13. Every application for an international driving permit shall
state the country or countries for which it is required.
Examination of 
applicant.
14. Before any international driving permit is issued under
regulation 12, the applicant shall be examined as to his competency
by a person designated by the competent authority, and the permit
shall not be granted except upon production of a medical certificate
signed by such person, and provided that the applicant is over
eighteen years of age.
Exemption from 
further tests.
15. If the applicant is the holder of a driver’s certificate
granted by the competent authority in Malta or in any Member
State, he may be granted the international driving permit aforesaid,
without further test.
P A R T  III
DRIVING TEST
Minimum requirements for driving tests
Minimum 
requirements for 
driving tests.
16. An applicant for a driving licence must satisfy the
competent authority that he possesses the knowledge and skills, and
exhibits the behaviour required, for driving a motor vehicle. The
test to this effect shall consist of:
( a ) a theory test; and
( b ) a test of skills and behaviour.
Theory Test
Syllabus of the 
theory test.
17. All new applicants must complete, to the satisfaction of the
competent authority, a theory test covering the subjects listed in the
syllabus in the Fourth Schedule.
Eligibility to sit for 
the theory test.
Substituted by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
18. Only applicants who have attained their eighteenth
birthday shall be eligible to sit for the theory test.
Pass certificate in 
respect of the 
theory test.
19. On successful completion of the theory part of the driving
test, the applicant shall be issued with a pass certificate.
6 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
Learner’s Permit (Standard)
Eligibility for a 
standard learner’s 
permit.
Substituted by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
20. Only applicants who have attained their eighteenth
birthday shall be entitled to a standard learner’s permit. 
Categories and 
sub-categories of 
vehicles that can be 
used for the 
practice of driving 
under a standard 
learner’s permit.
21. The permit referred to in regulation 20 shall allow
applicants to practice driving on all days, excluding Sundays and
public holidays, under instruction, on public highways using motor
vehicles classified under categories A, B and B+E and sub-
categories A1 and B1.
Learner’s Permit (Advanced)
Eligibility for an 
advanced learner’s 
permit.
Substituted by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
22. Only applicants who are in possession of a valid driving
licence in category B and have held such licence for at least one
year, shall be entitled to an advanced learner’s permit.
Categories and 
sub-categories of 
vehicles that can be 
used for the 
practice of driving 
under an advanced 
learner’s permit.
23. The permit referred to in regulation 22 shall allow
applicants to practice driving on all days, excluding Sundays and
public holidays, under instruction, on public highways using motor
vehicles classified under categories C, C+E, D, and D+E and sub-
categories C1, C1+E, D1 and D1+E.
Test of Skills and Behaviour
Eligibility to sit for 
the test of skills 
and behaviour.
24. A person may only sit for the test of skills and behaviour if
he is in possession of a pass certificate in the appropriate theory
part of the driving test.
Syllabus of the test 
of skills and 
behaviour.
Amended by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
25. * (1) The test of skills and behaviour shall be based on the
subjects contained in the Fifth Schedule.
(2) A person who is sitting for his test of skills and behaviour
may choose to be accompanied by a third party:
Provided that such accompanying third party shall not,
throughout the duration of the test, communicate with the examiner
or the person doing the test, or act in any way that may interfere
with or influence the test procedure or outcome.
(3) A breach of the proviso of subregulation (2) shall lead, at
the examiner’s discretion, to the immediate interruption of the test
by the examiner and the recording of a negative result.
Minimum 
technical 
requirements of 
vehicles.
Substituted by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
26. The vehicles used in the test of skills and behaviour shall:
( a ) comply with the minimum technical requirements as
indicated in the Third Schedule,
( b ) be covered by a valid VRT certificate,
( c ) display a valid road licence disc,
( d ) display the learner plates stipulated by regulation
50(1), and
( e ) have a valid insurance covering the use of the said
vehicles for driving lessons and also for the Tests of
Skills and Behaviour.
*this regulation shall come into force on 29th March, 2004.
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 7
P A R T  IV
DRIVING LICENCES
General provisions
Application for a 
driving licence.
27. (1) The driving licences referred to in regulation 9 will be
issued after the competent authority receives an application on the
appropriate form, together with the applicant’s identity card and
medical certificate.
(2) A national driving licence holder may periodically be
required to produce further medical certificates as may be
prescribed.
Issue of driving 
licences.
28. Driving licences shall be issued only to those applicants -
( a ) who have passed the theory test and the test of skills
and behaviour and who meet medical standards, in
accordance with the provisions of the Fourth, Fifth and
Eighth Schedules; and
( b ) who have their normal residence in Malta, or can
produce evidence that they have been studying in
Malta for at least six months prior to the submission of
the application.
Drivers of public 
transport vehicles 
to be authorised by 
the Public 
Transport 
Authority.
29. A national driving licence holder shall not drive a public
transport vehicle unless authorised to do so by the Public Transport
Directorate and the relevant information code is entered in his
driving licence.
Photocard and 
counterpart driving 
licences.
30. (1) The driving licence shall consist of two documents,
namely, the photocard driving licence and the counterpart driving
licence.
(2) Both the photocard and counterpart driving licences shall
be produced at any time when requested by either the Police or a
court or the competent authority.
Duplicate driving 
licence.
31. (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-regulation (2), an
application for the issue of a duplicate of the original driving
licence may be made to the competent authority, if a valid driving
licence has been lost or defaced.
(2) The competent authority shall, subject to the provisions of
these regulations, issue a duplicate driving licence; and such
driving licence shall be marked “duplicate”, and shall have the
same effect as the original driving licence.
(3) Duplicate driving licences will also be issued whenever
there is a change in the data contained in the photocard driving
licence.
(4) The duplicate driving licence shall be issued against an
administration charge as specified in the Ninth Schedule.
Probationary driving licence
Eligibility for a 
probationary 
driving licence.
Substituted by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
32. New drivers who pass their driving tests shall be granted a
probationary driving licence, against payment, for a period of three
years. The probationary driving licence shall consist of two parts,
namely a plastic photocard and its paper counterpart. 
8 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
Applicability of a 
penalty point 
system.
Substituted by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
33. A penalty point system shall apply for all drivers holding a
probationary driving licence, for any of the licence categories listed
in the Second Schedule.
Recording of the 
penalty points on 
the counterpart 
driving licence.
Substituted by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
34. (1) For each contravention, penalty points, as indicated in
the Sixth Schedule, shall be imposed by the Court of Magistrates or
by the Commissioners for Justice, as the case may be, and recorded
on the driver’s counterpart probationary driving licence.
Cap. 65.
Cap. 291.
(2) The holder of a probationary driving licence shall be
required to surrender the probationary driving licence counterpart
to the competent authority within ten working days from the date of
his conviction for the contravention, or within ten working days of
the payment of the pecuniary penalty, by the offender, as provided
in article 25 of the Traffic Regulation Ordinance or in article 14 of
the Commissioners for Justice Act, as the case may be, to have the
penalty points recorded on it.
Cap. 65.
Cap. 291.
(3) Where the holder admits the offence and pays the relative
pecuniary penalty in accordance with the special procedure
established in article 25 of the Traffic Regulation Ordinance or in
article 14 of the Commissioners for Justice Act, as the case may be,
the competent authority shall record, on the driver’s probationary
driving licence counterpart, the minimum penalty points as
indicated in the Sixth Schedule for the particular offence.
(4) A probationary driving licence holder who contravenes the
provisions of subregulation (2) shall be, on conviction, liable to
have his probationary driving licence revoked or suspended, as the
Court of Magistrates may deem fit.
(5) It shall be the duty of the registrar of the court, or the clerk
of the tribunal, which delivers judgement to input the penalty
points incurred under the said judgement into a computerised
database set up for such a purpose by the competent authority.
(6) When a holder of a probationary driving licence is
requested to appear before a court or tribunal on charges of having
committed any of the offences included in the Sixth Schedule, he
shall be in possession of the said licence and the counterpart of
such licence and the presiding Magistrate or Commissioner of
Justice shall have the power to confiscate the said licence if the
aggregate penalty points recorded on the counterpart of such
licence together with the penalty points awarded by the judgement
delivered by such Magistrate or Commissioner of Justice add up to
twelve or more.
Revocation of 
driving licence on 
exceeding the 
maximum penalty 
points permissible.
Substituted by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
35. A probationary driving licence shall be revoked if at any
time during the three-year probationary period, its holder
accumulates in aggregate twelve penalty points or more.
Re-application for 
a driving licence.
Substituted by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
36. A driver whose probationary driving licence has been
revoked in virtue of the last preceding regulation, may only apply
for a new probationary driving licence after the expiration of three
months from such revocation by submitting a fresh application in
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 9
terms of Part III.
Conditions for 
granting a full 
driving licence.
37. A full driving licence for ten years shall be granted, against
payment, if no penalty points are recorded or if the penalty points
imposed are not sufficient for either a revocation or
disqualification.
Renewal of driving licence
Validity period of a 
full driving 
licence.
38. Full driving licences shall be valid for a maximum period
of ten years.   Upon expiry, the full driving licence shall be
renewed, against payment each time, for further periods of not
more than ten years, until the age of seventy.
Medical certificate 
for persons 70 
years old or over.
39. A driving licence shall not be granted or renewed unless, at
the age of seventy and biennially thereafter, a person produces a
medical certificate of physical fitness on application.
Medical certificate 
for drivers of 
public transport 
vehicles.
40. National driving licence holders who are authorised to
drive public transport vehicles shall produce a medical certificate
of physical fitness at the age of fifty, and every five years thereafter
until the age of sixty, after which such medical certificate shall be
produced annually prior to the renewal of their driving licence.
