L.S. 65.18 Regolamenti dwar Liċenzi għas-Sewqan ta' Vetturi bil-Mutur

(1)In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires: Interpretation. Amended by: L.N. 14 of 2004; L.N. 25 of 2007; XV. 2009.49; L.N. 172 of 2011; L.N. 149 of 2013; L.N. 14 of 2014; L.N. 234 of 2015; L.N. 56 of 2016; L.N.331 of 2017; L.N. 16 of 2018; L.N. 447 of 2018; L.N. 183 of 2020; L.N. 193 of 2020; L.N. 109 of 2023; L.N. 298 of

1. ''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; ''approved driving instructor'' means an individual who is duly qualified to give driving instruction and who is currently registered as such with the Authority; ''the Authority'' means the Authority for Transport in Malta established under the Authority for Transport in Malta Act; Cap.
2. ''authorisation'' means any authorisation in writing by the Authority in terms and for the purposes of these regulations; ''company'' has the same meaning as is assigned to it in article 2 of the Companies 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; ''CPC'' means the Certificate of Professional Competence issued in accordance with the provisions of Part IV; ''the Directive'' means Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and the Council on driving licences as amended by Commission Directive 2009/113/EC of 25 August, 2009, Commission Directive 2011/94/EU of 28 November, 2011, Commission Directive Cap.
3. 2 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) 2012/36/EU of 19 November, 2012, Council Directive 2013/22/EU of 13 May 2013, Commission Directive 2013/47/EU of 2 October, 2013, Commission Directive 2014/85/EU of 1 July, 2014, Commission Directive (EU) 2015/653 of 24 April, 2015 and Commission Directive (EU) 2018/645/EU of the European Parliament and the Council of 18 April, 2018; "Directive 2002/24/EC" means Directive 2002/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to the type approval of two or three-wheel motor vehicles; Directive 2003/59/EC" means Directive 2003/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers, amending Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3820/85 and Council Directive 91/439/EEC and repealing Council Directive 76/914/EEC; ''driver'' means, for the purposes of Part IV, a driver who is a national of Malta, or a national of another Member State or a n a t io na l o f a th ir d c o un tr y w ho i s e mp lo y e d or us e d b y an undertaking established in Malta; ''driving disqualification'' means any measure related to the c o m m i s s i o n o f a r o a d t r a ff i c o ff e n c e w h i c h r e s u l t s i n t h e 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, 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; ''electric kick scooter'' or ''e-kickscooter'' means a stand-up device that has a handlebar, a deck and small hard wheels powered by an electric motor and which also allows for human propulsion; "European Economic Area" has the meaning assigned to it in the European Economic Area Agreement between the European Union and the European Free Trade Area signed in Oporto, on 2 May 1992; Cap.
4. "European Union" has the same meaning assigned to it in the European Union Act; ''European Union driving licence'' a driving licence issued by a competent authority responsible for the issuing of driving licences in any Member State of the European Economic Area; ''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; ''learner’s permit'' means a temporary licence which allows a person to drive a motor vehicle under instruction; MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 ''licensed operator'' means an individual, partnership or company licensed by the Authority in accordance with these regulations to operate a motoring school; "light quadricycle" has the same meaning assigned to it in Article 1

(3)(a) of Directive 2002/24/EC; "M1 motor vehicle" means a vehicle used for the carriage of passengers and comprising no more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat; "M2 motor vehicle" means a vehicle used for the carriage of passengers, comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and having a maximum mass not exceeding 5 tonnes; "M3 motor vehicle" means a vehicle used for the carriage of passengers, comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and having a maximum mass exceeding 5 tonnes; ''maximum authorised mass'' means the maximum technically perm issible laden mass of a m otor vehicle as stated by the manufacturer; ''medical certificate'' means a certificate issued by a competent medical authority based on the standards indicated in the Eighth Schedule; ''Member State'' means a Member State of the European Union or member of the European Economic Area; ''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; ''moped'' shall have the same meaning given to it in Article 1

(2)(a) of Directive 2002/24/EC; "motor cycle" means any two-wheeled vehicle, with or without a sidecar, fitted with an engine having a cylinder capacity of more than 50cm³ if of the internal combustion type and, or having a maximum design speed of more than 45km per hour, and including a motor tricycle; ''motor vehicle'' means any vehicle propelled by mechanical power and includes a motorcycle, an e-kickscooter and, or a moped; "motor vehicle for hire" means a motor vehicle which is registered and licensed to be hired or leased from a vehicle hire services operator, and for the purpose of being driven by such hirer or lessee in accordance with the Light Passenger Transport Services and Vehicle Hire Services Regulations; "motor tricycle" means a vehicle with three symmetrically arranged wheels as defined in Article 1

(2)(

1. c)of Directive 2002/24/ EC; "N1 motor vehicle" means a vehicle used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes; "N2 motor vehicle" means a vehicle used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not S.L. 499.68. S.L. 65.33. 3 4 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) exceeding 12 tonnes; "N3 motor vehicle" means a vehicle used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass exceeding 12 tonnes; ''normal residence'' means the place where a person habitually 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. S.L. 291.04. ''partnership'' includes an association, not registered under the Companies Act, between two or more persons; "Petitions Board" means the Petitions Board established by regulation 3 of the Petitions (Local Tribunals) Regulations; ''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 (
2. a)full supply of fuel in the tank, (
3. b)an adequate supply of other liquids needed for its propulsion, and (
4. 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 Authority to carry passengers for hire and/or reward; "quadricycle" has the same meaning assigned to it in article 1

(3)(

1. b)of Directive 2002/24/EC; ''State of residence'' means the State within the territory of which the person who has been disqualified from driving has his normal residence: MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 5 ''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; "surrender of a driving licence" means the wilful decision by the holder of a valid driving licence who satisfies the requirements established by the Authority under a scheme which may be in place from time to time to return such driving licence to the Authority and to commit not to request the issuance of a new driving licence for such period as may be established by the Authority under such scheme; "surrender period" means the period established under any scheme which may be issued by the Authority from time to time during which a holder of a valid driving licence shall be precluded from driving any vehicle in Malta or in any other country following the surrender of a driving licence, which period is to be reckoned from the date of surrender of his driving licence; ''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; ''third country'' means a country which is not a Member State; ''Tribunal" means the Administrative Review Tribunal established by article 5 of the Administrative Justice Act; Cap. 490. ''under instruction'' means accompanied and supervised by either an approved 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 Authority, under the provisions of these regulations, or issued by another country which is recognised by the Authority and provided that the said licence (
2. a)is neither suspended, withdrawn or cancelled, (
3. b)covers the category of vehicle being driven, and (
4. 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.

(2)These regulations transpose the following: (

1. a)Directive 2002/24/EC of the EuropeanParliament and of the Council relating to the type approvalof two or three-wheel motor vehicles; (
2. b)Directive 2006/126/EC of the EuropeanParliament and the Council on driving licences as amendedby Commission Directive 2009/113/EC of 25 August,2009; (
3. c)Commission Directive 2011/94/EU of 28 November, 2011 of 25 August 2009 amending Directive2006/126/ EC of the European Parliament and of theCouncil Added by: L.N. 16 of 2018. 6 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) on driving licences;(
4. d)Commission Directive 2012/ 36/EU of 19November, 2012, of 19 November 2012 amendingDirective 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and ofthe Council on driving licences; (
5. e)Council Directive 2013/22/EU, of 13 May 2013adapting certain directives in the field of transport policy,by reason of the accession of the Republic of Croatia; Driving licence required. Substituted by: L.N. 172 of 2011. Amended by: L.N. 149 of 2013; L.N. 234 of 2015. (
6. f)Commission Directive 2013/47/EU of 2October, 2013, of 2 October 2013 amending Directive2006/ 126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences; (
7. g)Commission Directive 2014/85/EU of 1 July,2014 of 1 July 2014 amending Directive 2006/126/EC ofthe European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences; (
8. h)Commission Directive (EU) 2015/653 of 24April, 2015 amending Directive 2006/126/EC of theEuropean Parliament and of the Council on driving licences; and (
9. i)Commission Directive (EU) 2016/1106 of 7July 2016 amending Directive 2006/126/EC of theEuropean Parliament and of the Council on driving licences. 3.

(1)No person may drive on a road any of the vehicles listed in the First Schedule unless such person is the holder of a valid driving licence or a learner’s permit issued by the Authority or a valid driving licence issued by any other competent authority in another country.

(2)An application for a driving licence by a person who has his normal residence in Malta shall be made to the Authority on the prescribed form.

(3)A person whose normal residence is in Malta shall hold no more than one driving licence issued to him by any Member State.

(4)The Authority shall not issue a driving licence to the holder of a valid driving licence issued by the competent authority in another Member State, unless that person surrenders to the Authority the driving licence issued by that competent authority.

(5)The Authority shall not issue a driving licence to an applicant whose driving licence is restricted, suspended, withdrawn or cancelled in another Member State.

(6)The holder of a valid driving licence issued by the competent authority of another Member State shall, when applying to have his driving licence renewed by the Authority, surrender that driving licence to the Authority, and once the Authority renews his driving licence, the licence being so surrendered shall be returned by the Authority to the issuing competent authority.

(7)The driving licence issued by the Authority shall conform to the model set out in Annex I of the Directive. MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 7

1. The age set out in the Second Schedule relative to a category is the age below which a person shall not be granted a driving licence or a probationary driving licence by the Authority in respect of vehicles of that category. Minimum ages for driving licences. Substituted by: L.N. 172 of
3. The holder of a driving licence issued by the competent authority in a third country may drive in Malta, for a period not exceeding twelve months from the date of his last entry into Malta, any class or description of vehicle covered by the driving licence issued to him by the competent authority in that third country: Validity of driving licences issued by competent authorities in third countries. Amended by: L.N. 172 of
4. Substituted by: L.N. 149 of
5. Amended by: L.N. 447 of
6. Provided that a person holding a driving licence issued by the competent authority of a third country may not drive a vehicle in licence categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE or f unless that person is also in possession of a certificate of professional competence issued in accordance with regulation 29 or unless that person is an exempt driver in accordance with regulation
8. Driving licences issued by the competent authorities in other Member States shall be recognised in Malta. 7.

(1)A driving licence issued by a competent authority in - (

1. a)another Member State, or (
2. b)Switzerland, or (
3. c)a country with which Malta has a mutual recognition of driving licence agreement, may be exchanged for an equivalent Maltese licence.

(2)Countries with which Malta has a mutual recognition of driving licence agreement are those listed in the Fourteenth Schedule. Recognition of driving licences issued by Member States. Substituted by: L.N. 149 of

1. Exchange of driving licences issued by other States. Substituted by: L.N. 25 of
2. Amended by: L.N. 172 of
3. Substituted by: L.N. 149 of
4. Amended by: L.N. 234 of 2015.

(3)Where the Authority exchanges a driving licence issued by the competent authority of a third country, such an exchange shall be recorded on the driving licence issued by the Authority and on any subsequent renewal or replacement: Provided that a holder of a driving licence which has been exchanged by another Member State and which bears code 70, shall satisfy the Authority that he possesses the minimum requirements specified in regulation 16 prior to his licence being exchanged for a driving licence issued by the Authority. 8. The restriction, suspension, withdrawal or cancellation of a driving licence shall apply to holders of a driving licence issued in another Member State who have their normal residence in Malta. National provisions to apply to driving licences issued in another Member State. Amended by: L.N. 149 of 2013; L.N. 234 of 2015. 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. Categories and sub-categories of vehicles for which a licence may be granted. Amended by: L.N. 149 of 2013.

(2)Save as otherwise provided in regulation 5, these regulations shall apply to every vehicle of a category specified in 8 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) the First Schedule. Exemptions. Applicability of Motor Vehicles Regulations. 10. The Minister may in writing, in his discretion, exempt any person from all or any of the provisions of these regulations. 11. (Deleted by Legal Notice 149 of 2013). P ART II INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLING International Driving Permit. Amended by: L.N. 172 of 2011. 12. Any person wishing to drive a motor vehicle in another country other than in a Member State may apply to the Authority for the issue of an international driving permit in accordance with the provisions of any international convention applicable to Malta. The 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. Issue of permit. Amended by: L.N. 172 of 2011. Substituted by: L.N. 149 of 2013. 14. who - Validity of international driving permit. Amended by: L.N. 172 of 2011. Substituted by: L.N. 149 of 2013. 15. An international driving permit issued by the Authority in terms of regulation 14 shall be valid for a period of twelve months. An international driving permit shall be issued to a person (

1. a)has his normal residence in Malta; and (
2. b)is the holder of a driving licence issued by the Authority or by a competent authority in another Member State. PART III DRIVING TEST Minimum requirements for driving tests Minimum requirements for driving tests. Amended by: L.N. 172 of 2011; L.N. 183 of 2020. 16. An applicant for a driving licence must satisfy the 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: (
3. a)a theory test; and (
4. b)a test of skills and behaviour: Provided that for a category AM driving licence, the test shall only consist of a theory test Theory Test Syllabus of the theory test. Amended by: L.N. 172 of 2011. 17. All new applicants must complete, to the satisfaction of the 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; L.N. 183 of 2020. 18. Only applicants who have attained their eighteenth birthday shall be eligible to sit for the theory test: Provided that applicants for a category AM driving licence who have attained their sixteenth birthday shall be eligible to sit for the theory test. MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 19. On successful completion of the theory part of the driving test, the applicant shall be issued with a pass certificate. 9 Pass certificate in respect of the theory test. Learner’s Permit (Standard) 20.

(1)Only applicants who have attained their eighteenth birthday, other than those applying for a category A2 or a category A licence, shall be entitled to a standard learner’s permit.

(2)A standard learner’s permit may also be issued to applicants for a category A2 licence who have attained their twentieth birthday and to applicants for a category A licence who have attained their twenty-second birthday but having two years experience in A2 or have attained their twenty-fourth birthday if they do not have two years’ experience in A

2. 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 A1, A2, A, B1, B, BE, C1, C1E and g. Learner’s Permit (Advanced)
3. Only applicants, who are in possession of a valid driving licence in category B and have held such licence for at least one

(1)month, shall be entitled to an advanced learner’s permit: Provided that applicants for a category C1 or category C1E licence shall be exempt from the requirement of having held a category B licence for at least one

(1)month.

1. 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 C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE: Provided that the Authority may, upon a request in writing to that effect, authorise an approved driving instructor to give driving instruction on Sundays and public holidays. 23A. (Deleted by Legal Notice 149 of 2013). Test of Skills and Behaviour Eligibility for a standard learner’s permit. Substituted by: L.N. 14 of 2004; L.N. 234 of
2. Categories and sub-categories of vehicles that can be used for the practice of driving under a standard learner’s permit. Amended by: L.N. 234 of 2015; L.N. 56 of 2016; L.N. 183 of
3. Eligibility for an advanced learner’s permit. Substituted by: L.N. 14 of
4. Amended by: L.N. 234 of
5. Substituted by: L.N. 447 of
6. Categories and sub-categories of vehicles that can be used for the practice of driving under an advanced learner’s permit. Amended by: L.N. 172 of 2011; L.N. 234 of 2015; L.N. 56 of
7. Access to driving of a category A motorcycle. Added by: L.N. 172 of
9. 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. Eligibility to sit for the test of skills and behaviour. 25.

(1)The test of skills and behaviour shall be based on the subjects contained in the Fifth Schedule. Syllabus of the test of skills and behaviour. Amended by: L.N. 14 of 2004.

(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 10 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) 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: (

1. a)comply with the minimum technical requirements as indicated in the Third Schedule, (
2. b)be covered by a valid VRT certificate, (
3. c)display a valid road licence disc, (
4. 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. Tests to be carried out by examiners appointed by the Authority. Added by: L.N. 172 of 2011. Amended by: L.N. 183 of 2020. 26A.

(1)The tests of skills and behaviour shall be carried out by persons appointed by the Authority.

(2)No person may be appointed to carry out driving tests unless that person meets the minimum standards of competence set out in Annex IV of the Directive.

(3)The Authority shall not appoint a person to act (

1. a)as a category B driving examiner unless that person (
2. i)has held a category B driving licence for at least three years, (
3. ii)is at least 23 years old, (iii) has successfully completed an initial training programme approved by the Authority and demonstrates, by means of a test organised by the Authority, that he meets the minimum standards of competence in terms of subregulation

(2)and subsequently follows the quality assurance and the periodic training arrangements as provided for in Annex IV of the Directive, (

1. iv)has completed a vocational education that leads at least to a completion of level 3 defined by Council Decision 85/368/EEC on the comparability of vocational training qualifications between the Member States of the European Community, and (
2. v)when such person is acting simultaneously as a commercial driving instructor in a driving school; (
3. b)as a driving examiner for the other categories unless that person (
4. i)holds a driving licence in the category concerned or possesses equivalent knowledge through adequate professional qualification, MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 11 (
5. ii)has been a qualified category B driving examiner for at least three years or has at least five years’ experience of driving in the category concerned or can provide evidence of a theoretical and practical assessment of driving ability of a standard higher than that needed to obtain a driving licence, and (iii) meets the provisions of paragraph (a)(iii), (
6. iv)and (v): Provided that the Authority may authorise an examiner to conduct driving tests for (
7. a)categories A1, A2 and A upon passing the initial qualification in terms of the provisions of paragraph (a)(iii) for one of those categories, (
8. b)categories C1, C, D1 and D upon passing the initial qualification in terms of the provisions of paragraph (a)(iii) for one of those categories, and (
9. c)categories BE, C1E, CE, D1E and DE upon passing the initial qualification in terms of the provisions of paragraph (a)(iii) for one of those categories.

(4)Persons who have already been authorised to conduct driving tests before the provision of sub-regulation

(3)comes into force, shall continue to be authorised to conduct driving tests provided they undertake the periodic training as provided for in sub-regulation

(3). P ART IV CERTIFICATE OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE Added by: L.N. 25 of 2007. 27.

