Clearance to Stationary Vehicles and Obstructions on the Northern Ireland driving test
Parked vehicles and obstructions can hide doors, pedestrians, workers and vehicles about to move.
What the examiner is assessing
Leave enough lateral space and reduce speed when the available clearance or visibility is limited.
The category does not determine the grade by itself.A mistake can be recorded differently depending on the circumstances, repetition and level of risk. One serious or dangerous fault fails the test, while 16 or more driving faults also results in a fail.
Examples of weaknesses in this area
These examples are for understanding and practice; they are not a promise that a particular mistake will always receive a particular grade.
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Passing closely beside parked cars at a speed that leaves no time to react to an opening door.
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Driving too close to a large obstruction that hides pedestrians.
How to improve before the next test
Practise combining speed reduction with extra lateral clearance rather than relying on only one.
Identify likely door and pedestrian zones before you reach them.