Conditions and validity
Conditions on 
which a driving 
licence has been 
issued.
41. Driving licences shall state the conditions on which the
driver is authorised to drive as indicated in the Seventh Schedule.
Types of vehicles 
to be used during 
the practical part of 
the driving test.
42. If, because of a physical disability, driving is authorised
only for certain types of vehicle or for adapted vehicles, the tests of
skills and behaviour provided for in the Fifth Schedule shall be
taken in such a vehicle.
Entitlement to 
certain categories 
and sub-categories 
of driving licences.
43. The issue of driving licences shall be subject to the
following conditions:
( a ) licences for categories C and D shall be issued only to
drivers already entitled to drive vehicles in category B;
( b ) licences for categories B + E, C + E and D + E shall be
issued only to drivers already entitled to drive vehicles
in categories B, C and D respectively.
Other categories of 
vehicles which 
may be driven by 
holders of driving 
licences granted 
for certain 
categories.
44. The validity of driving licences shall be determined as
follows:
( a ) licences granted for category C + E or D + E shall be
valid for combinations of vehicles in category B + E;
( b ) licences granted for category C + E shall be valid for
category D + E as long as their holders are entitled to
drive vehicles in category D;
( c ) licences granted for category A or A1 shall be valid for
category B1 for driving in Malta.
10 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
P A R T  V
FEES
Licence fees.
Amended by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
Cap. 128
45. The licence fees for the various licences issued under these
regulations shall be those prescribed under the provisions of the
Police Licences Act:
Provided that the competent authority shall charge an
administrative fee of not more than thirteen liri for the provision of
the Theory Test.
P A R T  VI
DRIVING DISQUALIFICATIONS
Recognition of 
disqualifications 
imposed by 
Member States.
46. Drivers who are disqualified from driving in any Member
State other than that in which they have their normal residence
shall not be allowed to drive in Malta, until such time that the
disqualification is lifted. 
Notification of 
disqualification.
47. The competent authority shall notify the State of residence
of a driver of any driving disqualification imposed on him by a
Maltese authority for an offence arising from conduct referred to in
the Tenth Schedule.
Imposition of 
driving 
disqualification.
48. (1) After having been notified by a State of the offence of
any driving disqualification imposed on a driver who has his
normal residence in Malta, the competent authority shall execute
the decision imposing disqualification from driving through an
administrative decision in accordance with the conditions laid
down in sub-regulation (2).
(2) The competent authority -
( a ) shall take into account any part of the period of the
driving disqualification imposed by the State of the
offence which has already been served in that State;
( b ) may reduce the duration of the driving disqualification
but only to the maximum term provided for in national
legislation of the same kind;
( c ) shall not extend the duration of the driving
disqualification imposed by the State of the offence;
( d ) shall, where necessary, determine a date from which it
will enforce the driving disqualification.
Driving 
disqualifications 
not effective in 
Malta.
49. Driving disqualifications imposed by other States of the
offence shall not be effective in Malta if Malta is the State of
residence and if -
( a ) the driving disqualification has already been fully
enforced in the State of the offence;
( b ) the offender has already had a driving disqualification
imposed on him for the same acts in the State of
residence, and that disqualification has been or is
being enforced;
( c ) the offender would have benefited from a general
pardon or amnesty in the State of residence if the acts
had been committed within the territory of that State;
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 11
( d ) the period of limitation for the measure would have
expired under its own legislation;
( e ) in the circumstances of the particular case, after
receiving any information supplied under regulation
48, it considers that the person concerned has not had
an adequate opportunity to defend himself;
( f ) the conduct for which the driving disqualification has
been imposed in the State of the offence does not
constitute an offence under the law of the State of
residence;
( g ) the remaining period of disqualification which could
be enforced in the State of residence is less than one
month; 
( h ) a driving disqualification is not a measure available
under the legislation of the State of residence for the
acts giving rise to the driving disqualification imposed
by the State of the offence. 
P A R T  VII
DRIVING INSTRUCTION
Motor vehicles used for instruction purposes
Learner plates.
Amended by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
50. (1) Motor vehicles authorised by the competent authority
to be used by motoring schools for instruction purposes must be
fitted with a dual control system and clearly display at all times a
learner plate marked with the letter “L” in green on a white
background.   The plate should include also the motoring school’s
authorisation number and should be visible from the front and the
rear of the vehicle.
(2) Learner plates used by non-licensed driving instructors
shall include only the letter “L” in red on a white background and
should be visible from the front and the rear of the vehicle. 
(3) No person shall act as a non-licensed driving instructor
unless such person -
(i) has reached the age of twenty-five years,
(ii) is in possession of a valid full driving licence
covering the category of vehicle being used by
the learner driver and shall have been in
possession of such a licence for no less than five
years.
(4) A non-licensed driving instructor must ensure that the
vehicle used for the purpose of instructing the learner driver shall
be covered by an appropriate insurance cover for such purpose.
Only authorised 
vehicles to be used 
for instruction.
51. An authorised operator shall not, for instruction purposes,
use any motor vehicle which is not authorised by the competent
authority.
Motoring schools
Motoring school to 
be authorised.
52. No person shall keep a motoring school without an
authorisation from the competent authority.
12 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
Validity period of 
authorisation.
53. The authorisation for keeping a motoring school shall be
valid for one year. Upon expiry, the authorisation may be renewed,
against payment each time, for further periods of one year.
Application for 
keeping a motoring 
school.
54. Applications for keeping a motoring school shall include
the following information and documents:
( a ) the registration number of each motor vehicle to be
used for the instruction of learners;
( b ) a declaration that all the motor vehicles to be used for
instruction have a dual control system;
( c ) personal details of the licensed driving instructors to
be employed;
( d ) the value added tax registration number of the
authorised operator; and
( e ) a certified copy of the trading licence.
Withdrawal or 
suspension of the 
authorisation.
55. The authorisation to keep a motoring school shall be
subject to withdrawal or suspension by the competent authority if,
in its opinion, the school is not properly run or for any infringement
of these regulations committed by the operator or any of his
licensed driving instructors.
Discretion of the 
competent 
authority.
56. The competent authority -
( a ) may refuse to issue or renew an authorisation if the
applicant is not of good character or if the vehicles
proposed for the instruction of learners do not conform
with the requirements of these regulations and are not
passed fit for such purpose by the competent authority;
( b ) shall be empowered to disallow at any time the use of
any motor vehicle for instruction purposes, if in its
opinion the vehicle is no longer considered suitable;
( c ) may require the authorised operator of a motoring
school to have all or any motor vehicle registered for
instruction purposes in his name examined by its
personnel at any time it deems fit;
S.L.65.15
( d ) may require the authorised operator of a motoring
school to submit his vehicles for vehicle
roadworthiness tests, other then those required by the
Motor Vehicle Roadworthiness Test Regulations.
Authorised Operators
Applications for 
authorised 
operators.
57. (1) Applications for authorisations as authorised operators
may be made by:
( a ) an individual;
( b ) a partnership; or
( c ) a company.
(2) Every application shall be made on the prescribed form and
shall be signed -
( a ) where the application is made under sub-regulation
(1)( a ), by the individual making the application; and
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 13
( b ) where the application is made under sub-regulation
(1)( b ) or ( c ), by a person duly authorised by the
partnership or company.
(3) The form referred to in sub-regulation (2) shall be
presented to the competent authority together with the documents
and information mentioned on the application.
(4) In the case where an applicant proposes to act as an
operator in more than one motoring school, the competent authority
shall require as many applications to be made as there are such
schools.
Authorisation.
regulation 57, the competent authority may, after making such
investigations and carrying out such inspections as it may deem fit,
to ensure conformity with these regulations, authorise the
individual, partnership or company by whom the application is
made to be an authorised operator in terms of these regulations.
Conditions for 
licensed operators.
Amended by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
59. (1) Subject to the provisions of these regulations, every
licensed operator shall comply with the following conditions:
( a ) the licensed operator shall assume full responsibility
for all the instruction procedures carried out by the
licensed driving instructors employed by him for
which the licensed operator has been duly authorised
to operate in accordance with regulation 58;
( b ) the licensed operator shall give notice to the competent
authority of the names of all persons who are from
time to time authorised, in pursuance of arrangements
made in accordance with regulation 64, to carry out
instruction; and every such notice shall be given
within seven days after the date of any such
authorisation; in the case of a company or partnership
the notice shall be accompanied by a duly signed
authorisation certifying that the person signing the
notice is duly empowered to sign on behalf of the
company or partnership;
( c ) the licensed operator shall give seven days’ prior
notice to the competent authority -
(i) of his entering into any partnership with a view
to carrying on a business which will comprise
the carrying out of instruction, in the case where
he is the sole individual named in an
authorisation; and
(ii) of any change in the constitution of the
company, in the case where the licensed operator
is a company,
and such notice shall be treated as an application under
the provisions of regulation 57.
(2) The competent authority may give notice to a licensed
operator that, in the opinion of the competent authority, any person
employed in his motoring school should cease from carrying out
instruction, and on receipt of that notice the licensed operator shall
14 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
arrange that that person shall no longer carry out instruction.
(3) Licensed operators shall be bound to inform the competent
authority, within seven days, of any termination of employment or
engagement of licensed driving instructors within their staff
complement.
Termination of 
authorisation.
60. (1) An authorisation of an individual as an operator will
automatically cease to have effect if the person -
( a ) dies;
( b ) becomes a patient in a mental hospital; or
( c ) is convicted of an offence affecting public trust.