(1)With effect from the 10th September, 2008, no person, who obtains a licence to drive a vehicle in licence categories D1, D1+E, D, D+E or f, shall drive a vehicle in any of the said licence categories unless that person is also in possession of a certificate of professional competence certifying an initial qualification, issued in accordance with regulation 29 or unless that person is an exempt driver in accordance with regulation 28: Certificate of professional competence certifying an initial qualification. Added by: L.N. 25 of 2007. Provided that drivers who, at the time of obtaining the licence to drive a vehicle in licence categories D1, D1+E, D, D+E or f, are undergoing a national vocational training course lasting between six months and three years may be allowed to drive such vehicles before obtaining their certificate of professional competence certifying an initial qualification: Provided further that drivers who on the 9th September, 2008 already hold a licence to drive a vehicle in licence categories D1, D1+E, D, D+E or f, shall be exempt from the requirement of the certificate of professional competence until the 9th September, 2013.

(2)With effect from the 10th September, 2009, no person, who obtains a licence to drive a vehicle in licence categories C1, C1+E, C or C+E, shall drive a vehicle in any of the said licence categories u n l e s s t h a t p e r s o n i s a l s o i n p o ss e s s i o n o f a c e r t i f i c a t e o f 12 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) professional competence certifying an initial qualification, issued in accordance with regulation 29 or unless he or she is an exempt driver in accordance with regulation 28: Provided that drivers who, at the time of obtaining the licence to drive a vehicle in licence categories C1, C1+E, C or C+E, are undergoing a national vocational training course lasting between six months and three years may be allowed to drive such vehicles before obtaining their certificate of professional competence certifying an initial qualification: Provided further that drivers who on the 9th September, 2009 already hold a licence to drive a vehicle in licence categories C1, C1+E, C or C+E, shall be exempt from the requirement of the certificate of professional competence until the 9th September, 2014. Exempt drivers. Added by: L.N. 25 of 2007. Substituted by: L.N. 193 of 2020. 28. drivers of: The provisions of regulation 27 shall not apply to the (a) vehicles with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding forty-five

(45)kilometres per hour; (

1. b)vehicles used by, or under the control of, the armed forces, civil defence, the fire and rescue service and forces responsible for maintaining public order; and emergency ambulance services, when the carriage is undertaken as a consequence of the tasks assigned to those services; (
2. c)vehicles undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance purposes, or the drivers of new or rebuilt vehicles which have not yet been put into service; (
3. d)vehicles for which a driving licence of category D or D1 is required and which are driven without passengers by maintenance personnel to or from a maintenance centre situated in the vicinity of the nearest maintenance base which is used by the transport operator, provided that driving the vehicle does not constitute the driver's principal activity; (
4. e)vehicles used in states of emergency or assigned to rescue missions, including vehicles used in the noncommercial transport of humanitarian aid; (
5. f)vehicles used for driving instruction for, and examination of, any person wishing to obtain a driving licence or a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), in accordance with regulation 29, provided that they are not being used for the commercial carriage of goods and passengers; (
6. g)vehicles used for non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods; and MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 13 (
7. h)vehicles carrying material, equipment or machinery to be used by the drivers in the course of their work, provided that driving the vehicles is not the drivers’ principal activity: Provided that paragraph (
8. f)shall not apply to any person wishing to obtain a driving licence or a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), in accordance with regulation 29, when that person is undergoing additional driving training during work-based learning, where that person is accompanied by another person certified by a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), or a driving instructor, for the category of vehicle used for the purpose set out in that paragraph. 29.

(1)Drivers shall only qualify for the certificate of professional compete nce certify in g a n i ni ti al qu ali fi cati on following the undertaking of theoretical and practical tests held by the Authority or by a body so designated by the Authority, in accordance with subsection 2.2 of Section 2 of the Thirteenth Schedule.

(2)Upon the successful completion of the said tests, drivers taking the qualification tests as provided for in sub-regulation

(1)shall be issued with a certificate of professional competence certifying an initial qualification. Qualifying for a certificate of professional competence certifying an initial qualification. Added by: L.N. 25 of 2007. Amended by: L.N. 172 of 2011.

(3)The said certificate of professional competence certifying an initial qualification shall be issued by the Authority or by the body designated by it and shall be valid for five years.

(4)Drivers undertaking carriage of passengers who hold a certificate of professional competence, certifying an initial qualification, for one of the categories provided for in regulation 27

(1)shall be exempt from obtaining such a certificate for any other of the categories of vehicles referred to in that sub-regulation.

(5)Drivers undertaking carriage of goods who hold a certificate of professional competence, certifying an initial qualification, for one of the categories provided for in regulation 27

(2)shall be exempt from obtaining such a certificate for any other of the categories of vehicles referred to in that sub-regulation.

(6)Drivers undertaking the carriage of goods who broaden or modify their activities in order to carry passengers, and drivers undertaking the carriage of passengers who broaden or modify their activities in order to carry goods, and who hold a certificate of professional competence, shall not be required to repeat the common parts of the initial qualification, but rather only the parts specific to the new qualification. 30.

(1)Drivers who obtain a driving licence and a certificate of professional competence certifying an initial qualification (

1. a)on the 10th September, 2008, or thereafter, to drive a vehicle in licence categories D1, D1+E, D, D+E or f, or (
2. b)on the 10th September, 2009, or thereafter, to drive a vehicle in licence C1, C1+E, C or C+E, Compulsory periodic training. Added by: L.N. 25 of 2007. Amended by: L.N. 172 of 2011. 14 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) s h a l l , w i t h i n f i v e y ea r s f r o m a c q u i r i n g t h e i r c e r t i f i c a t e o f professional competence, certifying an initial qualification, and every five years thereafter, follow a compulsory periodic training course of a duration of thirty-five hours, given in periods of at least seven hours, and based on the training requirements as provided for in Section 1 of the Thirteenth Schedule.

(2)Drivers who (

1. a)on the 9th September, 2008 already hold a D1, D1+E, D, D+E or f licence, or (
2. b)on the 9th September, 2009 already hold a C1, C1+E, C or C+E licence, shall, within five years from the said dates and every five years thereafter, follow a compulsory periodic training course of a duration of thirty-five hours, given in periods of at least seven hours, and based on the training requirements as provided for in Section 1 of the Thirteenth Schedule.

(3)The periodic training courses mentioned in the preceding sub-regulations shall be organised by a training centre approved by the Authority in accordance with Section 5 of the Thirteenth Schedule.

(4)If a driver moves from one undertaking to another undertaking, the periodic training already undergone shall be taken into account.

(5)When a driver completes the periodic training, the Authority or the approved training centre shall issue to the said driver a certificate of professional competence certifying the periodic training.

(6)A driver who has completed a first course of periodic training shall undergo periodic training every five years, before the end of the period of validity of the certificate of professional competence certifying periodic training.

(7)Drivers who have completed a course of periodic training for one of the licence categories D1, D1+E, D, D+E or f shall be exempt from the obligation to undergo further periodic training for another of those categories.

(8)Drivers who have completed a course of periodic training for one of the licence categories C1, C1+E, C or C+E shall be exempt from the obligation to undergo further periodic training for another of those categories.

(9)Holders of a certificate of professional competence certifying an initial qualification and holders of a certificate of professional competence certifying periodic training who cease pursuit of the occupation and do not meet the requirements of subregulations

(1),

(2)and

(6), shall undergo a course of periodic training before resuming pursuit of the occupation. Place of training. Added by: L.N. 25 of 2007. 31.

(1)A driver who is a national of Malta or of another Member State but having his normal residence in Malta, and a driver from third a country who is employed or used by an MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 15 undertaking established in Malta shall obtain the certificate of professional competence certifying initial qualification, in Malta.

(2)A driver who is a national of Malta or of another Member State but having his normal residence in Malta, and a driver from a third country who is employed or used by an undertaking established in Malta shall undergo their periodic training, referred to in regulation 30, in Malta.

1. The code, provided for in the Seventh Schedule, indicating that a driver is the holder of the certificate of professional competence, shall be marked on the driver’s driving licence: Provided that where the driver is a national of a third country who is employed or used by an undertaking established in Malta to drive vehicles used for the carriage of goods, the said code may be marked on the driver’s attestation issued by the Authority in accordance with the Motor Vehicles (Carriage of Goods by Road) Regulations: Code indicating professional competence. Added by: L.N. 25 of
2. S.L. 65.19 Provided further that where the driver is a national of a third country who is employed or used by an undertaking established in Malta to drive vehicles used for the carriage of passengers, the said code may be marked on the driver’s national certificate where the certificate’s validity is recognised by Malta. 32A. For enforcement purposes, the Authority shall exchange information on CPCs issued or withdrawn with any other members of the Member States: Provided that, processing of personal data obtained by the Authority from a national contact point in another Member State or personal data obtained by a competent authority in another Member State from the Authority through automated searches shall be carried out solely for the purpose of verifying compliance with the Directive, in particular with regard to the training requirements laid down in the Directive. P ART V DRIVING LICENCES Exchange of information of enforcement purposes. Added by: L.N. 210 of
3. Amended by: L.N. 25 of
4. General provisions 33.

(1)An application for the grant of a driving licence under these regulations shall be made to the Authority on the appropriate form, which shall be accompanied by a medical certificate and the appropriate licence fee.

(2)A national driving licence holder may periodically be re qu ired t o p r od uc e fu rt h er m e d i c a l ce rt i f i c a t e s as m a y b e prescribed. 34. Driving licences shall be issued only to those applicants (

1. 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 Application for a driving licence. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of 2011; L.N. 426 of 2012; L.N. 149 of 2013. Issue of driving licences. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007. 16 [ S.L.65.18 Surrender of a driving licence. Added by: L.N. 298 of 2025. MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) (
2. 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. 34A.

(1)A holder of a valid driving licence who satisfies the criteria for surrender of a driving licence as may be established by the Authority under any scheme which may be issued from time to time may return his driving licence to the Authority and commit not to request the issuance of a new driving licence in his favour prior to the expiration of the surrender period.

(2)Every application for the surrender of a valid driving licence shall be made to the Authority on the prescribed form and the applicant shall, together with such form, submit any documents which may be required to show that the applicant satisfies the requirements for eligibility.

(3)An application for the surrender of a driving licence shall be processed and decided upon by the Authority.

(4)The decision of the Authority shall be sent by registered post to the applicant at the address indicated in the application.

(5)When an application is accepted by the Authority, the applicant shall be obliged to return to the Authority the documents referred to in regulation 36

(1)by not later than five

(5)days from the date when the Authority’s decision is communicated to him in the manner specified in sub-regulation

(4).

(6)An applicant whose application to surrender his driving licence is accepted by the Authority shall not have the right to drive any vehicle, whether in Malta or in any other country, during the surrender period.

(7)After the lapse of the surrender period, a person who has surrendered his driving licence may request the issuance of a new driving licence in his favour without the need to satisfy the requirements established in regulation 16: Provided that such person shall be obliged to attend a number of hours of driving tuition, as may be established by the Authority from time to time, at a licensed motoring school and to provide documentary evidence of such attendance to the Authority prior to being issued with a new driving licence. Driver permits. Added by: L.N. 298 of 2025. 34B.

(1)Upon surrender of a valid driving licence, any driver permits issued to such person to drive any taxi, public passenger transport vehicle, light passenger transport vehicle and, or any other vehicle which may only be driven with a valid driving licence, shall automatically be revoked and such person shall not have the right to make use of such driver permits for the surrender period.

(2)Where a holder of a driving licence who decides to surrender his driving licence also holds a driver’s permit issued by MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 17 the Authority to drive any particular category of vehicles, such person shall, together with the application which shall be submitted on the prescribed form and the return to the Authority of the documents referred to in regulation 36

(1), shall also return to the Authority all driver tags in his possession.

(3)After the lapse of the surrender period and the issuance of a new driving licence in accordance with regulations 34A

(7), a person who also surrendered a driver’s permit to the Authority, shall be obliged to apply with the Authority on the prescribed form and subject to the provision of all necessary documentation for the issuance of a new driver’s permit.

(4)Following the submission of such application, the Authority shall issue a new driver’s permit to the applicant only upon verifying and confirming that the applicant still satisfies all other requirements established under the applicable legislation, including the requirement of good conduct and repute, for the driver’s permit to be issued once again in favour of such person.

1. A national driving licence holder shall not drive a public transport vehicle unless authorised to do so by the Authority and the relevant information code is entered in his driving licence. Drivers of public transport vehicles to be authorised by the Authority. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 149 of 2013; L.N. 14 of
2. 36.

(1)The driving licence shall consist of two documents, namely, the photocard driving licence based on the model set out in Annex I to the Directive and the counterpart driving licence. Photocard and counterpart driving licences. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of 2011; L.N. 14 of 2014; L.N.331 of 2017.

(2)Both the photocard and counterpart driving licences shall be produced at any time when requested by either the Police or a court or a Commissioner of Justice or the Authority. 36A. Without prejudice to the other provisions of these regulations on the penalty points system applicable to probationary driving licences, and save as otherwise provided in regulation 36D, a penalty points system shall apply to the holders of a full driving licence. 36B.

(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 in a computerised database established for this purpose by the Authority.

(2)Where the holder admits the offence and pays the relative pecuniary penalty in accordance with the special procedure established in article 62 of the Traffic Regulation Ordinance or in article 14 of the Commissioners for Justice Act, as the case may be, the Authority shall record in a computerised database established for this purpose, the minimum penalty points as indicated in the Sixth Schedule for the particular offence.

(3)When a holder of a full driving licence is requested to appear before a court or tribunal on charges of having committed Applicability of penalty points system to holder of full driving licence. Added by: L.N. 331 of

1. Recording of the penalty points on the counterpart of full driving licence. Added by: L.N. 331 of
2. Cap.
3. Cap.
4. 18 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) any of the offences included in the Sixth Schedule, he shall be in possession of the driving licence and the presiding Magistrate or Commissioner for Justice shall have the power to confiscate the said licence if the aggregate penalty points resulting from the database established by the Authority together with the penalty points awarded by the judgement delivered by such Magistrate or Commissioner for Justice add up to twelve or more accumulated during the preceding period of twelve months: Revocation of driving licence on exceeding the maximum penalty points permissible. Added by: L.N. 331 of
5. Possibility to reduce number of penalty points. Added by: L.N. 331 of
6. Effects of revocation and reapplication for a driving licence. Added by: L.N. 331 of
7. Provided that the confiscation of the licence shall not come into effect in the event that the convicted person declares that he or she intends to appeal from the judgment or to file a petition in front of the Petitions Board. The declaration is to be made in writing by means of a note which is to be held in the records of the registrar of the court or tribunal, as the case may be, and which is to be communicated to the Authority which shall then register this fact in the computerized database which shall be established for this purpose". 36C. A full driving licence shall be revoked if at any time during any period of twelve months, its holder accumulates in aggregate twelve penalty points or more. 36D. Any holder of a full driving licence or of a probationary driving licence may have the number of penalty points recorded in his entry reduced by 50% at any time if he or she attends a safety awareness course approved by the Authority and passes a test which shall be prepared by the Authority for this purpose. A person may only take such course every two years. 36E.

(1)The following rules shall apply to a driver whose full driving licence has been revoked in virtue of regulation 36C: (

1. a)where the driving licence has been revoked for the first time the driver shall, upon his application, be granted a new driving licence after the expiration of a period of two months from the said revocation without the need to sit for a driving test; (
2. b)where the driving licence has been revoked for the second time within a period of three years the driver may only apply for a new driving licence after the expiration of a period of two months from such revocation by submitting a fresh application in terms of Part III; (
3. c)where the driving licence has been revoked for a third time within a period of five years the driver may only apply for a new driving licence by submitting a fresh application in terms of Part III after the expiration of a period of one year from such revocation or of such other shorter period, not being less than six months, as the Administrative Review Tribunal may, upon the application of the driver, determine; (
4. d)where the driving licence has been revoked for a fourth time within a period of seven years the driver may only apply for a new MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 19 driving licence by submitting a fresh application in terms of Part III if so authorised by the Administrative Review Tribunal, which authorisation may not be granted before the expiration of a period of two years from such revocation.

(2)The application which may be submitted in terms of paragraphs (c) and, or (d) of sub-regulation

(1)shall be filed by the driver whose driving licence will have been so revoked as an appeal from the last decision of the Authority notifying him with the revocation of his driving licence. 36F. Penalty points both with regard to a probationary driving licence and with regard to a full driving licence may be imposed only in respect of the driving licence of the person who shall have committed the contravention giving rise to the penalty points and nothing in these regulations shall be interpreted as authorizing the imposition of penalty points on the driving licence of a person only by reason of the fact that the motor vehicle by means of which a contravention was committed is registered in that person’s name. 37.

(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 Authority, if a valid driving licence has been lost or defaced. Penalty points may only be imposed on driver. Added by: L.N. 331 of 2017. Duplicate driving licence. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of 2011.

(2)The 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

1. 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. Eligibility for a probationary driving licence. Substituted by: L.N. 14 of
2. Amended by: L.N. 25 of
4. A penalty point system shall apply for all drivers holding a probationary driving licence. Applicability of a penalty point system. Substituted by: L.N. 14 of
5. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 149 of
6. 20 [ S.L.65.18 Recording of the penalty points on the counterpart driving licence. Substituted by: L.N. 14 of
7. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of
8. Substituted by: L.N.331 of
9. Cap.
10. Cap.
11. MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) 40.

(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, in a computerised database established for this purpose by the Authority.

(2)Where the holder admits the offence and pays the relative pecuniary penalty in accordance with the special procedure established in article 62 of the Traffic Regulation Ordinance or in article 14 of the Commissioners for Justice Act, as the case may be, the Authority shall record, in a computerised database established for this purpose by the Authority, the minimum penalty points as indicated in the Sixth Schedule for the particular offence.

(3)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 driving licence and the presiding Magistrate or Commissioner for Justice shall have the power to confiscate the said licence if the aggregate penalty points resulting from the database established by the Authority, together with the p ena lt y poi nt s a warde d b y th e ju dg men t de li vered by su ch Magistrate or Commissioner for Justice add up to twelve or more: Provided that the confiscation of the licence shall not come into effect in the event that the convicted person declares that he or she intends to appeal from the judgment or to file a petition in front of the Petitions Board. The declaration is to be made in writing by means of a note which is to be held in the records of the registrar of the court or tribunal, as the case may be, and which is to be communicated to the Authority which shall then register this fact in the computerized database which shall be established for this purpose. Revocation of driving licence on exceeding the maximum penalty points permissible. Substituted by: L.N. 14 of

1. Amended by: L.N. 25 of
3. 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
4. Amended by: L.N. 25 of
6. 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 terms of Part III. Conditions for granting a full driving licence. Amended by: L.N. 25 of
7. Substituted by: L.N. 149 of
9. A full driving licence shall be granted, against payment, valid from the date of expiry of a probationary driving licence, only if the probationary driving licence is still valid. Renewal of driving licence MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 44.

(1)Full driving licences shall have an administrative validity of (

1. a)ten years in respect of a licence issued for categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, B1 and BE: Provided that where the holder of any such licence has reached the age of seventy years, that licence shall have an administrative validity of five years; (
2. b)five years in respect of a licence issued for categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 and D1E. 21 Validity period of a full driving licence. Substituted by: L.N. 25 of 2007. Amended by: L.N. 408 of 2007; L.N. 89 of 2010; L.N. 172 of 2011; L.N. 149 of 2013; L.N. 14 of 2014; L.N. 234 of 2015. (1A) A full driving licence shall be granted or renewed against payment of the relevant fee as provided for in the Ninth Schedule. (1B) The renewal of driving licences, when their administrative validity expires, shall be subject to the licence holder having his normal residence in Malta or to the licence holder providing proof that he has been studying in Malta for at least six months.

(2)A driving licence which is replaced shall be issued with an expiry date that is the same as the expiry date of the licence being replaced.

(3)The period of validity of a diving licence shall not be affected by the holder obtaining a driving licence of any other class or type.

(4)Where a person does not renew his driving licence within twelve months from the expiry date of the said licence, that person shall only be entitled to obtain his or her driving licence once that person pays the arrears due.

(5)Where a person does not renew his driving licence after twelve months from the expiry date of the said licence, that person shall only be entitled to obtain his or her driving licence once that person pays the arrears due and a late renewal fee of twelve euro (€12). 45. A driving licence shall not be granted or renewed unless, at the age of seventy years and every five years thereafter, a person produces a medical certificate of physical fitness on application. Medical certificate for persons 70 years old or over. Substituted by: L.N. 25 of 2007. 45A. As from the 19th January, 2013, holders of driving licences in categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 and D1E shall, when renewing their driving licence, produce a medical certificate certifying that they still comply with the minimum standard of physical and mental fitness for driving set out in the Eighth Schedule. Medical certificate for drivers of passenger and goods vehicles. Added by: L.N. 171 of 2011. 46. 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. Medical certificate for drivers of public transport vehicles. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007. Conditions and validity 22 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) Conditions on which a driving licence has been issued. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007. 47. 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. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007. 48. 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. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 171 of 2011. Substituted by: L.N. 149 of 2013. 49. The issue of driving licences shall be subject to the following conditions: Other categories of vehicles which may be driven by holders of driving licences granted for certain categories. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of 2011; L.N. 149 of 2013; L.N. 183 of 2020. 50. The validity of driving licences shall be determined as follows: (

1. a)licences for categories C1, C, D1 and D shall be issued only to drivers already entitled to drive vehicles in category B; and (
2. b)licences for categories BE, C1E, CE, D1E and DE shall be issued only to drivers already entitled to drive vehicles in categories B, C1, C, D1 and D respectively. (
3. a)licences granted for categories C1E, CE, D1E or DE shall be valid for combinations of vehicles in category BE; (
4. b)licences granted for category CE shall be valid for category DE as long as their holders are entitled to drive vehicles in category D; (
5. c)licences granted for category CE and DE shall be valid for combinations of vehicles in categories C1E and D1E respectively; (
6. d)licences granted for category A1, A2, A and B shall be valid for vehicles in category AM; (
7. e)licences issued for category A2 shall also be valid for category A1; and (
8. f)licences granted for categories A, B, C or D shall be valid for categories A1, A2, B1, C1, or D1 respectively. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007. PART VI FEES Licence fees. Amended by: L.N. 14 of 2004. Substituted by: L.N. 25 of 2007. 51. The licence fees and administrative fees for the various licences issued and tests carried out under these regulations shall be those prescribed in the Ninth Schedule. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007. P ART VII DRIVING DISQUALIFICATIONS MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 23 52. 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. Recognition of disqualifications imposed by Member States. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007. 53. The 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. Notification of disqualification. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of 2011. 54.

(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 Authority shall execute the decision imposing disqualification from driving through an administrative decision in accordance with the conditions laid down in subregulation

(2). Imposition of driving disqualification. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of 2011.

(2)The Authority (

1. 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; (
2. b)may reduce the duration of the driving disqualification but only to the maximum term provided for in national legislation of the same kind; (
3. c)shall not extend the duration of the driving disqualification imposed by the State of the offence; (
4. d)shall, where necessary, determine a date from which it will enforce the driving disqualification. 55. Driving disqualifications imposed by other States of the offence shall not be effective in Malta if Malta is the State of residence and if (
5. a)the driving disqualification has already been fully enforced in the State of the offence; (
6. 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; (
7. 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; (
8. d)the period of limitation for the measure would have expired under its own legislation; (
9. 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; (
10. 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; (
11. g)the remaining period of disqualification which could Driving disqualifications not effective in Malta. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007. 24 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) be enforced in the State of residence is less than one month; (
12. 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 ART VIII DRIVING INSTRUCTION Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007. Motor vehicles used for instruction purposes Dual control system and learner plates. Amended by: L.N. 14 of 2004; L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of 2011. 56.

(1)Motor vehicles licensed by the Authority to be used for instruction for category B or category BE licence purposes shall be fitted with a dual control system.

(2)Any motor vehicle licensed by the Authority to be used by a motoring school and, or by an approved driving instructor for instruction purposes shall clearly display at all times while in use on the road a learner plate marked with the letter “L” in green on a white background. The plate shall include also the motoring school’s authorisation number, which shall be visible from the front and the rear of the vehicle.

(3)Learner plates used by non-registered 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.

(4)No person shall act as a non-registered driving instructor unless such person (

1. i)has reached the age of twenty-five years, (
2. 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.

(5)A non-registered 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. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of

2. An authorised operator or approved driving instructor shall not, for instruction purposes, use any motor vehicle which is not authorised by the Authority. Motoring school to be authorised. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 89 of 2010; L.N. 172 of
4. No person shall keep and operate a motoring school without an authorisation from the Authority. Validity period of authorisation. Amended by: L.N. 25 of
5. Motoring schools
6. (Deleted by Legal Notice 89 of 2010). MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 25
7. (Deleted by Legal Notice 89 of 2010). Application for keeping a motoring school. Amended by: L.N. 25 of
9. (Deleted by Legal Notice 89 of 2010). Withdrawal or suspension of the authorisation. Amended by: L.N. 25 of
11. (Deleted by Legal Notice 89 of 2010). Discretion of the competent authority. Amended by: L.N. 25 of
12. Authorised Operators 63.

(1)An application for authorisation as an operator of a motoring school may be made by: (

1. a)an individual; (
2. b)a partnership; or (
3. c)a company. Applications for authorised operators. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 89 of 2010; L.N. 172 of 2011.

(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 (b) where the application is made under sub-regulation

(1)(b) or (c), by a person duly authorised by the partnership or company.

(3)Applications for operating a motoring school shall include the following information and documents: (

1. a)the registration number of each motor vehicle to be used for instruction; (
2. b)a declaration that all the motor vehicles to be used for instruction for category B and BE licences have a dual control system; (
3. c)details and police conduct certificates of applicants, directors, or partners as the case may be..

(4)In the case where an applicant proposes to act as an operator in more than one motoring school, the Authority shall require as many applications to be made as there are such schools. 63A.

(1)Completed applications for authorisation shall be acknowledged by the Authority by notice in writing within seven working days from the day of receipt and that notice shall specify: (

1. a)the period within which the application will be processed in accordance with these regulations; (
2. b)the available means of redress where the Authority intends to refuse an application for an operator’s authorisation; and (
3. c)a statement that in the absence of a response within the period referred to in paragraph (a), the authorisation Acknowledgment of applications. Added by: L.N. 89 of 2010. Amended by: L.N. 172 of 2011. 26 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) shall be deemed to have been granted.

(2)In the case of an incomplete application, the applicant shall be informed within seven working days from the day of receipt thereof, about the need to supply any additional documentation. Dual and subsequent applications. Added by: L.N. 89 of 2010. Amended by: L.N. 172 of 2011. 63B.

(1)Where an operator already established in Malta applies to operate additional motoring schools, or where an operator already established in another Member State applies for authorisation to operate one or more motoring schools in Malta, the operator shall not be required to undergo requirements and controls which are equivalent or essentially comparable as regards their purpose to which the applicant is already subject in Malta or in another Member State.

(2)Where an applicant is not already established in Malta or in another Member State and proposes to act as an operator in more than one place in Malta in the same application process (Dual Application) or following the first application (Subsequent Application), the applicant shall: (

1. a)in the case of a Dual Application, not be required to provide the information which is common to both places more than once but shall provide any information which is specific or particular to such additional places; (
2. b)in the case of Subsequent Application, provide only that information which was given in the original application and which is at the date of such subsequent application not valid any more and provide that information which is specific or particular to such additional places in accordance with paragraph (a): Provided that the term ''applicant'' shall not include those applicants which have had their application or applications validly and conclusively refused by the Authority.

