Dual brake pedal and other equipment for vehicles used in instruction under a driving instruction permit

When providing driving instruction, a dual brake pedal for the driving instructor is mandatory in all category B, C1 and C vehicles, light quadricycles and tractors with seats side by side. It is also mandatory on motorcycles as well as light quadricycles and tractors where the passenger seat is behind the driver’s seat if the instructor or the person supervising the training accompanies the learner in the vehicle.

A bus must be equipped with a dual brake pedal if the student does not have a category C right to drive. You can install the dual brake pedal yourself if you wish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. According to law, vehicles used in a driving test are required to have a well-functioning and appropriately installed dual brake pedal. We highly recommend that you let a professional install the dual brake pedal, for example at a car maintenance and repair shop.

When installing a dual brake pedal always remember that the brake must function and withstand use when it is needed. The pedal is part of the safety equipment!

When installing a dual brake pedal, the following must be kept in mind:

• The correct location and position of the pedal are important. The pedal must be located in the centre or on the right hand side. The trajectory and pedal direction must correspond to the setting of the driver’s brake pedal and must be just as easy to use as the driver’s brake.
• Fixing the brake pedal. The pedal must be firmly fixed to the base plate. The base plate must not flex when the brake pedal is depressed. If that does happen, the travel of the brake pedal is considerably shortened and the brake pedal reaches its limit too soon. The base plate must be firmly fixed to the structure of the vehicle.
• Fastening the cable. Tighten the cable so there is no slack to the pedal, but do not tighten too much or else the brake lights will be on all the time. The cable fastening must be tight because it experiences powerful forces during emergency braking. The cable fastening often slips and the brake pedal fails when being used. Install the cable fastening so that the driver’s leg does not catch the cable fastening structure while driving. If that does happen it is difficult for the driver to use the brake pedal.

Before driving off, you should always make sure that both brake pedals in the car work normally and are equally effective.

Fix the additional mirror and triangle symbol appropriately

The additional mirror must be attached on the outside of the vehicle to allow the instructor to monitor traffic behind the vehicle as well. The sides of the triangle symbol should be 16 to 25 cm in length, and the triangle should be attached behind the vehicle in a visible location.

The driving test examiner will test the functioning of the dual brake pedal before the test. An appropriately installed and well-functioning dual brake pedal is a precondition for taking the test.

The functioning of the pedal can also be tested during a roadside check by the police and during a periodic inspection. The pedal must not in any way impede the functioning of the original brake pedal of the vehicle.