Carriage Driving Proficiency Tests - Grade 1 to 3 - Driving Theory and Practical

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel

Carriage Driving Proficiency Tests outline eligibility for assessments within member groups and define the requirements for Grades 1, 2, and 3. Each grade specifies how candidates earn badges and certificates and whether Section A (Driving Theory) and Section B (Carriage Driving Practical) can be passed separately. The theory components cover pony point knowledge, harness parts, grooming equipment, colours and markings, and care needs. Practical components focus on initiating control, safe driving demonstrations, vehicle balance, harnessing, and accommodating disabilities through verbal explanation when demonstration is impossible.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Grade 1

Section A - Driving Theory

Section B - Carriage Driving Practical

Grade 2

Section A - Carriage Driving Theory

Section B - Carriage Driving Practical

Grade 3

Section A - Carriage Driving Theory

Section B - Carriage Driving Practical

Recommended Publications

CARRIAGE DRIVING PROFICIENCY Candidates can be tested for GRADE 1 within their own Member Group. Groups wishing to submit a candidate for Carriage Driving Proficiency Tests GRADES 2 and 3 should contact their Regional Carriage Driving Representative for a list of eligible RDA Carriage Driving Assessors Grade 1 a. To be awarded at the discretion of the Examiner for effort and determination. b. Award Badge and Certificate on completion of both Sections. c. Candidates may pass either Section A or Section B and receive a Certificate. (1) Section A-Driving Theory (a) Have a very simple knowledge of the points of the pony e.g. eyes, mouth, neck, mane, tail, hoof, leg. (b) Know some parts of the harness e.g. bridle, reins, bit, throatlash, browband, noseband, breast collar/trace, pad, and crupper. (c) Know some basic items of grooming equipment e.g. dandy brush, body brush, rubber curry comb, sponge, hoof pick, mane comb. (2) Section B – Carriage Driving Practical -Show beginning of control i.e. start, steer and stop. Demonstrate this by driving a simple cone course. Grade 2 a. Award Red Badge and Certificate on completion of both sections. b. Candidate must be the holder of a Grade 1 Badge and Certificate. c. Candidate may pass either Section A or Section B and receive a Certificate. (1) Section A – Carriage Driving Theory (a) Have a basic knowledge of points of the pony, those in Grade 1 plus withers, dock, forelock, elbow, knee, back, frog and wall of hoof. (b) Know some of the main colours of the pony e.g. bay, black, chestnut, grey piebald and skewbald. (c) Know some of the markings of the pony e.g. blaze, socks and star. (d) Know some parts of the harness, those in Grade 1 plus cheek piece, head piece, blinkers, terret, neck strap, breeching and tugs. (e) Have knowledge of basic needs and care of pony/donkey and be able to recognise items regularly used e.g. grooming kit, haynet, head-collar. (2) B – Carriage Driving Practical (a) Show how to 'put to' and 'take out' the pony. (b) Understand the meaning of 'balance' of the vehicle. (c) Drive demonstration course, including turns both ways and change of pace from walk to trot and halt. Note: Where candidate's disability makes practical demonstration impossible he/she must be capable of explaining correct procedure. Grade 3 a. Award Badge and Certificate on completion of both Sections. b. Candidate must be the holder of a Grade 2 Badge and Certificate. c. Candidate may pass either Section A or Section B and receive a Certificate. (1) Section A – Carriage Driving Theory (a) Have a greater knowledge of points of the pony e.g. those in Grade 2 plus crest, shoulder, flank, hock, fetlock and muzzle. (b) Know a little about pony behaviour, instinct, reactions. Have a greater knowledge of looking after ponies e.g. those in Grade 2 plus grass kept, stable kept, main foods used, watering, use of grooming kit, reason for shoeing. (c) Show a greater knowledge of parts of the harness and its correct fit e.g. those in Grade 2 plus rosette, full collar, Liverpool bit, belly band, trace carrier, breeching strap, girth and loin strap. (d) Have a basic knowledge of parts of the vehicle; trace hooks, shafts, swingle tree, tug stops, splash board, and axle. (e) Discuss the three driving aids-voice, reins, whip. (f) Know a little about correct driving apparel -hard hat, gloves, whip, apron. (2) Section B – Carriage Driving Practical (a) Show how to harness up. (b) Show how to 'put to' and 'take out’ the pony. (c) Discuss fit of vehicle and balance. (d) Be able to drive in an arena and put together simple movements required in a driven Dressage Test. (e) Demonstrate the driving of a Cone Course. Note: Where candidate's disability makes practical demonstration impossible he/she must be capable of explaining correct procedure. Recommended Publications can be purchased from:- The British Driving Society

FAQs

How can candidates be tested for Carriage Driving Proficiency Grades 1, 2, and 3?

Grade 1 candidates can be tested within their own Member Group. Groups wishing to submit candidates for Grades 2 and 3 should contact their Regional Carriage Driving Representative for a list of eligible assessors.

What are the Grade 1 requirements for Driving Theory and Practical?

Grade 1 Section A requires knowledge of pony points and basic harness and grooming equipment. Grade 1 Section B requires showing beginning control (start, steer, stop) through driving a simple cone course.

What should a Grade 3 candidate be able to do, especially if practical demonstration is impossible due to disability?

Grade 3 Section A expands pony and harness knowledge, vehicle parts, driving aids, and correct driving apparel. Grade 3 Section B requires harnessing up, putting to/taking out, vehicle fit and balance, arena driving, and a cone course; where disability makes practical demonstration impossible, the candidate must explain the correct procedure.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel