2011
DEPARTMENT OF VEHICLES & DRIVERS’
LICENSING
DVDL’s DRIVING EXAMINATION PROGRAMME & EXAMS AN INFORMATION GUIDE
“Safe Driving is
Everyone’s
Responsibility!”
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Contents
Page
Introduction
3
Background
3
The Driving Examination Programme
4
Responsibilities
4
Fees
4
Phase 1 Exam – Written Examination
5
Sample Questions
The “Touch Screen System”
5
7
Before the Test
Driving Test
After the Test
Test Result
Phase 2 Exam: Road Test – Practical
8-10
Eyesight
Vehicle safety Check
Driving Technique
Useful Contacts
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Introduction
This booklet is not part of Cayman Islands law; instead it provides useful information on
all aspects of qualifying a driver in accordance with our testing procedures under the
Traffic Law , 2011 and Traffic Regulations, 2012 acts as a bridge between the
Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) and the driver training industry.
The DVDL has an on-going commitment to having a harmonious working relationship
with the general public, especially those engaged in the driver training industry and will
work in partnership to achieve the objectives of improving driving standards.
If you have any queries, or need further information or guidance, please contact:
David W. Dixon, Director; Richard Simms, Deputy Director (as point of contact);
Courtney Myles, Assistant Manager; or Roy Bush, Supervisor at the Department of
Vehicle & Drivers’ Licensing, P.O. Box 1165, Grand Cayman KY1 – 1102.
Phone: (345) 945 8344, fax: (345) 945 8345,
Email: david.dixon@gov.ky, richard.simms@gov.ky,courtney.myles@gov.ky
or roy.bush@gov.ky
Background
It is the Department’s objective to improve on all aspects of road safety and driver
training. The introduction of this programme, aims to improve the standard of driving
especially amongst young drivers and to reduce the number of serious accidents in that
category.
The Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL)
DVDL was established under the Traffic Law with overall responsibility to:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
inspect and test vehicles;
register vehicles and maintain the register;
issue licences in respect of vehicles and drivers;
conduct driving tests; and
perform other prescribed functions.
We are a department within the Ministry of District Administration, Works, Land and
Agriculture.
To find out more about the Driving Examination and Exams Information Guide please
visit www.dvdl.gov.ky
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The Driving Examination Programme
Our Driving Examination Programme started under the Royal Cayman Islands Police
Service for a number of decades. However, our goal is to minimise the risks that our
teenage drivers face; to address their driving habits; and find alternatives to improve road
safety in that age group.
There are two (2) phases to our driver’s licensing system,
Phase 1 - Learner’s Licence
Phase 2 - Full Driving Licence
As you go through each phase to the next, they acquire a new licence, which sets out
different requirements, testing and added responsibilities.
The Programme is administered by the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing.
The department is responsible for all vehicle and drivers licensing and has responsibility
for the conduct of driving tests as well as the examinations for teenage and adult drivers.
After passing both phases of the examination, you are entitled to apply for a full Cayman
Islands driver’s licence that is valid for three or five years. Once granted a full licence,
you are expected to abide by the provisions of The Official Road Code of the Cayman
Islands, and generally, your duties and obligations as a driver under the Traffic Law and
Regulations
The DVDL examiners have been specially trained so as to administer a uniform standard
of testing.
Responsibilities
The DVDL is committed to educating parents and guardians on the benefits of this
programme and generally road safety.
Fees
TYPES
Learner’s Written Test
Learner’s Licence
Driving Test (road)
Full Driver’s Licence (Groups
0,1,1A,2, & 3)
Full Drivers Licence (Group 4)
Time Frame
Applicant must be (17) years of age
Valid for (6) months and one renewal
only, unless one road test has been
taken.
At the end of six (6) weeks of passing
written examination.
Drivers Licence is valid for (3) or (5)
years.
However, at age 70 this is subject to a
satisfactory medical report – failing
which it is one year
Applicants must be (18) years of ageexcept public transport vehicles to
which the minimum age is (21) years.
Fees CI $
25.00
60.00
50.00
3 years - 75.00
5 years – 125.00
1 year –
25.00
3years - 120.00
5 years - 200.00
1 year – 40.00
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UPGRADES:(Groups 2 & 3)
Applicant MUST obtain a learner’s
licence before testing for the
upgrade.
Learner’s licence 50.00
Road Test - 50.00
Upgrade - 40.00
(Groups 0,1, 1A,5 - Motor
Cycles only)
Learner’s licence 50.00
Road Test - 50.00
Upgrade - 20.00
(Group 4 – Special vehicles,
oversize vehicles & Public
Transport only)
Learner’s licence 50.00
Road Test - 50.00
Upgrade - 50.00
PHASE 1 EXAM: WRITTEN EXAMINATION
On the day of the test you MUST:




Be 17 years of age
Produce photo identification (passport, government or school ID, birth
certificate)
Produce CI Government receipt as proof of payment
Complete, sign and date appropriate Application Form
You should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment to fill out all necessary
paper work. If in an event you think that you may be late or need to cancel you MUST
notify the department within 24 hours or up to 15 minutes before the test.
All cell phones are to be turned off during examination.
No cheating during examination. This is an automatic bar for discontinuing the test and
you will be required to pay for another examination. You may be eligible to retake the
test for period of (12) months. You may be expected to know other signs/signals in the
tests. You are required to achieve a mark of 80% overall.
The written examination is offered in the official language (English) of the Cayman
Islands. The exam is done on an automated Touch Screen computer consisting of (40)
multiple choice questions. The examination is of 30 minutes duration and is conducted
on Mondays through to Friday of each week.
The Examiner/Invigilator will assign a test station and place you in a “test queue.” Your
name, date of birth (age), passport/ID particulars and receipt number is placed into the
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database. You need not be afraid of the “Touch Screen” since it is quite user friendly.
You can answer each question by simple touching the screen.
To pass the test you must correctly answer (32) questions within the time limit of thirty
minutes.
The syllabus consists of questions on: the Road Code, the general rules of the road,
traffic signs and signals, road markings and the Traffic Law and associated Regulations.
For each question there is one correct answer out of four possible alternatives.
To pass the test, it is recommended for you to answer all road signs correctly, and 16 out
of 24 questions or alternatively, 10 or more road signs correctly and at least 22 or more
to make up the 32 questions that is required.
There are at least (16) mandatory Road Code questions, of which an applicant must
accurately answer/identify. In addition, you may be expected to know other
signs/signals in the tests. You are required to achieve a mark of 80 % overall.
The questions are subject to change from time to time as the Director or Deputy
Director sees fit to do so.
Sample Questions
Section A – the Road Code, the general rules of the road, the Traffic Law and
associated Regulations.
Q
A large vehicle is overtaking you but is taking a long time to do so. What
should you do?
a. Hold your speed
b. Slow down
c. Speed up
d. Change direction
Q
Where may you overtake on a one-way street?
a. Overtaking is not allowed
b. Either on the right or the left
c. Only on the left-hand side
d. Overtaking is allowed
Section B – Traffic signs, signals, road markings
Q
What is the maximum speed in the Cayman Islands?
a. 70
b. 60
c. 50
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d. 40
Q
Why should you not wave people across at a pedestrian crossing?
a. It is safer for you to carry on
b. They may not be looking
c. They may be ready to cross
d. There may be another vehicle coming
THE “TOUCH SCREEN SYSTEM”
The “Touch Screen System” is a user friendly system. Information on this system is
available on our website at www.dvdl.gov.ky or through leaflets provided at the
Customer Service Desk of DVDL.
Using the “Touch Screen” is simply, all that is required from you is to touch the screen
to answer the questions.
Before the Test




You must verify your particulars
You must complete a pre-test certification and declaration
A sample test is given which is not graded, and the applicant has the option to
skip or ignore
There is one answer for each question out of four (4) possible answers
During the Test
Applicant’s options:






Answer the question
Skip a question and return to it later. All skipped question(s) will appear at the
end of test in the order they originally appeared. YOU CAN NOT SKIP A
QUESTION MORE THAN ONCE
Repeat the question
View a larger version of the image (click on the appropriate box) or to view a
larger print of the question (simply touch the suggested answers, and NOT A, B,
C or D)
Adjust the volume of the narration for the headset
Request help from the Examiner/Invigilator if the need arise
If test is not completed within the allotted time, the test will end and the System will
automatically close. Once the test has started it MUST be completed – THERE CAN
NOT BE ANY BREAKS!
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After the Test


If time permits, the examiner will review the questions answered incorrectly
You will be notified whether you have passed or failed
Test Result

You will receive test results within 5-10 minutes of completing the test
If you pass the exam you will be required to fill out an application form for a learner’s
licence which will be valid for six (6) months at a cost of CI $60.00. You are allowed
only one renewal after the first expiration of six months, and thereafter no renewal unless
one road test is been taken.
If you fail, you can make another application for the written test straightaway if space is
available to re-sit the same day; if not, you may book for another day.
PHASE 2 EXAM: ROAD TEST – PRACTICAL
This is the final or second phase of the full Driver’s Licence.
The final phase is combined of an eyesight test (Part A) and a road (driving) test (Part B)
of approximately one hour duration.
At the end of six (6) weeks of having passed the learner’s written examination, the holder
is required to sit and pass a road (driving) test before being eligible to a full Cayman
Islands driver’s licence.
The test involves the examiner putting you through a tougher driving phase of
examination to see if you have developed sufficient driving skills; how you detect and
respond to driving habits; and whether you demonstrate proper traffic management.
At the end of the six (6) weeks on a provisional licence, you return to the Licensing
Department and complete an Application for the Driving Test (road).
On the day of the practical test you are required to produce:





Your appointment card and CI Government receipt
Your valid learner’s licence
The certificate of insurance (or cover note) for the vehicle you are using
The vehicle’s Certificate of Registration
Certificate of roadworthiness
Please note that it is a criminal offence to alter or falsify such documentation.
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If any documents are not in order or are incorrect, or if you have been convicted for any
traffic offence, the test will not continue and another exam will have to be booked at
your own expense.
On this part of the test it is expected of you to demonstrate proficient level of driving
competence. You need to show the examiner that you are capable of driving to a
consistent standard, that you have thorough knowledge of the principles of good driving
and that you can apply those principles in practice. You are required to display “L”
(learner driver sticker) throughout the test.
The test last for about 60 minutes, starting with the eyesight test, then a vehicle safety
check, followed by a driving techniques practical test. The examiner will use the
“Approved Driving Test” form.
Eyesight
The regulations require that the candidate should be able to read in good daylight (with
the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn) a license plate with letters or numbers three
inches in height fixed to a motor vehicle at a distance of sixty feet. If you need glasses or
contact lenses to be able to complete the eyesight test satisfactorily, you should wear
them for the driving part of the test. If you have forgotten your glasses, the examiner
will allow a reasonable amount of time for you to retrieve them. If this is not possible, or
if you fail the eyesight test, the test will not proceed and will be marked as a failure to
pass.
Vehicle Safety Check
You must ensure that the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition. The examiner will make a
visual vehicle check before starting the driving test. In particular, the following items will
be checked:
Registration plates – should be mounted horizontally and the characters (letters or
numbers) perpendicular to the road.
Controls – the examiner will check that all controls comply with the requirements of the
statute.
Driving Technique
You must satisfy the examiner that you are competent as a driver. You will be asked to
demonstrate your ability to perform all, or any of the following manoeuvres:


moving off on an accurate course – at an angle, on gradients or level
making turns to the left and right with accuracy and without endangering other
road users
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





stopping the vehicle smoothly and efficiently from various speeds
making an emergency stop
operate all controls of vehicle efficiently and safely
driving the vehicle and turning it in reverse accurately and smoothly
turning the vehicle completely about by the use of forward and reverse gears
within a reasonable compass
execute such normal manoeuvres as directed by the Examiner
The routes used for the test will cover various road and traffic conditions in both rural
and urban locations. Where possible, dual carriageways will be included as well as traffic
signs, signals, lane and road markings, and roundabouts.
Any faults that you commit during the test will be assessed by the examiner and recorded
on the marking sheet. Faults are categorized as ‘serious’, ‘hazardous’ or ‘poor’. In order
to pass, you are allowed a maximum of three faults, none of which should be hazardous
or serious. Any serious or hazardous fault will result in failure.
Details of typical driving faults are available from DVDL or at our website:
www.dvdl.gov.ky
If you have passed, you are issued with a “Certificate of Competence” that is valid for
four days from date of issue. This document MUST be produced to the Licensing
Officer for you to be issued a full driving licence.
Congratulations! You have completed the Driver’s Examination Programme.
Remember to buckle up and drive safely.
If you fail, you can make an appointment for a re-test upon expiration of four weeks from
the date of failure.
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Document Check – Student Qualified Driving Instructions
The introduction of the ADI program has brought a new dimension to student record
keeping of their progress (or regression) of lessons taken.
The Student Driving Record will enable the instructors and DVDL’S examiners to keep
an accurate track to identify the competencies a student has covered. In addition,
instructors will be able to gauge the appropriate level of training to a particular
competency.
DVDL has simplified the Student Driving Record into two separate parts. As can be
seen, part one consist of a “Declaration and Confirmation” by the Driving instructor
showing name of student, and the hours of tuition taken on driving. There is no required
number of hours to be taken in order to take the practical (road test), however; student
must exhibit a proficient level of competency in all modules to pass.
The second part shows a detailed progress of the relevant competencies achieved. All
skills acquired are covered in detail, and the instructor is to make a note at the end of any
relevant information, such as progress or regression of the competencies
We encourage students to avail themselves to a qualified ADI before the practical test.
This will help to identify any shortcomings on their driving skills. The more driving
experience a student receives, the better they are equipped to handle the challenges of
safe driving.
Students and instructors will be asked questions on the competencies recorded before
and after the practical test, so an assessment can be made of the competencies acquired,
and provide feedback during debrief.
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Useful Contacts
Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing, 990 Crewe Road, P.O. Box 1165, Grand
Cayman KY1 – 1102, Cayman Islands. Tel #: (345) 945 8344, fax: (345) 945 8345
-David Dixon, Director; Richard Simms, Deputy Director; Courtney Myles Assistant
Manager; Roy Bush, Supervisor of Driving Examinations & Vehicle Inspections.
Email:
david.dixon@gov.ky,
roy.bush@gov.ky.
richard.simms@gov.ky,
courtney.myles@gov.ky,
© Copyright Cayman Islands Government
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