(2) An authorisation of a partnership as an operator will
automatically cease to have effect if -
( a ) the partnership is dissolved; or
( b ) one or more partners is or are, as the case may be,
convicted of an offence affecting public trust:
Provided that the non-convicted partner or
partners shall be eligible to apply for an authorisation
in their individual capacity, or as a new partnership
without the convicted partner or partners.
(3) An authorisation of a company as an operator will
automatically cease to have effect if, in relation to the company -
( a ) a winding-up order is made;
( b ) a resolution for voluntary winding-up is passed;
( c ) a receiver or manager of the company’s undertaking is
appointed; or
( d ) the taking of possession, by or on behalf of the holders
of any debenture secured by a floating charge, or of
any property of the company comprised in or subject
to the charge, occurs.
(4) An authorised operator may at any time give notice to the
competent authority stating that, after such date as may be specified
in the notice, that authorised operator does not propose to continue
to act as an authorised operator under any of the authorisations
granted or under such authorisation as may be specified in the
notice, and any authorisation to which the said notice relates shall
cease to have effect on the date so specified in relation to it.
(5) The competent authority may at any time give to an
authorised operator a notice which states -
( a ) that, as from a date specified in the notice, such one or
more of the authorisations of that operator as are
specified in the notice shall, unless the notice is
cancelled before that date, cease;
( b ) in a case where the date on which the authorisation or
authorisations shall cease is less than twenty-eight
days from the date of the notice, that the competent
authority considers it necessary that the notice shall
have earlier effect; and
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 15
( c ) that within fourteen days from the date of the notice,
the operator, or any person acting on his behalf, may
make to the competent authority written
representations to the effect that any authorisation to
which that notice relates should not cease or should be
restored.
(6) An authorisation in respect of which a notice is given in
accordance with sub-regulation (5) shall, save as provided in sub-
regulation (5)( a ), cease to have effect on the date specified in the
notice.
Records to be kept 
and returns to be 
furnished by 
operators.
Amended by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
61. (1) Licensed operators shall keep in duplicate, a record
relating to all instructions carried out at each specific authorised
motoring school, which records shall be kept in an appropriate form
approved by the competent authority, and shall contain the
particulars required by that form.
(2) During the first fortnight of each month, every licensed
operator shall send to the competent authority at its offices one
copy of the record containing all the entries made therein relating
to an instruction.
(3) Subject to the following provisions of these regulations,
the other copy of such records shall be kept by the licensed
operator at the registered premises of the authorised motoring
school, for a period sufficient to ensure that, upon the inspection at
any time of that record under regulation 62, the entries relating to
any instruction carried out within the last preceding twelve months
will be available for inspection.
Inspection of 
vehicles and 
records.
Amended by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
62. An inspector may at any time, during the normal working
day, on production of his authority, if so required, enter any
registered premises of the authorised motoring school and upon
such entry he shall be entitled to -
( a ) inspect the motor vehicles registered for instruction
purposes;
( b ) satisfy himself as to the efficiency of such vehicles
and to require evidence to this effect;
( c ) inspect all records and copies of certificates relating to
the vehicles’ roadworthiness tests carried out, which
are required to be kept or preserved at the registered
premises of the motoring school in accordance with
these regulations;
( d ) be furnished with such information as he may
reasonably require with respect to any of the said
matters.
Identification tag.
Amended by:
L.N. 14 of 2004.
63. Licensed operators shall ensure that licensed driving
instructors in their employment wear the identification tag, issued
by the competent authority, during instruction and when
accompanying a prospective driver while undergoing a driving test.
Licensed Driving Instructors
Applications for 
licensed driving 
instructors.
64. (1) Applications for licences as licensed driving
instructors may be made by an individual of good character who is
16 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
the holder of a driving licence for at least five years under any of
the categories mentioned in the First Schedule.
(2) Every application shall be signed by the individual making
the application and shall be made on the prescribed form.
(3) The form referred to in sub-regulation (2) shall be
presented to the competent authority together with the applicant’s
driving licence and police conduct certificate.
S.L.128.01
(4) The competent authority shall, having ascertained that the
requirements of the application are satisfied, issue the appropriate
licence upon payment, by the instructor, of the appropriate fee as
specified in the Police Licences Regulations.
Validity period of 
licence.
65. The licence to act as a licensed driving instructor shall be
valid for one year.   Upon expiry the licence may be renewed,
against payment each time, for further periods of one year.
Withdrawal or 
suspension of a 
licence.
66. The licence to act as a licensed driving instructor shall be
subject to withdrawal or suspension by the competent authority for
infringement of these regulations.
Authorisation of a 
licensed driving 
instructor.
67. No person shall act as a licensed driving instructor at a
motoring school unless he has obtained a pass in the examination of
ability to give instruction following a course of instruction
approved for the purpose by the competent authority.
Examination of 
ability to give 
instruction.
68. (1) The examination of ability to give instruction shall
consist of:
( a ) the theory examination;
( b ) the driving ability and fitness test; and
( c ) the instruction ability and fitness test.
(2) The nature of the examination shall be as prescribed in the
Eleventh Schedule, and a pass in the examination shall be required
within twelve months from the date of the completion of the course
of instruction referred to in regulation 67.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this regulation, a person shall
be regarded as having passed the examination only if the following
conditions are fulfilled:
( a ) he has passed the three parts of the examination in the
order set out in sub-regulation (1);
( b ) he passed the driving ability and fitness test on his
first, second or third attempt after he had passed the
theory examination;
( c ) he passed the instructional ability and fitness test on
his first, second or third attempt after he had passed
the theory examination.
(4) For the purposes of this regulation -
( a ) where a person has commenced the driving ability and
fitness test or the instructional ability and fitness test
and does not complete the test, that person shall be
treated as having failed the test in question;
( b ) subject to paragraph ( c ), a reference to the passing of
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 17
the theory examination or the driving ability and
fitness test shall, in relation to a person who has
passed that examination or test, as the case may be, on
more than one occasion, be read as a reference to the
last of those occasions;
( c ) if a person takes the theory examination on an
occasion when he is not eligible to take it he shall not
in any circumstances be regarded as having passed the
examination on that occasion.
(5) For the purposes of this regulation, a person shall be
deemed to have made an application on the date that his application
and the fee prescribed by these regulations are received by the
competent authority.
Test of continued 
ability and fitness.
69. The competent authority may require a licensed driving
instructor to undergo a test of continued ability and fitness to give
instruction as specified in the Twelfth Schedule.
Identification tag.
identification tag, issued for the purpose by the competent
authority, during instruction and when accompanying a prospective
driver while undergoing a driving test.
(2) During instruction, the licensed driving instructor shall sit
next to the prospective driver and may allow -
( a ) another prospective driver to ride in the motor vehicle;
and
( b ) at the request of the prospective driver, another person
to ride on the motor vehicle.
P A R T  VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Production of 
licences.
71. Every person licensed under these regulations shall carry
his licence when acting in the capacity for which he is licensed and
produce the same to the Police and, or to the competent authority
on demand or at an appointed place within two days of the date of
such demand.
Immediate delivery 
of cancelled 
licence, etc.
72. Every person whose licence is cancelled, suspended or
revoked shall immediately deliver his licence to the competent
authority.
Court conviction.
offence under these regulations may -
( a ) if the person is convicted of any offence under these
regulations, and is the holder of any licence under
these regulations, suspend the licence for any period
not exceeding one month in addition to any other
punishment to which he may be liable;
( b ) if the person convicted is not the holder of a licence
under these regulations, declare him disqualified from
obtaining a licence for any period not exceeding three
months.
18 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
Forms and 
software.
74. (1) The competent authority may prepare and supply for
use for the purposes of these regulations any form which by these
regulations is required to be approved by it for the purposes of
constituting the record required to be kept under these regulations,
and may include on any such form such additional matter as it may
consider to be of assistance to persons making use of these forms or
to persons to whom such forms may be issued when completed and
no form other than one so prepared and supplied shall be used in
any such case.
(2) The forms referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be
provided by the competent authority upon payment of a fee to be
shown thereon.
(3) The competent authority may prepare and supply, upon the
payment of a fee, suitable software for use by the authorised
operators in connection with instructions carried out under the
provisions of these regulations:
Provided that once the software is made available from the
competent authority, any other software used by authorised
operators in connection with instruction carried out under the
provisions of these regulations, shall conform with specifications
approved by the competent authority.
Notices. 75. Except as otherwise provided in these regulations, every
notice issued by the competent authority to authorised operators
under these regulations shall be made in writing and sent by mail or
by facsimile to the authorised operators at their relative registered
premises of the motoring school.
P A R T  IX
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
Motoring schools 
and licensed 
driving instructors 
licensed prior to 1 st  
August 2002.
76. (1) Motoring schools in operation prior to the 1 st  August
2002 shall be required to undergo the formalities indicated in
regulation 57 for record purposes only as they shall be considered
to be authorised operators in terms of regulation 58 with effect
from 1 st  August 2002.
(2) Licensed driving instructors who have obtained their
instructor’s licence prior to 1 st  August 2002 will not be required to
undergo the examination referred to in regulations 67 and 68, but
they will be required to attend the course of instruction mentioned
in regulation 67.
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 19
FIRST SCHEDULE
(Regulation 3)
Categories and Sub-categories of Vehicles for licence purposes
Category Sub-category Description of Vehicle
A1 Light motorcycles with a cubic capacity not exceeding 125 cc and of a
power not exceeding 11kW.
A Motorcycles up to 25kW (33bhp) and a power to weight ratio not
exceeding 0.16kW/kg.   Motorcycle combination with a power to
weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg.
A Motorcycles with a power exceeding 25kW (33bhp) or a power to
weight ratio exceeding 0.16kW/kg or motorcycles with sidecars with a
power to weight ratio exceeding 0.16kW/kg.
B1 Motor tricycles/quadricycles, 3 or 4 wheeled vehicles with an unladen
weight not exceeding 550kgs.
B Motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (g.v.w.) not exceeding
3500kgs and having not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the
driver’s seat; motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a
trailer having a g.v.w. which does not exceed 750kgs.
Combinations of a tractor vehicle in category B and a trailer, where the
g.v.w. of the combination does not exceed 3500kgs and the g.v.w. of
the trailer does not exceed the unladen mass of the tractor vehicle.
B
automatic Same as in category B, but with automatic transmission.
B + E Combination of vehicles consisting of a vehicle in category B and a
trailer, where the combination does not come within category B.
C1 Motor vehicles other than those in category D and whose g.v.w. is over
3500kgs but not more than 7500kgs; motor vehicles in this sub-
category may be combined with a trailer having a g.v.w. which does
not exceed 750kgs.
C1 + E Combination of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in sub-category
C1 and its trailer has a g.v.w. of over 750kgs, provided the g.v.w. of the
combination thus formed does not exceed 12000kgs, and that the
g.v.w. of the trailer does not exceed the unladen mass of the tractor
vehicle.
C Motor vehicles other than those in category D and whose g.v.w. is over
3500kgs; motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a
trailer having a g.v.w. which does not exceed 750kgs.
C + E Combinations of vehicles where the tractor is in category C and its
trailer has a g.v.w. over 750kgs.
D1 Motor vehicles used for the carriage of passengers and having more
than 8 seats, but not more than 16 seats, in addition to the driver’s seat;
motor vehicles in this sub-category may be combined with a trailer
having a g.v.w. which does not exceed 750kgs.
20 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
D1 + E Combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in sub-category
D1 and its trailer (which cannot be used for the transport of persons)
has a g.v.w. of more than 750kgs, provided that the g.v.w. of the
combination thus formed does not exceed 12,000kgs and the g.v.w. of
the trailer does not exceed the unladen mass of the tractor vehicle.
D Motor vehicles used for the carriage of persons and having more than 8
seats in addition to the driver’s seat; motor vehicles in this category
may be combined with a trailer having a g.v.w. which does not exceed
750kgs.
D + E Combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category D and
its trailer has a g.v.w. of over 750kgs.
f Vehicles for the carriage of persons having more than 16 seats, but not
more than 18 seats, in addition to that of the driver.
g Agricultural tractors.
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 21
Minimum ages for holding or obtaining a driving licence
SECOND SCHEDULE Substituted by;L.N. 14 of 2004.
(Regulation 4)
Category Sub-category Minimum age
Applicable on 
national territory 
only
Applicable on
international 
territory
A1 18 18
A 18 18
A+ 21 21
B1 18 18
B 18 18
B automatic 18 18
B + E 18 18
C1 19 19/21*
C1 + E 19 19/21*
C 19 19/21*
C + E 19 19/21*
D1 19 21
D1 + E 19 21
D 19 21
D + E 19 21
f 19
g 18
* The minimum ages for drivers engaged in the international carriage of
goods by road shall be governed by the provisions of regulation 15 of the Motor
Vehicles (Carriage of Goods by Road) Regulations.
22 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
THIRD SCHEDULE
(Regulation 26)
Minimum technical requirements for Vehicles used 
in the Tests of Skills and Behaviour
Category Sub-category Minimum technical requirements for  vehicles used in driving tests
A1 Motorcycles without sidecar with a cubic capacity of at least 75cc
A Motorcycles without sidecar with a cubic capacity of at least
100cc
A Motorcycles without sidecar with a cubic capacity of over 120cc,
capable of a speed of at least 100km/h (if candidate has a mini-
mum of 2 years experience on motorcycles with lower specifica-
tions under an A licence)
OR
Motorcycles without sidecar with engine-power of at least 35kw
(if the candidate is at least 21 years old)
B1 Motor-powered tricycles or quadricycles capable of a speed of at
least 60 km/h 
B Four-wheeled category B vehicles capable of a speed of at least
100km/h
B automatic As in category B but fitted with automatic transmission
B + E  Combinations made up of a category B test vehicle and a trailer
with a maximum g.v.w. of at least 1000kgs, capable of a speed of
at least 100km/h, which do not fall within category B 
C1 Sub-category C1 vehicles with a g.v.w. of at least 4000kgs and
capable of a speed of at least 80km/h
C1 + E Combinations made up of category C1 test vehicles and a trailer
with a maximum g.v.w. of at least 2000kgs and at least 8 metres
in length and capable of a speed of at least 80km/h
C Category C vehicles with a maximum g.v.w. of at least 10000kgs
and a length of at least 7 metres, capable of a speed of at least
80km/h
C + E Either articulated vehicles with a maximum g.v.w. of at least
18000kgs and a length of at least 12 metres, capable of a speed of
at least 80km/h; or combinations, made up of a category C test
vehicle and a trailer at least 4 metres in length, with a maximum
g.v.w. of at least 18,000kgs and a length of at least 12 metres,
capable of a speed of at least 80km/h
D1 Sub-category D1 vehicles capable of a speed of at least 80km/h
D1 + E Combination made up of a sub-category D1 test vehicle and a
trailer with a g.v.w. of at least 1,250kgs and capable of speed of at
least 80km/h
D Category D vehicles not less than 9 metres in length and capable
of a speed of at least 80km/h
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 23
D + E Combinations made up of a category D test vehicle and a trailer
with a g.v.w. of at least 1,250kgs and capable of a speed of at least
80km/h
f Category f vehicle
g Category g vehicle
24 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
FOURTH SCHEDULE
(Regulation 17)
Section A
The Theory Test
The Driving Examiner shall make sure that the applicant has the required
knowledge of the subjects listed.
Any applicant for a licence in one category who already holds a licence in a
different category will be exempted from the provisions of this Schedule.
Content of the test concerning all vehicle categories
Questions will be asked on each of the points listed below:
(a) Road traffic regulations 
in particular as regards road signs, marking and signals, rights of
way and speed limits.
(b) The driver 
(i) importance of alertness and of attitude to other road users;
(ii) perception, judgement and decision-taking, especially reaction
time, as well as changes in driving behaviour due to the influence
of alcohol, drugs and medicinal products, state of mind and
fatigue.
(c) The road 
(i) the most important principles concerning the observance of a safe
distance between vehicles, braking distances and road holding
under various weather and road conditions;
(ii) driving risk factors related to various road conditions, in
particular as they change with the weather and the time of day or
night; 
(iii) characteristics of various types of road and the related statutory
requirements.
(d) Other road users
(i) specific risk factors related to the lack of experience of other road
users and the most vulnerable categories of users such as
children, pedestrians, cyclists and people whose mobility is
reduced;
(ii) risks involved in the movement and driving of various types of
vehicles and of the different fields of view of their drivers. 
(e) General rules and regulations and other matters 
(i) rules concerning the administrative documents required for the
use of vehicles; 
(ii) general rules specifying how the driver must behave in the event
of an accident (setting warning device and raising the alarm) and
the measures which he can take to assist road accident victims
where necessary; 
(iii) safety factors relating to the vehicle, the load and persons carried.
(f) Precautions necessary when alighting from the vehicle
(g) Mechanical aspects with a bearing on road safety; applicants must be
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 25
able to detect the most common faults, in particular in the steering,
suspension and braking systems, tyres, lights and direction indicators,
reflectors, rear-view mirrors, windscreen and wipers, the exhaust
system, seat-belts and the audible warning device
(h) Vehicle safety equipment and, in particular, the use of seat-belts, head
restraints and child safety equipment
(i) Rules regarding vehicle use in relation to the environment (appropriate
use of audible warning devices, moderate fuel consumption, limitation
of pollutant emissions, etc.). 
S E C T I O N  B
Specific provisions concerning categories A and A1
1. Compulsory check of general knowledge on:
( a ) use of protective outfit such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet;
( b ) visibility of motorcycle riders for other road users;
( c ) risk factors related to various road conditions as laid down above with
additional attention to slippery parts such as drain covers, road
markings such as lines and arrows;
( d ) mechanical aspects with a bearing on road safety as laid down above
with additional attention to the emergency stop switch, the oil levels
and the chain.
Specific provisions concerning categories C, C+E, C1, C1+E, D, D+E, D1 and 
D1+E
2. Compulsory check of general knowledge on:
( a ) rules on driving hours and rest periods as defined by European Union
Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3820/85; use of the recording equipment
as defined by European Union Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3821/85;
( b ) rules concerning the type of transport concerned: goods or passengers;
( c ) vehicle and transport documents required for the national and
international carriage of goods and passengers;
( d ) how to behave in the event of an accident; knowledge of measures to be
taken after an accident or similar occurrence, including emergency
action such as evacuation of passengers and basic knowledge of first
aid;
( e ) the precautions to be taken during the removal and replacement of
wheels;
( f ) rules on vehicle weights and dimensions; rules on speed limiters;
( g ) obstruction of the field of view caused by the characteristics of their
vehicles;
( h ) reading a road map, route planning, including the use of electronic
navigation systems (optional);
( i ) safety factors relating to vehicle loading: controlling the load (stowing
and fastening), difficulties with different kinds of load (e.g. liquids,
hanging loads) loading and unloading goods and the use of loading
equipment (categories C, C+E, C1, C1+E only);
( j ) the driver’s responsibility with respect to the carriage of passengers;
26 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
comfort and safety of passengers; transport of children; necessary
checks before driving away; all sorts of buses should be part of the
theory test (public service buses and coaches, buses with special
dimensions,) (categories D, D+E, D1, D1+E only).
3. Compulsory check of general knowledge on the following additional
provisions concerning categories C, C+E, D and D+E:
( a ) the principles of the construction and functioning of: internal
combustion engines, fluids (e.g. engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), the
fuel system, the electrical system, the ignition system, the transmission
system (clutch, gearbox, etc.);
( b ) lubrication and antifreeze protection;
( c ) the principles of the construction, the fitting, correct use and care of
tyres;
( d ) the principles of the types, operation, main parts, connection, use and
day-to-day maintenance of brake fittings and speed governors, and use
of anti-lock brakes;
( e ) the principles of the types, operation, main parts, connection, use and
day-to-day maintenance of coupling systems (categories C+E, D+E
only);
( f ) methods of locating causes of breakdowns;
( g ) preventive maintenance of vehicles and necessary running repairs;
( h ) the driver’s responsibility in respect of the receipt, carriage and delivery
of goods in accordance with the agreed conditions (categories C, C+E
only).
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 27
FIFTH SCHEDULE *
(Regulation 24)
Test of Skills and Behaviour
1. The vehicle and its equipment
(a) The driving of a vehicle with manual transmission shall be subject to
the passing of a skills and behaviour test taken on a vehicle with manual
transmission.
If an applicant takes the test of skills and behaviour on a vehicle with
automatic transmission this shall be recorded on any licence issued on
the basis of such a test.   Licences with this indication shall be used only
for driving vehicles with automatic transmission.
(b) The vehicles used in tests of skills and behaviour shall comply with the
minimum technical requirements given in the Third Schedule.
2. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories A and A1
(a) Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road
safety.
Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to ride
safely by satisfying the following requirements:
(i) Adjust the protective outfit, such as gloves, boots, clothes and
safety helmet;
(ii) Perform a random check on the condition of the tyres, brakes,
steering, emergency stop switch (if applicable), chain, oil levels,
lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device.
(b) Special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on road safety
(i) Putting the motorcycle on and off its stand and moving it, without
the aid of the engine, by walking alongside the vehicle;
(ii) Parking the motorcycle on its stand;
(iii) At least two manoeuvres to be executed at slow speed, including a
slalom; this should allow competence to be assessed in handling
of the clutch in combination with the brake, balance, vision
direction and position on the motorcycle and the position of the
feet on the foot rests;
(iv) At least two manoeuvres to be executed at higher speed, of which
one manoeuvre in second or third gear, at least at 30 km/h and one
manoeuvre avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50 km/h;
this should allow competence to be assessed in the position on the
motorcycle, vision direction, balance, steering technique and
technique of changing gears;
(v) Braking: at least two braking exercises shall be executed,
including an emergency brake at a minimum speed of 50 km/h;
this should allow competence to be assessed in handling of the
front and rear brake, vision direction and the position on the
motorcycle.
(c) Behaviour in traffic
(i) Riding away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a
*in force as from the 29th March, 2004.
28 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
driveway;
(ii) Riding on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in
confined spaces;
(iii) Riding round bends;
(iv) Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and
junctions;
(v) Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes;
(vi) Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available): joining
from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;
(vii) Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); riding
alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other
traffic (if appropriate);
(viii) Special road features (if available): roundabouts; bus stops;
pedestrian crossings; riding up-/downhill on long slopes;
(ix) Taking the necessary precautions when getting off the vehicle.
3. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories B, B1 and B+E
(a) Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road
safety
Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to drive
safely by satisfying the following requirements:
(i) Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position;
(ii) Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if
available;
(iii) Checking that the doors are closed;
(iv) Performing a random check on the condition of the tyres, steering,
brakes, fluids (e.g engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), lights,
reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device;
(v) Checking the safety factors relating to vehicle loading: body,
sheets, cargo doors, cabin locking, way of loading, securing load
(category B+E only);
(vi) Checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical
connections (category B+E only).
(b) Categories B and B1: special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on
road safety 
A selection of the following manoeuvres shall be tested (at least two
manoeuvres for the four points, including one in reverse gear).
(i) Reversing in a straight line or reversing right or left round a
corner while keeping within the correct traffic lane;
(ii) Turning the vehicle to face the opposite way, using forward and
reverse gears;
(iii) Parking the vehicle and leaving a parking space (parallel, oblique
or right-angle, forwards or in reverse, on the flat, uphill or
downhill);
(iv) Braking accurately to a stop; however, performing an emergency
stop is optional.
(c) Category B+E: special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on road
safety 
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 29
(i) Coupling and uncoupling, or uncoupling and re-coupling a trailer
from its motor vehicle; the manoeuvre must involve the towing
vehicle being parked alongside the trailer (i.e. not in one line);
(ii) Reversing along a curve, the line of which shall be left to the
discretion of the competent authority;
(iii) Parking safely for loading/unloading.
(d) Behaviour in traffic
Applicants must perform all the following actions in normal traffic
situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions:
(i) Driving away: after parking, after a stop in traffic, exiting a
driveway;
(ii) Driving on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including
in confined spaces;
(iii) Driving round bends;
(iv) Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and
junctions;
(v) Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes;
(vi) Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available): joining
from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;
(vii) Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); driving
alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other
traffic (if appropriate);
(viii) Special road features (if available): roundabouts; bus stops;
pedestrian crossings; driving up-/downhill on long slopes;
(ix) Taking the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle.
4. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories C, C+E, C1, C1+E,
D, D+E, D1 and D1+E
(a) Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road
safety 
Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to drive
safely by satisfying the following requirements:
(i) Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position;
(ii) Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if
available;
(iii) Random checks on the condition of the tyres, steering, brakes,
lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device;
(iv) Checking the power-assisted braking and steering systems;
checking the condition of the wheels, wheelnuts, mudguards,
windscreen, windows and wipers, fluids (e.g. engine oil, coolant,
washer fluid); checking and using the instrument panel including
the recording equipment as defined in Regulation (EEC) No 3821/
85;
(v) Checking the air pressure, air tanks and the suspension;
(vi) Checking the safety factors relating to vehicle loading: body,
sheets, cargo doors, loading mechanism (if available), cabin
locking (if available), way of loading, securing load (categories
C, C+E, C1, C1+E only);
(vii) Checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical
30 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
connections (categories C+E, C1+E, D+E, D1+E only);
(viii) Being capable of taking special vehicle safety measures;
controlling the body, service doors, emergency exits, first aid
equipment, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment
(categories D, D+E, D1, D1+E only);
(ix) Reading a road map, route planning, including the use of
electronic navigation systems (optional).
(b) Special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on road safety 
(i) Coupling and uncoupling, or uncoupling and re-coupling a trailer
from its motor vehicle; the manoeuvre must involve the towing
vehicle being parked alongside the trailer (i.e. not in one line)
(categories C+E, C1+E, D+E, D1+E only);
(ii) Reversing along a curve, the line of which shall be left to the
discretion of the competent authority;
(iii) Parking safely for loading/unloading at a loading ramp/platform
or similar installation (categories C, C+E, C1, C1+E only);
(iv) Parking to let passengers on or off the bus safely (Categories D,
D+E, D1, D1+E only).
(c) Behaviour in traffic
Applicants must perform all the following actions in normal traffic
situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions:
(i) Driving away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a
driveway;
(ii) Driving on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including
in confined spaces;
(iii) Driving round bends;
(iv) Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and
junctions;
(v) Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes;
(vi) Approach/exist of motorways or similar (if available): joining
from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;
(vii) Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); driving
alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other
traffic (if appropriate);
(viii) Special road features (if available): roundabouts; bus stops;
pedestrian crossings; driving up-/downhill on long slopes;
(ix) Taking the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle.
5. Marking of the test of skills and behaviour
(a) For each of the abovementioned driving situations, the assessment must
reflect the degree of ease with which the applicant handles the vehicle
controls and his demonstrated capacity to drive in traffic in complete
safety. The examiner must feel safe throughout the test. Driving errors
or dangerous conduct immediately endangering the safety of the test
vehicle, its passengers or other road users shall be penalised by failing
the test, whether or not the examiner or accompanying person has to
intervene. Nonetheless, the examiner shall be free to decide whether or
not the skills and behaviour test should be completed.
Driving examiners must be trained to assess correctly the applicants'
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 31
ability to drive safely. The work of driving examiners must be monitored
and supervised, by a body authorised by the competent authority, to
ensure correct and consistent application of fault assessment in
accordance with the standards laid down in this Schedule.
(b) During their assessment, driving examiners shall pay special attention
to the fact whether an applicant is showing a defensive and social
driving behaviour. This should reflect the overall style of driving and
the driving examiner should take this into account in the overall picture
of the applicant. It includes adapted and determined (safe) driving,
taking into account road and weather conditions, taking into account
other traffic, taking into account the interests of other road users
(particularly the more vulnerable) and anticipation.
(c) The driving examiner will furthermore assess whether the applicant is: 
(i) Controlling the vehicle; taking into account: proper use of safety
belts, rear-view mirrors, head restraints; seat; proper use of lights
and other equipment; proper use of clutch, gearbox, accelerator,
braking systems (including third braking system, if available),
steering; controlling the vehicle under different circumstances, at
different speeds; steadiness on the road; the weight and
dimensions and characteristics of the vehicle; the weight and type
of load (categories B+E, C, C+E, C1, C1+E, D+E, D1+E only);
the comfort of the passengers (categories D, D+E, D1, D1+E
only) (no fast acceleration, smoothly driving and no hard
braking);
(ii) Driving economically and environmentally friendly, taking into
account the revolutions per minute, changing gears, braking and
accelerating (categories B+E, C, C+E, C1, C1+E, D, D+E, D1,
D1+E only);
(iii) Observation: all-round observation; proper use of mirrors; far,
middle, near distance vision;
(iv) Priority/giving way: priority at crossroads, intersections and
junctions, giving way at other occasions (e.g. changing direction,
changing lanes, special manoeuvres);
(v) Correct position on the road: proper position on the road, in lanes,
on roundabouts, round bends, suitable for the type and the
characteristics of the vehicle; pre-positioning;
(vi) Keeping distance: keeping adequate distance to the front and the
side; keeping adequate distance from other road users;
(vii) Speed: not exceeding the maximum allowed speed; adapting
speed to weather/traffic conditions and where appropriate up to
national speed limits; driving at such a speed that stopping within
distance of the visible and free road is possible; adapting speed to
general speed of same kind of road users;
(viii) Traffic lights, road signs and other indications: acting correctly at
traffic lights; obeying instructions from traffic controllers; acting
correctly at road signs (prohibitions or commands); take
appropriate action at road markings;
(ix) Signalling: give signals where necessary, correctly and properly
timed; indicating directions correctly; taking appropriate action
with regard to all signals made by other road users;
(x) Braking and stopping: decelerating in time, braking or stopping
32 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
according to circumstances; anticipation; using the various
braking systems (only for categories C,C+E, D, D+E); using
speed reduction systems other than the brakes (only for categories
C, C+E, D, D+E).
6. Length of the test
The length of the test and the distance travelled must be sufficient to assess
the skills and behaviour laid down in this Schedule. In no circumstances should the
time spent driving on the road be less than 25 minutes for categories A, A1, B, B1
and B+E and 45 minutes for the other categories. This does not include the reception
of the applicant, the preparation of the vehicle, the technical check of the vehicle
with a bearing on road safety, the special manoeuvres and the announcement of the
outcome of the practical test.
7. Location of the test
The part of the test to assess the special manoeuvres may be conducted on a
special testing ground. Wherever practicable, the part of the test to assess behaviour
in traffic should be conducted on roads outside built-up arrears, expressways and
motorways (or similar), as well as on all kinds of urban streets (residential areas, 30
and 50 km/h areas, urban expressways) which should represent the various types of
difficulty likely to be encountered by drivers. It is also desirable for the test to take
place in various traffic density conditions. The time spent driving on the road should
be used in an optimal way to assess the applicant in all the various traffic areas that
can be encountered, with a special emphasis on changing between these areas.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND BEHAVIOUR 
FOR DRIVING A POWER-DRIVEN VEHICLE
Drivers of all power-driven vehicles must at any moment have the
knowledge, skills and behaviour described under points 2 to 4 above, with a view to
be able to:
- Recognise traffic dangers and assess their seriousness;
- Have sufficient command of their vehicle not to create dangerous
situations and to react appropriately should such situations occur;
- Comply with road traffic regulations, and in particular those intended to
prevent road accidents and to maintain the flow of traffic;
- Detect any major technical faults in their vehicles, in particular those
posing a safety hazard, and have them remedied in an appropriate
fashion;
- Take account of all the factors affecting driving behaviour (e.g. alcohol,
fatigue, poor eyesight, etc.) so as to retain full use of the faculties
needed to drive safely;
- Help ensure the safety of all road users, and in particular of the weakest
and most exposed by showing due respect for others.
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 33
SIXTH SCHEDULE
(Regulation 34)
Driving offences codes
Code Offences Penalty Points
Accident Offences
AC-1 Failing to stop after an accident 5-10
Construction and Use of Vehicle
CU-1 Using a vehicle with defective brakes 3
CU-2 Using a vehicle with defective tyre(s) 3
CU-3 Using a vehicle with defective steering 3
CU-4 Causing or likely to cause a danger by reason of load or passengers 3
Reckless/Dangerous Driving
RD-1 Reckless, negligent or dangerous driving 3-11
RD-2 Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving a vehicle 3-11
RD-3 Causing death by dangerous driving 3-11
Drink or Drugs
DD-1 Driving or attempting to drive or be in charge of a motor vehicle with 
alcohol level above the limit
3-11
DD-2 Driving or attempting to drive then failing to provide a specimen for 
analysis
3-11
DD-3 Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs 3-11
Insurance Offences
IN-1 Using vehicle uninsured against third party risks 6-8
Licence Offences
LC-1 Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence 3-6
LC-2 Driving while disqualified by order of court 6
LC-3 Non-renewal of vehicle road licence 3-6
LC-4 Non-renewal of driving licence 3-6
Miscellaneous Offences
MS-1 Emission of loud electronic sound from vehicle 3 - 6
MS-2 Use of mobile phone while driving 3-6
MS-3 Driving without seat belt on 3-6
MS-4 Wearing or using headphones or any other similar device while driving 3-6
Public Highway Offences
PH-1 Exceeding speed limits signs or regulations for classification of road and 
type of vehicle
3-6
PH-2 Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations by a moving vehicle 3-5
Traffic Direction and Signs
TS-1 Failure to comply with traffic light signals 3-5
TS-2 Failure to comply with double white lines  3-5
TS-3 Failure to comply with a ‘Stop’ sign 3-5
34 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
TS-4 Failure to comply with a traffic mandatory and/or prohibitory direction 
sign
3-5
TS-5 Failure to comply with a traffic prohibitory (special categories) sign 3
TS-6 Failure to comply with direction of a constable/warden 3
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 35
SEVENTH SCHEDULE 
(Regulation 41) 
Information codes 
Section A
International   Information   Codes
DRIVER (Medical reasons)
Code
No.
Subcode
No.
Description
01 Sight correction and/or protection
01.01 Glasses
01.02 Contact lense(s)
01.03 Protective glass
01.04 Opaque lense
01.05 Eye cover
01.06 Glasses or contact lenses
02 Hearing aid/communication aid
02.01 Hearing aid for one ear
02.02 Hearing aid for two ears
03 Prosthesis/orthosis for the limbs
03.01 Upper limb prosthesis/orthosis
03.02 Lower limb prosthesis/orthosis
04 Subject to the possession of a valid medical certificate
05 Limited use
05.01 Limited to day time journeys (for example: one hour after sunrise and
one hour before sunset)
05.02 Limited to journeys within a radius of ….. km from holder’s place of
residence
05.03 Driving without passengers
05.04 Limited to journeys with a speed not greater than…..km/h
05.05 Driving authorised solely when accompanied by a holder of a driving
licence
05.06 Without trailer
36 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
VEHICLE ADAPTATIONS
05.07 No driving on motorways
05.08 No alcohol
10 Modified transmission
10.01 Manual transmission
10.02 Automatic transmission
10.03 Electronically operated transmission
10.04 Adjusted gear-shift lever
10.05 Without secondary gearbox
15 Modified clutch
15.01 Adjusted clutch pedal
15.02 Manual clutch
15.03 Automatic clutch
15.04 Partitioning in front of/fold away/detached clutch pedal
20 Modified braking systems
20.01 Adjusted brake pedal
20.02 Enlarged brake pedal
20.03 Brake pedal suitable for use by left foot
20.04 Brake pedal by sole
20.05 Tilted brake pedal
20.06 Manual (adapted) service brake
20.07 Maximum use of reinforced service brake
20.08 Maximum use of emergency brake integrated in the service brake
20.09 Adjusted parking brake
20.10 Electrically operated parking brake
20.11 (Adjusted) foot operated parking brake
20.12 Partitioning in front of/fold away/detached brake pedal
20.13 Brake operated by knee
20.14 Electrically operated service brake
25 Modified accelerator systems
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 37
25.01 Adjusted accelerator pedal
25.02 Accelerator pedal by sole
25.03 Tilted accelerator pedal
25.04 Manual accelerator
25.05 Accelerator at knee
25.06 Servo accelerator (electronic, pneumatic, etc.)
25.07 Accelerator pedal on the left of brake pedal
25.08 Accelerator pedal on the left
25.09 Partitioning in front of/fold away/detached accelerator pedal
30 Modified combined braking and accelerator systems
30.01 Parallel pedals
30.02 Pedals at (or almost at) the same level
30.03 Accelerator and brake with sliding
30.04 Accelerator and brake with sliding and orthesis
30.05 Fold away/detached accelerator and brake pedals
30.06 Raised floor
30.07 Partitioning on the side of the brake pedal
30.08 Partitioning for prosthesis on the side of the brake pedal
30.09 Partitioning in front of the accelerator and brake pedals
30.10 Heel/leg support
30.11 Electrically operated accelerator and brake
35 Modified control layouts (lights switches, windscreen wiper/washer,
horn, direction indicators, etc.)
35.01 Control devices operable without negative influence on the steering and
handling
35.02 Control devices operable without releasing the steering wheel and
accessories (knob, fork, etc.)
35.03 Control devices operable without releasing the steering wheel and
accessories (knob, fork, etc.) with the left hand
35.04 Control devices operable without releasing the steering wheel and
accessories (knob, fork, etc.) with the right hand
38 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
35.05 Control devices operable without releasing the steering wheel and
accessories (knob, fork, etc.) and the combined accelerator and braking
mechanisms
40 Modified steering
40.01 Standard assisted steering
40.02 Reinforced assisted steering
40.03 Steering with backup system
40.04 Lengthened steering column
40.05 Adjusted steering wheel (larger and/or thicker steering wheel section,
reduced diameter steering wheel, etc.)
40.06 Tilted steering wheel
40.07 Vertical steering wheel
40.08 Horizontal steering wheel
40.09 Foot operated driving
40.10 Alternative adjusted steering (joy-stick, etc.)
40.11 Knob on the steering wheel
40.12 Hand orthesis on the steering wheel
40.13 With orthesis tenodese
42 Modified rear-view mirror(s)
42.01 External (left or) right-side rear-view mirror
42.02 External rear-view mirror set on the wing
42.03 Additional inside rear-view mirror permitting view of traffic
42.04 Panoramic inside rear-view mirror
42.05 Blind spot rear-view mirror
42.06 Electrically operated outside rear-view mirror(s)
43 Modified driver seat
43.01 Driver seat at a good viewing height and in normal distance from the
steering wheel and the pedal
43.02 Driver seat adjusted to body shape
43.03 Driver seat with lateral support for good sitting stability
43.04 Driver seat with armrest
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 39
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
43.05 Lengthening of sliding driver’s seat
43.06 Seat-belt adjustment
43.07 Harness-type seat-belt
44 Modifications to motorcycles
44.01 Single operated brake
44.02 (Adjusted) hand operated brake (front wheel)
44.03 (Adjusted) foot operated brake (back wheel)
44.04 (Adjusted) accelerator handle
44.05 (Adjusted) manual transmission and manual clutch
44.06 (Adjusted) rear-view mirror(s)
44.07 (Adjusted) commands (direction indicators, braking light, …)
44.08 Seat height allowing the driver, in sitting position, to have two feet on
the road at the same time
45 Motorcycle with side-car only
50 Restricted to a specific vehicle/chassis number (vehicle identification
number, VIN)
51 Restricted to a specific vehicle/registration plate (vehicle registration
number, VRN)
70 Exchange of licence No. … issued by … (EU/UN distinguishing sign in
the case of a third country);
71 Duplicate of licence No … (EU/UN distinguishing sign in the case of a
third country);
72 Restricted to category A vehicles having a maximum cylinder capacity
of 125 cc and maximum power of 11 KW (A1)
73 Restricted to category B vehicles of the motor tricycle or quadricycle
type (B1)
74 Restricted to category C vehicles the g.v.w. of which does not exceed
7500 kg (C1)
75 Restricted to category D vehicles with not more than 16 seats,
excluding the driver’s seat (D1)
40 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
Section B
National   Information   Codes
76 Restricted to category C vehicles the g.v.w. of which does not exceed
7500 kg (C1), attached to a trailer the g.v.w. of which exceeds 750 kg,
provided that the g.v.w. of the vehicle train thus formed does not exceed
12000 kg, and that the g.v.w. of the trailer does not exceed the unladen
mass of the drawing vehicle (C1+E)
77 Restricted to category D vehicles with not more than 16 passenger
seats, excluding the driver’s seat (D1), attached to a trailer the g.v.w. of
which exceeds 750 kg provided that (a) the g.v.w. of the vehicle train
thus formed does not exceed 12000 kg and the g.v.w. of the trailer does
not exceed the unladen mass of the drawing vehicle and (b) the trailer is
not used to carry passengers (D1+E)
78 Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission, that is, vehicles in
which the gear ratio between the engine and the wheels can be varied
only by use of the accelerator or the brakes
79 ( … ) Restricted to vehicles which comply with the specifications
indicated in the brackets
90.01 To the left
90.02 To the right
90.03 Left
90.04 Right
90.05 Hand
90.06 Foot
90.07 Usable 
Code
No.
Subcode
No.
Description
100 Holder enjoys diplomatic immunity
101 Exempt from Public Transport Customer Care Course
102 Restricted to drive government-owned buses and mini buses
103 Holder authorised by the Malta Transport Authority (Public Transport
Directorate) to drive a taxi and a chauffeur driven vehicle
104 Holder authorised by the Malta Transport Authority (Public Transport
Directorate) to drive a minibus
105 Holder authorised by the Malta Transport Authority (Public Transport
Directorate) to drive a bus and/or a coach
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 41
110 Licence issued free of charge
42 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
EIGHTH SCHEDULE
(Regulations 27 and 28)
Minimum standards of physical and mental 
fitness for driving a power-driven vehicle
Definitions
1. For the purpose of this Schedule, drivers are classified in two groups:
Group 1: 
drivers of vehicles of categories A, B and B+E and subcategories A1 and
B1;
Group 2:
drivers of vehicles of categories C, C+E, D and D+E and subcategories C1,
C1+E, D1 and D1+E
Sight
2. All applicants for a driving licence shall undergo an appropriate
investigation to ensure that they have adequate visual acuity for driving power-
driven vehicles.   Where there is reason to doubt that the applicant’s vision is
adequate, he shall be examined by a competent medical authority.   At this
examination attention shall be paid to the following in particular: visual acuity, field
of vision, twilight vision and progressive eye diseases.
For the purpose of this Schedule, intra-ocular lenses shall not be considered
corrective lenses.
(a) Group 1:
(i) Applicants for a driving licence or for the renewal of such a
licence shall have a binocular visual acuity, with corrective lenses
if necessary, of at least 0.5 when using both eyes together.
Driving licences shall not be issued or renewed if, during the
medical examination, it is shown that the horizontal field of
vision is less than 120°, apart from exceptional cases duly
justified by a favourable medical opinion and a positive practical
test, or that the person concerned suffers from any other eye
condition that would compromise safe driving. When a
progressive eye disease is detected or declared, driving licences
may be issued or renewed subject to the applicant undergoing
regular examination by a competent medical authority.
(ii) Applicants for a driving licence, or for the renewal of such a
licence, who have total functional loss of vision in one eye or who
use only one eye (e.g. in the case of diplopia) must have a visual
acuity of at least 0.6, with corrective lenses if necessary.   The
competent medical authority must certify that this condition of
monocular vision has existed sufficiently long to allow adaptation
and that the field of vision in this eye is normal.
(b) Group 2:
Applicants for a driving licence or for the renewal of such a
licence must have a visual acuity, with corrective lenses if
necessary, of at least 0.8 in the better eye and at least 0.5 in the
worse eye.   If corrective lenses are used to attain the values of
0.8 and 0.5, the uncorrected acuity in each eye must reach 0.05, or
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 43
else the minimum acuity (0.8 and 0.5) must be achieved either by
correction by means of glasses with a power not exceeding plus or
minus four dioptres or with the aid of contact lenses (uncorrected
vision = 0.05).   The correction must be well tolerated.   Driving
licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applications or
drivers without a normal binocular field of vision or suffering
from diplopia.
Hearing
3. Driving licences may be issued or renewed for applicants or drivers in
Group 2 subject to the opinion of the competent medical authorities; particular
account will be taken in medical examinations of the scope for compensation.
Persons with a Locomotor Disability
4. Driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers
suffering from complaints or abnormalities of the locomoter system which make it
dangerous to drive a power-driven vehicle.
(a) Group 1:
(i) Driving licences subject to certain restrictions, if necessary, may
be issued to physically handicapped applicants or drivers
following the issuing of an opinion by a competent medical
authority. This opinion must be based on a medical assessment of
the complaint or abnormality in question and, where necessary,
on a practical test.   It must also indicate what type of
modification to the vehicle is required and whether the driver
needs to be fitted with an orthopaedic device, insofar as the test of
skills and behaviour demonstrates that with such a device driving
would not be dangerous.
(ii) Driving licences may be issued to or renewed for any applicant
suffering from a progressive complaint on condition that the
disabled person is regularly examined to check that the person is
still capable of driving the vehicle completely safely.
Where the handicap is static, driving licences may be issued or renewed
without the applicant being subject to regular medical examination.
(b) Group 2:
The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to
the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of
vehicles covered by the definition of this group.
Cardiovascular Diseases
5. Any disease capable of exposing an applicant for a first licence or a driver
applying for renewal to a sudden failure of the cardiovascular system such that there
is a sudden impairment of the cerebral functions, constitutes a danger to road safety.
(a) Group 1:
(i) Driving licences will not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants
or drivers with serious arrhythmia.
(ii) Driving licences may be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or
drivers wearing a pacemaker subject to authorised medical check-
ups.
(iii) The question whether to issue or renew a licence for applicants or
drivers suffering from abnormal arterial blood pressure shall be
44 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
assessed with reference to the other results of the examination,
any associated complications and the danger they might constitute
for road safety.
(iv) Generally speaking, a driving licence shall not be issued to or
renewed for applicants or drivers suffering from angina during
rest or emotion.   The issuing or renewal of a driving licence to
any applicant or driver having suffered myocardial infarction
shall be subject to authorised medical opinion and, if necessary,
regular medical check-ups.
(b) Group 2:
The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to
the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of
vehicles covered by the definition of this group.
Diabetes Mellitus
6. Driving licences may be issued to, or renewed for applicants or drivers
suffering from diabetes mellitus, subject to authorised medical opinion and regular
medical check-ups appropriate to each case.
Group 2:
Only in very exceptional cases may driving licences be issued to,
or renewed for, applicants or drivers in this group suffering from
diabetes mellitus and requiring insulin treatment, and then only
where duly justified by authorised medical opinion and subject to
regular medical check-ups.
Neurological Diseases
7. Driving licences shall not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or drivers
suffering from a serious neurological disease, unless the application is supported by
authorised medical opinion.
Neurological disturbances associated with diseases or surgical intervention
affecting the central or peripheral nervous system, which lead to sensory or motor
deficiencies and affect balance and coordination, must accordingly be taken into
account in relation to their functional effects and the risks of progression.   In such
cases, the issue or renewal of the licence may be subject to periodic assessment in
the event of risk of deterioration.
8. Epileptic seizures or other sudden disturbances of the state of consciousness
constitute a serious danger to road safety if they occur in a person driving a power-
driven vehicle.
(a) Group 1:
A licence may be issued or renewed subject to an examination by
a competent medical authority and to regular medical check-ups.
The authority shall decide on the state of the epilepsy or other
disturbances of consciousness, its clinical form and progress (no
seizure in the last two years, for example), the treatment and the
results thereof.
(b) Group 2:
Driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants
or drivers suffering or liable to suffer from epileptic seizures or
other sudden disturbances of the state of consciousness.
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 45
Mental Disorders
9. (a)  Group 1:
Driving licences shall not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or
drivers who suffer from:
- severe mental disturbance, whether congenital or due to disease,
trauma or neurosurgical operations;
- severe mental retardation;
- severe behavioural problems due to ageing; or personality defects
leading to seriously impaired judgment, behaviour or
adaptability,
unless their application is supported by authorised medical opinion and,
if necessary, subject to regular medical check-ups.
(b) Group 2:
The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the
additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of vehicles covered
by the definition of this group.
Alcohol
10. Alcohol consumption constitutes a major danger to road safety. 
(a) Group 1:
Driving licences shall not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants
or drivers who are dependent on alcohol or unable to refrain from
drinking and driving.
After a proven period of abstinence and subject to authorised
medical opinion and regular medical check-ups, driving licences
may be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or drivers who have
in the past been dependent on alcohol.
(b) Group 2:
The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to
the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of
vehicles covered by the definition of this group.
Drugs and Medicinal Products
11. Abuse:
Driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers
who are dependent on psychotropic substances or who are not dependent on such
substances but regularly abuse them, whatever category of licence is requested.
12. Regular use:
(a) Group 1:
Driving licences shall not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants
or drivers who regularly use psychotropic substances, in whatever
form, which can hamper the ability to drive safely where the
quantities absorbed are such as to have an adverse effect on
driving. This shall apply to all other medicinal products or
combinations of medicinal products which affect the ability to
drive.
(b) Group 2:
46 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to
the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of
vehicles covered by the definitions of this group.
Renal Disorders
13. (a) Group 1:
Driving licences may be issued or renewed for applicants and
drivers suffering from serious renal insufficiency subject to
authorised medical opinion and regular medical check-ups.
(b) Group 2:
Save in exceptional cases duly justified by authorised medical
opinion, and subject to regular medical check-ups, driving
licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers
suffering from serious and irreversible renal deficiency.
Miscellaneous Provisions
14. (a)  Group 1:
Subject to authorised medical opinion and, if necessary, regular
medical check-ups, driving licences may be issued to or renewed
for applicants or drivers who have had an organ transplant or an
artificial implant which affects the ability to drive.
(b) Group 2:
(i) The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to
the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of
vehicles covered by the definition of this group.
(ii) As a general rule, where applicants or drivers suffer from any
disorder which is not mentioned in the preceding paragraph but is
liable to be, or to result in, a functional incapacity affecting safety
at the wheel, driving licences shall not be issued or renewed
unless the application is supported by authorised medical opinion
and, if necessary, subject to regular medical check-ups.
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 47
NINTH SCHEDULE
(Regulation 31)
Competent Authority Administration Charges
TENTH SCHEDULE
(Regulation 47)
Conduct by drivers leading to driving disqualifications 
1. Reckless or dangerous driving (whether or not resulting in death, injury or
serious risk).
2. Wilful failure to carry out the obligations placed on drivers after being
involved in road accidents (hit-and-run driving).
3. Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances
affecting or diminishing the mental and physical abilities of a driver.
4. Refusal to submit to alcohol and drug tests.
5. Driving a vehicle faster than the permitted speed.
6. Driving a vehicle whilst disqualified.
7. Other conduct constituting an offence for which a driving disqualification
has been imposed by the State of the offence:
- of a duration of six months or more,
- of a duration of less than six months where that has been agreed
bilaterally between the States concerned.
Description
Administration
Charge
Lm 
Issue of a duplicate driving licence for a lost or defaced
valid driving licence 5.00
Issue of a duplicate driving licence due to alteration/s in the
data contained in the photocard driving licence 5.00
48 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
Examination of ability to give instruction 
Theory Examination
1. The theory examination shall consist of an examination, in which the
candidate is required to answer from his own knowledge, on all or any of the
following subjects: 
( a ) the principles of road safety generally and their application in particular
circumstances;
( b ) the techniques of driving a motor car correctly, courteously and safely,
including control of the vehicle, road procedure, recognising hazards,
taking proper action with respect to hazards, dealing properly with
pedestrians and other road users and the use of safety equipment;
( c ) the tuition required to instruct a pupil on the matters set out in
paragraph ( b ), the correction of the pupil’s errors, the manner of the
instructor, the relationship between instructor and pupil and simple
vehicle adaptation for disabled drivers;
( d ) the theory of learning and the theory and practice of teaching and
assessment;
( e ) the Highway Code;
( f ) the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations;
( g ) the booklet “Your Driving Test” (D.L.68) issued by the United
Kingdom Secretary of State and published by HM Stationery Office;
( h ) knowledge, adequate to the needs of driving instruction, of the
mechanism and design of a motor car; and
( i ) the book “Driving – The Department of Transport manual”, issued by
the United Kingdom Department of Transport and published by HM
Stationery Office.
Driving ability and fitness test
2. (1) The driving ability and fitness test shall consist of tests of eyesight and
driving technique and the candidate shall be required to reach the qualifying
standard in both tests on the same occasion.
(2) The test of eyesight shall be a test of the candidate’s ability to read, in good
daylight, a motor vehicle registration mark containing letters and figures 79.4
millimetres in height at a distance of 27.5 metres (with the aid of glasses or contact
lenses if worn).
(3) The test of driving technique shall be a test in which the candidate is
required to satisfy the examiner that he has an adequate knowledge of the principles
of good driving and road safety and that he can apply them in practice.
(4) A candidate taking the test of driving technique shall in particular be
required to satisfy the examiner on -
( a ) his expert handling of controls;
( b ) his use of correct road procedure;
Amended by;
L.N. 14 of 2004. ELEVENTH SCHEDULE (Regulation 68)
MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) ġ S.L.65.18 49
( c ) his anticipation of the actions of other road users and taking of
appropriate action;
( d ) his sound judgement of distance, speed and timing; and
( e ) his consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users.
(5) The candidate taking the test of driving technique shall be required to
demonstrate his ability to perform all or any of the following manoeuvres:
( a ) moving away straight ahead or at an angle;
( b ) overtaking, meeting or crossing the path of other vehicles and taking an
appropriate course;
( c ) turning right hand and left hand corners;
( d ) stopping the vehicle in an emergency;
( e ) driving the vehicle backwards and whilst so doing entering limited
openings to the right and to the left; and
( f ) turning the vehicle around in the road to face in the opposite direction
by the use of forward and reverse gears.
Instructional ability and fitness test
3. (1) The instructional ability and fitness test shall be a test in which the
candidate is required to demonstrate his knowledge and ability by giving practical
driving instruction to an examiner as if the examiner were -
( a ) a novice or partly-trained pupil, and then
( b ) a pupil who is at a driving test or about a driving test standard.
(2) The candidate shall, in respect of one or both of those levels as the examiner
shall specify, instruct the examiner in such of the following subjects as the examiner
shall specify as the basis of the instruction -
( a ) explaining the controls of the vehicle,
( b ) moving off,
( c ) making normal stops,
( d ) reversing, and while doing so entering limited openings to the right or
to the left,
( e ) turning to face the opposite direction, using forward and reverse gears,
( f ) parking close to the kerb, using forward and reverse gears,
( g ) using mirrors and explaining how to make an emergency stop,
( h ) approaching and turning corners,
( i ) judging speed, and making normal progress,
( j ) road positioning,
( k ) dealing with road junctions,
( l ) dealing with cross roads,
( m ) dealing with pedestrian crossings, 
( n ) meeting, crossing the path of, overtaking and allowing adequate
clearance for, other vehicles and other road users, and
( o ) giving correct signals.
(3) The candidate’s knowledge and ability shall be assessed on -
50 ġ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)
( a ) the method, clarity, adequacy and correctness of his instruction,
( b ) the observation and correction of the examiner’s driving errors, and 
( c ) his manner generally.
TWELFTH SCHEDULE
(Regulation 69)
Test of continued ability and fitness to give instruction
Nature of test and provision of a motor car
1. (1) The following provisions shall have effect where a person is required to
undergo the continued ability and fitness test.
(2) The test shall consist of the attendance of the examiner, while the person is
giving instruction to a pupil or pupils.
(3) Unless the examiner otherwise directs, the test shall be carried out in a
motor car on a road while the examiner is in the vehicle and a pupil is under
instruction.
(4) The candidate shall be assessed on his instructional ability, and, in
particular, in respect of the following qualities -
( a ) his method, clarity, adequacy and correctness of instruction;
( b ) his observation and proper correction of the pupil’s errors;
( c ) his manner, patience and tact in dealing with the pupil; and
( d ) his ability to inspire confidence.
(5) Where the test is to be conducted in a motor car, the person shall provide a
motor car which is a passenger vehicle and which is suitable for such a test.
(6) The instructor may also be required to undergo a medical test as to his
fitness to work as an instructor.