(3)Notwithstanding anything contained in this regulation, the applicant shall still complete any application form as may be required by the Authority. Authorisation. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007. Substituted by: L.N. 89 of 2010. Amended by: L.N. 172 of 2011. 64.

(1)When an application has been made in accordance with regulation 63, the Authority shall make such investigations and carry out such inspections as are reasonably required to ensure conformity with these regulations and the Authority shall inform the applicant by notice in writing by not later than seven working days from receipt of all relevant documents of the Authority’s decision on the application and, in the case of refusal or withdrawal of application, on the reasons therefor: Provided that where circumstances necessitate an extension for consideration of an application, such period may be extended once by the Authority for a further period not exceeding seven working days and the applicant shall be notified of the extension, its duration and the reasons therefor.

(2)Where the Authority has not taken a decision within the prescribed or extended period referred to in this regulation, the MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 27 application shall be deemed to have been decided in favour of the applicant.

(3)Where the Authority intends to refuse an application, it shall give the applicant concerned notice in writing setting out the reasons for its intention to do so. Every notice of refusal shall state that the applicant has a right to make representations in writing, within ten days, to the Authority giving the reasons why the application should not be refused and the Authority shall consider any representations so made before arriving at a final decision. The Authority shall notify in writing its final decision to the applicant concerned.

(4)When an application is refused by the Authority, the applicant may appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal established by the Administrative Justice Act against such decision within a period of thirty days from its notification. 65.

(1)Where the Authority authorises an applicant to act as operator of a motoring school, the authorisation shall be subject to the payment of an annual fee as specified in the Ninth Schedule and to compliance with the following conditions: (

1. a)the licensed operator shall assume full responsibility for all the instruction procedures carried out by the approved driving instructors employed by him for which the licensed operator has been duly authorised to operate in accordance with regulation 64; (
2. b)the licensed operator shall give notice to the Authority of the names of all persons who are from time to time authorised, in pursuance of arrangements made in accordance with regulation 70, 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; (
3. c)the licensed operator shall give seven days’ prior notice to the Authority (
4. 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 (
5. 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 63.

(2)The Authority may (

1. a)require the authorised operator of a motoring school to have any motor vehicle listed for instruction purposes, Cap. 490. Conditions for licensed operators. Amended by: L.N. 14 of 2004; L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 89 of 2010; L.N. 172 of 2011. 28 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) examined by its personnel at any time it deems fit; S.L. 65.15 (
2. b)require the authorised operator of a motoring school to submit the said vehicles for vehicle roadworthiness tests, other than those required by the Motor Vehicle Roadworthiness Test Regulations; (
3. c)disallow, at any time following examination in accordance with paragraph (
4. a)or (b), the use of any motor vehicle for instruction purposes if in its opinion the vehicle is no longer considered suitable.

(3)Licensed operators shall be bound to inform the Authority, within seven days, of any termination of employment or engagement of approved driving instructors within their staff complement. Termination of authorisation. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 89 of 2010; L.N. 172 of 2011. 66.

(1)An authorisation of an individual as an operator will automatically cease to have effect if the person (

1. a)dies; (
2. b)becomes a patient in a mental hospital; or (
3. 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 (

1. a)the partnership is dissolved; or (
2. 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 (

1. a)a winding-up order is made; (
2. b)a resolution for voluntary winding-up is passed; (
3. c)a receiver or manager of the company’s undertaking is appointed; or (
4. 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 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: Provided that in the case where an operator opts to cease to operate the motoring school for a period of time not exceeding one calendar month in any particular calendar year the operator shall MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 seek prior approval by the Authority, and approval shall be granted by the Authority if it is satisfied that reasonable grounds exist for temporary closure: Provided further that where an operator ceases to operate the motoring school without permission from the Authority or beyond the term allowed, the Authority may revoke the operator’s authorisation.

(5)The Authority may at any time and on reasonable grounds suspend, withdraw or revoke an authorisation to operate a motoring school by giving an operator notice in writing containing the reasons for such suspension, withdrawal or revocation: Provided that unless there exist gross acts of misconduct or negligence or any other serious grounds for immediate suspension, withdrawal or revocation, the operative date of such notice shall be not less than twenty-eight days from the date of notification.

(6)An authorisation in respect of which a notice is given shall, unless it is cancelled before that date, cease to have effect on the date specified in the notice.

(7)Where the Authority decides to suspend, withdraw or revoke an authorisation to operate a motoring school, it shall give the operator concerned notice in writing setting out the reasons for its intention to do so.

(8)The notice provided for in sub-regulation

(7)shall state that the operator concerned may, within ten days from service thereof, make representations in writing to the Authority giving reasons why the authorisation shall not be suspended or revoked and the Authority shall consider any representations so made before arriving at a final decision.

(9)The Authority shall notify in writing its final decision to the operator concerned who shall have the right to appeal to the Administrative Justice Tribunal within a period of thirty days from notification of the Authority’s decision: Provided that the suspension of the authorisation shall have immediate effect notwithstanding any appeal therefrom.

(10)A decision of the Authority to revoke an authorisation shall not become final until the expiration of the period within which an appeal may be made under this regulation and, if an appeal is made within such period, the decision shall become final on the date of the decision of the Tribunal dismissing the appeal or the date on which the appeal is abandoned, if this is the case.

(11)Upon the termination or revocation of an authorisation as an operator of a motoring school, any person previously qualifying as an operator who opts to re-apply for authorisation shall make a fresh application and the Authority shall be furnished afresh with any information and documents which are to be supplied with any new application. 29 30 [ S.L.65.18 Records to be kept and returns to be furnished by operators. Amended by: L.N. 14 of 2004; L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of 2011. MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) 67.

(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 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 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 68, 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; L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 89 of 2010; L.N. 172 of 2011. 68. Any authorised official of the Authority may at any time enter any registered premises of the authorised motoring school and upon such entry he shall be entitled to (

1. a)inspect the motor vehicles registered for instruction purposes; (
2. b)satisfy himself as to the efficiency of such vehicles and to require evidence to this effect; (
3. 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; (
4. 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; L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of 2011. 69. Licensed operators shall ensure that approved driving instructors in their employment wear the identification tag, issued by the Authority, during instruction and when accompanying a prospective driver while undergoing a driving test. Approved Driving Instructors Driving instructors to be registered with the Authority. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 89 of 2010. Substituted by: L.N. 172 of 2011. 70.

(1)Driving instruction against payment for any driving licence may only be given by approved driving instructors who are registered with the Authority.

(2)To qualify as an approved driving instructor a person (

1. a)shall be of good conduct; (
2. b)shall be the holder of a driving licence for at least five years under that category or categories for which he would be providing driving instruction; (
3. c)shall not have his driving licence disqualified; (
4. d)shall (
5. i)either have passed the examination of ability to give instruction provided for under regulation MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 31 74, (
6. ii)or be in possession of documents showing that he is qualified as a driving instructor in any other State of the European Economic Area. 71.

(1)An application for registration as an approved driving instructor shall be made to the Authority on the appropriate form which, in respect of persons not falling under the provisions of regulation 70

(2)(d), shall be made within one year of passing the examination of ability to give instruction.

(2)Where the application is made by a person other than that falling under the provisions of regulation 70

(2)(d), the application shall be accompanied by: Registration of approved driving instructors. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007. Substituted by: L.N. 89 of 2010; L.N. 172 of 2011. Amended by: L.N. 426 of 2012. (

1. a)a conduct certificate, (
2. b)passport size photograph, (
3. c)a copy of the certificate showing that the applicant has passed the examination of ability to give instruction, and (
4. d)the fee prescribed in the Ninth Schedule.

(3)Where the application is made by a person falling under the p r o vi s i o n s o f r e gu l a t i o n 7 0

(2)( d ) , t h e a p pl i c a t i o n s ha l l b e accompanied by: (

1. a)a conduct certificate, (
2. b)a copy of the driving licence, (
3. c)a copy of the passport or of a legally valid identification document, (
4. d)a passport size photograph, (
5. e)a copy of the driving instructor certificate issued in any other Member State of the European Economic Zone, and (
6. f)the fee prescribed in the Ninth Schedule.

(4)The provisions of regulations 63A and 64 shall mutatis mutandis apply to the registration of approved driving instructors.

(5)Where the application for registration is upheld, the Authority shall issue a registration certificate to the applicant.

(6)The registration as an approved driving instructor may be retained against the payment of the annual retention fee prescribed in the Ninth Schedule. 72.

(1)An approved driving instructor shall be suspended from registration where he becomes disqualified from holding a driving licence.

(2)An approved driving instructor may be removed from registration where the Authority is no longer satisfied that he still meets the requirements for registration.

(3)Where the Authority decides to remove an approved driving instructor from registration, the provisions of regulation 66

(7)to

(10)shall mutatis mutandis apply to approved driving instructors. Removal or suspension from register. Amended by: L.N. 25 of

1. Substituted by: L.N. 172 of
2. 32 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) Authorisation of an approved driving instructor. Amended by: L.N. 25 of
3. Substituted by: L.N. 172 of
5. For the purpose of giving driving instruction against payment for any driving licence, an approved driving instruction shall, in addition to being registered with the Authority in terms of regulation 71, either be the holder of an authorisation to keep and operate a motor driving school in terms of these regulations or is employed with the holder of an authorisation to keep and operate a motor driving school or has a contractual relationship with that person. Examination of ability to give instruction. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of 2011; L.N. 14 of
6. 74.

(1)The examination of ability to give instruction shall consist of: (

1. a)the theory examination; (
2. b)the driving ability and fitness test; and (
3. c)the instruction ability and fitness test.

(2)The nature of the examination shall be as prescribed in the Eleventh Schedule.

(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); (

1. b)he passed the driving ability and fitness test on his first, second or third attempt after he had passed the theory examination; (
2. 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 (

1. 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; (
2. b)subject to paragraph (c), a reference to the passing of 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; (
3. 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 Authority. MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 33

1. The Authority may require an approved driving instructor to undergo a test of continued ability and fitness to give instruction as specified in the Twelfth Schedule. Test of continued ability and fitness. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of
2. 76.

(1)Approved driving instructors shall wear an identification tag, issued for the purpose by the Authority, during instruction and when accompanying a prospective driver while undergoing a driving test. Identification tag. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of 2011.

(2)During instruction, the approved driving instructor shall sit next to the prospective driver and may allow (

1. a)another prospective driver to ride in the motor vehicle; and (
2. b)at the request of the prospective driver, another person to ride on the motor vehicle. P ART IX GENERAL PROVISIONS Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007. 77. 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 Authority on demand or at an appointed place within two days of the date of such demand. Production of licences. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of 2011. 78. Every person whose licence is cancelled, suspended or revoked shall immediately deliver his licence to the Authority. Immediate delivery of cancelled licence, etc. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of 2011. 79. Any Court before whom any person is convicted of an offence under these regulations may - Court conviction. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007. (
3. 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; (
4. 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. 80.

(1)The 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 Authority upon payment of a fee to be shown thereon.

(3)The Authority may prepare and supply, upon the payment Forms and software. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of

1. 34 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) 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 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 Authority. Notices. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of
2. Right of appeal. Added by: L.N. 89 of
4. Except as otherwise provided in these regulations, every notice issued by the 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. 81A. Revoked by Legal Notice 172 of
5. Authorisation is personal. Added by: L.N. 89 of
6. Amended by: L.N. 172 of
7. 81B. Any authorisation granted by the Authority under these r e g u la t i on s m a y n ot b e a s s i g ne d or tr a n s f e r r e d i n an y w a y whatsoever to any other person, and any such assignment or transfer to any other person shall be considered null and void and constitute sufficient grounds for the Authority to cancel that authorisation. Amended by: L.N. 25 of
8. PART X TRANSITORY PROVISIONS Motoring schools and approved driving instructors licensed prior to 1st August
9. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of
10. 82.

(1)Motoring schools in operation prior to the 1 st August 2002 shall be required to undergo the formalities indicated in regulation 63 for record purposes only as they shall be considered to be authorised operators in terms of regulation 58 with effect from 1st August 2002.

(2)Approved driving instructors who have obtained their instructor’s licence prior to 1st August 2002 will not be required to undergo the examination referred to in regulations 73 and 74, but they will be required to attend the course of instruction mentioned in regulation 73. MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) FIRST SCHEDULE (Regulations 3, 4, 9, 70) [ S.L.65.18 35 Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2007; L.N. 172 of 2011; L.N. 149 of 2013; L.N. 234 of 2015; L.N. 56 of 2016; L.N. 183 of 2020; L.N. 193 of 2020. Categories of Vehicle for licensing purposes Category AM A1 A2 A B1 B Class of Vehicle Mopeds Light quadricycles Electric Kickscooter (

1. a)Motorcycles with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 125 cubic centimetres, of a power not exceeding 11 kW and with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg. (
2. b)Motor tricycles with a power not exceeding 15 kW. Motorcycles of a power not exceeding 35 kW and with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg and not derived from a vehicle of more than double its power. (
3. a)Motorcycles. (
4. b)Motor tricycles with a power exceeding 15 kW. Quadricycles Motor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass not exceeding threethousand and five-hundred (3,500) kg and designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight

(8)passengers in addition to the driver; motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass which does not exceed seven-hundred and fifty

(750)kg. Without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer with a maximum authorised mass exceeding seven-hundred and fifty

(750)kg, provided that the maximum authorised mass of a vehicle combined with a trailer does not exceed four-thousand, two-hundred and fifty (4,250) kg. Where a vehicle combined with a trailer exceeds three-thousand and five-hundred (3,500) kg it shall be driven only after a driver has passed a test of skills and behaviour, in accordance with Annex V of the Directive. Alternatively fuelled vehicles, as referred to in Article 2 of the Council Directive 96/53/EC with a maximum authorized mass above three-thousand and five-hundred (3,500) kg but not exceeding four-thousand, two-hundred and fifty (4,250) kg for the transport of goods operating without a trailer by holders of a category B driving licence which was issued at least two

(2)years before, provided that the mass in excess of three-thousand and five-hundred (3,500) kg is due exclusively to the excess of mass of the propulsion system in relation to the propulsion system of a vehicle of the same dimensions, which is equipped with a conventional internal combustion engine with positive ignition or compression ignition, and provided that the cargo capacity is not increased in relation to the same vehicle. Motor tricycles with a power exceeding fifteen

(15)kW provided that the holder of the licence is at least twenty-one

(21)years old. Motorcycles or tricycles listed under Code 111 in the Seventh Schedule, provided the holder had undergone a training course of ten

(10)hours organised by a licensed motoring school as prescribed by the Authority and has been issued with a certificate at the end of the said course. The holder shall not carry a pillion while driving the motorcycle or tricycle. [ S.L.65.18 36 BE C1 C1E C CE D1 D1E D DE g MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) Without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combination of vehicles consisting of a tractor vehicle in category B and a trailer or semi-trailer where the maximum authorised mass of the trailer or semi-trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg. Motor vehicles other than those in categories D1 or D, the maximum authorised mass of which exceeds 3,500 kg, but does not exceed 7,500 kg, and which are designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver; motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 750 kg. (

1. a)Without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category C1 and its trailer or semi-trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg provided that the authorised mass of the combination does not exceed 12,000 kg. (
2. b)Without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category B and its trailer or semi-trailer has an authorised mass of over 3,500 kg, provided that the authorised mass of the combination does not exceed 12,000 kg. Motor vehicles other than those in categories D1 or D, whose maximum authorised mass is over 3,500 kg and which are designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver. Motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass which does not exceed 750 kg. Without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category C and its trailer or semi-trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg. Motor vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than 16 passengers in addition to the driver and with a maximum length not exceeding 8 metres. Motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 750 kg. Without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category D1 and its trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg. Motor vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of more than eight passengers in addition to the driver; motor vehicles which may be driven with a category D licence may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass which does not exceed 750 kg. Without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category D and its trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg. Agricultural tractors on roads in Malta only Driving licences which before the 19th January, 2013, were in category (
3. a)A+ shall be changed to category A, (
4. b)A shall be changed to category A2, and (
5. c)f shall be changed to category D1 as from the 19th January, 2013: Provided that persons who before the 19th January, 2013, held a category f driving licence may continue to drive motor vehicles which can carry up to eighteen passengers until their category F licence expires: Provided also that such holders of a category f driving licence shall be exempt from the payment of fees in respect of the theory and practical tests if they apply to add a category D or DE to their driving licence. MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 SECOND SCHEDULE (Regulations 4, 39) 37 Substituted by: L.N. 14 of 2004; L.N. 25 of 2009. Amended by: L.N. 172 of 2011; L.N. 97 of 2012. Substituted by: L.N. 149 of 2013. Amended by: L.N. 234 of 2015; L.N. 183 of 2020; L.N. 193 of 2020. Minimum ages for holding or obtaining a driving licence (
6. a)Subject to paragraph (b), the minimum ages for obtaining or holding a driving licence shall be the following: Column 1 Category AM Column 2 Age in years 16 – Electric Kickscooters 18 – Mopeds A1 A2 A (in respect of motorcycles) 18 – Light quadricycles 18 20 22 (where applicant has two years’ experience on A2) 2 4 ( where appl icant does n ot have t wo years’ experience on A2) A (in respect of motor tricycles 21 with a power exceeding 15kW) B1, B, BE 18 C1, C1E 18 C, CE 21 D1, D1E 21 D, DE 24 g 18 (
7. b)Where a person holds a certificate of professional competence in terms of the provisions of Part IV of these regulations, the minimum age for obtaining or holding the relative driving licence shall be as follows: Column 1 Category C1, C1E C, CE D1, D1E D, DE Column 2 Age in years 18 19 21 21 [ S.L.65.18 38 Substituted by: L.N. 25 of 2007. Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2009; L.N. 172 of 2011. Substituted by: L.N. 149 of 2013; L.N. 14 of 2014. Amended by: L.N. 234 of 2015; L.N. 56 of 2016; L.N. 449 of 2020. MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) THIRD SCHEDULE (Regulation 26) Minimum technical requirements for vehicles used in the tests of skills and behaviour Category A1 Minimum technical requirements Category A1 motorcycle without sidecar, with a power rating not exceeding 11 kW and with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/ kg, and capable of a speed of at least 90 km/h. If the motorcycle is powered by an internal combustion engine, the cylinder capacity of the engine shall be at least 115 cm3. A2 If the motorcycle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0.08 kW/kg. Motorcycle without sidecar, with a power rating of at least 20 kW but not exceeding 35 kW and with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/ kg. If the motorcycle is powered by an internal combustion engine, the cubic capacity of the engine shall be at least 250 cm3 A If the motorcycle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0.15 kW/kg. Until the 31st December, 2018, motorcycle without sidecar, whose unladen mass is below 180 kg, and with a power rating of at least 40 kW and below 50 kW. As from the 1st January, 2019 motorcycle without sidecar, whose unladen mass is more than 175 kg, with a power rating of at least 50 kW. If the motorcycle is powered by an internal combustion engine, the cubic capacity of the engine shall be at least 595 cm3. B BE B1 If the motorcycle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0.25 kW/kg. A four-wheeled category B vehicle capable of a speed of at least 100 km/ h. A combination, made up of a category B test vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1,000 kg, capable of a speed of at least 100 km/h, which does not fall within category B; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the motor vehicle; the closed box body may also be slightly less wide than the motor vehicle provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the motor vehicle; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total mass. A motor-powered quadricycle capable of a speed of at least 60 km/h. MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) C CE C1 C1E D DE D1 D1E g [ S.L.65.18 39 A category C vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least 12,000 kg, a length of at least 8m, a width of at least 2.4 m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes, equipped with a transmission system providing for a manual selection of gears by the driver and recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/ 85; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab; the vehicle shall be presented with a minimum of 10,000 kg real total mass. Either an articulated vehicle or a combination of a category C test vehicle and a trailer of at least 7.5 m in length; both the articulated vehicle and the combination shall have a maximum authorised mass of at least 20,000 kg, a length of at least 14 m and a width of at least 2.4 m, shall be capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h, fitted with anti-lock brakes, equipped with a transmission system providing for a manual selection of gears by the driver and with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab; both the articulated vehicle and the combination shall be presented with a minimum of 15,000 kg real total mass. A category C1 vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least 4,000 kg, with a length of at least 5m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes and equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab. A combination made up of a category C1 test vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1,250 kg; this combination shall be at least 8m in length and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab; the closed box body may also be slightly less wide than the cab provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the motor vehicle; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total mass. A category D vehicle with a length of at least 10m, a width of at least 2.40m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes and equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85. A combination made up of a category D test vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1,250 kg, a width of at least 2.40m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least 2m wide and 2m high; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total mass. A category D1 vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least 4,000 kg, with a length of at least 5m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes and equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85. A combination made up of a category D1 test vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1,250 kg and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least 2m wide and 2m high; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total mass. Agricultural tractor as defined in regulation 2, and which is in a roadworthy condition, that is having clean lights, windows and mirrors. 40 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) FOURTH SCHEDULE (Regulation 17) Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2009; L.N. 172 of 2011; L.N. 14 of 2014; L.N. 234 of 2015; L.N. 56 of 2016. 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 common provisions of this Schedule. Content of the test concerning all vehicle categories Questions will be asked on each of the points listed below: (
8. a)Road traffic regulations in particular as regards road signs, marking and signals, rights of way and speed limits. (
9. b)The driver (
10. i)importance of alertness and of attitude to other road users; (
11. 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. (
12. c)The road (
13. 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; (
14. 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; (
15. iv)safe driving in road tunnels. (
16. d)Other road users (
17. 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; (
18. ii)risks involved in the movement and driving of various types of vehicles and of the different fields of view of their drivers. (
19. e)General rules and regulations and other matters (
20. i)rules concerning the administrative documents required for the use of vehicles; (
21. 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 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) [ S.L.65.18 41 where necessary; (iii) safety factors relating to the vehicle, the load and persons carried. (
22. f)Precautions necessary when alighting from the vehicle (
23. g)Mechanical aspects with a bearing on road safety; applicants must be 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 (
24. h)Vehicle safety equipment and, in particular, the use of seat-belts, head restraints and child safety equipment (
25. 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 ECTION B Specific provisions concerning categories A, A2 and A1 1. Compulsory check of general knowledge on: (
26. a)use of protective outfit such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet; (
27. b)visibility of motorcycle riders for other road users; (
28. 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, tram rails; (
29. 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, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 and D1E 2. Compulsory check of general knowledge on: (
30. a)rules on driving hours and rest periods as defined by Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March, 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport; use of the recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/ 85 on recording equipment in road transport; (
31. b)rules concerning the type of transport concerned: goods or passengers; (
32. c)vehicle and transport documents required for the national and international carriage of goods and passengers; (
33. 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; (
34. e)the precautions to be taken during the removal and replacement of wheels; (
35. f)rules on vehicle weights and dimensions; rules on speed limiters; (
36. g)obstruction of the field of view caused by the characteristics of their vehicles; (
37. h)reading a road map, route planning, including the use of electronic navigation systems (optional); 42 [ S.L.65.18 MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) (
38. 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, CE, C1, C1E only); (
39. j)the driver’s responsibility with respect to the carriage of passengers; 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, DE, D1, D1E only); and (
40. k)applicants for a licence for a category C1 or C1E vehicles outside the scope of Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 shall be exempt from demonstrating their knowledge of the subjects listed in paragraphs (
41. a)and (c). 3. Compulsory check of general knowledge on the following additional provisions concerning categories C, CE, D and DE: (
42. 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.); (
43. b)lubrication and antifreeze protection; (
44. c)the principles of the construction, the fitting, correct use and care of tyres; (
45. 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; (
46. e)the principles of the types, operation, main parts, connection, use and day-to-day maintenance of coupling systems (categories CE, DE only); (
47. f)methods of locating causes of breakdowns; (
48. g)preventive maintenance of vehicles and necessary running repairs; (
49. h)the driver’s responsibility in respect of the receipt, carriage and delivery of goods in accordance with the agreed conditions (categories C, CE only). Specific provisions concerning category g 4. Compulsory check of general knowledge on: (
50. a)mechanical aspects with a bearing on road safety, including checks on tyres, brakes, oil levels and lights; and (
51. b)the precautions to be taken during the removal and replacement of wheels. MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) FIFTH SCHEDULE (Regulation 24) [ S.L.65.18 43 Amended by: L.N. 25 of 2009; L.N. 171 of 2011; L.N. 14 of 2014; L.N. 234 of 2015; L.N. 56 of 2016; L.N. 449 of 2020. Test of Skills and Behaviour 1. Vehicle transmission (
52. 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. "Vehicle with manual transmission" means a vehicle in which a clutch pedal (or lever operated manually for categories A, A2 and A1) is present and must be operated by the driver when starting or stopping the vehicle and changing gears. (
53. b)Vehicles that do not meet the criteria laid down in paragraph (
54. a)shall be considered to have automatic transmission. Without prejudice to paragraph (c), 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: Provided that no restriction shall be recorded on the driving licence of an applicant who takes the test of skills and behaviour on a vehicle with automatic transmission for a category BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E vehicle when the applicant already holds a driving licence obtained on a vehicle with manual transmission in at least one of the following categories: B, BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E, and has performed the actions which are applicable to all vehicles irrespective of its mode of transmission during the test of skills and behaviour. (
55. c)The vehicles used in tests of skills and behaviour shall comply with the minimum criteria laid down in the Third Schedule. 2. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories A1, A2 and A (
56. 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: (
57. i)Adjust the protective outfit, such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet; (
58. 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. (
59. b)Special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on road safety (
60. i)Putting the motorcycle on and off its stand and moving it, without the aid of the engine, by walking alongside the vehicle; (
61. ii)Parking the motorcycle on its stand; (iii) At least two manoeuvres to be executed at slow speed, including a 44 [ S.L.65.18 (
62. iv)(
63. v)MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) 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; 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; 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. (
64. c)Behaviour in traffic (
65. i)Riding away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway; (
66. ii)Riding on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces; (iii) Riding round bends; (
67. iv)Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions; (
68. v)Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes; (
69. 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; tunnel; (
70. ix)Taking the necessary precautions when getting off the vehicle. 3. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories B, B1, BE and, where applicable, category g (
71. 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: (
72. i)Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position; (
73. ii)Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if available; (iii) Checking that the doors are closed; (
74. 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; (
75. v)Checking the safety factors relating to vehicle loading: body, sheets, cargo doors, cabin locking, way of loading, securing load (category BE only); MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) (
76. vi)[ S.L.65.18 45 Checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical connections (category BE only). (
77. b)Categories B, B1 and g: 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). (
78. i)Reversing in a straight line or reversing right or left round a corner while keeping within the correct traffic lane; (
79. 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); (
80. iv)Braking accurately to a stop; however, performing an emergency stop is optional. (
81. c)Category BE: special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on road safety (
82. i)Coupling and uncoupling, or uncoupling and re-coupling a trailer from its motor vehicle; the manoeuvre