Mercurian driving test

The Mercurian driving test is a competency test that residents of Mercury take in order to obtain a Mercurian driving licence, or to add additional categories to an existing one. Tests vary depending on the type of vehicle to be driven.

The minimum age at which the driving test can be taken is currently 16, and there is no upper age limit. The test is administered by the Mercurian Police.

Vehicles being used for the purposes of a driving test are required to prominently display a white triangle symbol on the front and rear of the vehicle.

The test

The test consists of two separate sections, a "Theory & Observation" section and a Practical section. Both parts of the test are conducted in succession, however, failure of the written section would mean a candidate is not permitted to proceed to the practical section.

Theory & Observation section

The Theory & Observation section consists of 60 questions, and a candidate must obtain a grade of 85% or higher to pass. The first 48 questions are in written, multiple-choice format, relating to traffic laws, vehicle safety and recognition of road signs and markings. The final 12 questions are in video form, adminstered on a computer, where candidates must click the on-screen location of any developing hazards, with marks being awarded for speed of recognition of any hazards, and marks being deducted for incorrect identification of hazards. This section usually lasts around an hour.

Practical section

Candidates that pass the Theory & Observation section move forward to the practical section. This section is administered on the road, with a Police examiner present in the vehicle, directing the candidate around a pre-set route. The examiner marks the candidate for any driving errors, driving faults and driving offences. A candidate will fail the test if they accumulate any faults or offences, repeats any type of driving error more than three times, or accumulates more than twelve driving errors in total. This section usually lasts around 45 minutes.

Police presence on test

As the exam is administered by the Mercurian Police, other vehicles driving in the vicinity of the examination vehicle may be subject to spot checks. Other drivers committing driving faults will be notified in writing that they have been observed, while any other drivers committing driving offences will be prosecuted accordingly.