DVA report 19.0

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.

Passing closely beside parked cars at a speed that leaves no time to react to an opening door.

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.

Turn the report into practice

Related practice guide

Work directly on the driving skill most closely connected to this report area.

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Build an Improvement Plan

Add this category alongside the other marks from your report.

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Mock Practical Test

Track faults during a supervised practice drive.

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Other report categories

Reviewed against official Northern Ireland guidanceInformation checked 22 September 2026.

Official source ↗

Northern Ireland learner guide

Clearance to Stationary Vehicles and Obstructions — what to improve

Parked vehicles and obstructions can hide doors, pedestrians, workers and vehicles about to move.

Leave enough lateral space and reduce speed when the available clearance or visibility is limited.

Useful points to focus on

Practise combining speed reduction with extra lateral clearance rather than relying on only one.
Identify likely door and pedestrian zones before you reach them.