anyone done the trailer test to add it to your license?

Departed 32016 · 5th July 2010, 09:24

Being young, (26) I can't tow without conduting a further driving test to show me ability to tow a caravan or trailer- just wondering if anyone has done this at all and they found it?

topman · 5th July 2010, 11:37

I did the B+E test last year. It's longer than the car test. It's about an 1h 45mins long, there is a reverse the trailer part of the test that can be a bit tricky.
You reverse back from one box of cones into another about 15 yrds away and about 5/10 yards to your right. You have to go to the right of the cone and not hit it. Once in the second box you pull forward it another open box of cones to simulate pulling forward into a garage. You then have to un hitch the trailer and pull away then rehitch it. You have to do a bit of an inspection and an oral 'test' about the trailer. You then have about an hour of driving around.
Some last longer over 2 hrs. I did mine in one week course, Mon to Thurs driving test on friday. Passed first time

Roverowner · 5th July 2010, 11:39

Haven´t done the latest British one but have the licence for heavy trailer (full bus and lorry too) Very useful, saved a fine a few times

matt_tdv6 · 5th July 2010, 11:43

What test

derekosb · 5th July 2010, 12:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_tdv6

What test

That's what I was thinking??

But I passed my test in 1981 so are the rules different now?

Derek

topman · 5th July 2010, 12:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by derekosb

That's what I was thinking??

But I passed my test in 1981 so are the rules different now?

Derek

Yep no freebies anymore

sikelsh · 5th July 2010, 12:09

It depends what you are towing I think, car and caravan you should be ok.

Anything over 3.5 tonnes requires a test

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...les/DG_4022521

Simon

Departed 32016 · 5th July 2010, 12:55

take a look at the back of your licence, I have B, B1 FKP.

B+e is a trailer / caravan

If you got your licence before Jan 1997 you're ok up to 3.5 tonnes, if after you can't tow, until you sit another test.

tazman3 · 5th July 2010, 13:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by kieranswood

take a look at the back of your licence, I have B, B1 FKP.

B+e is a trailer / caravan

If you got your licence before Jan 1997 you're ok up to 3.5 tonnes, if after you can't tow, until you sit another test.

IIRC as my wife passed her test about 4 years ago and all she is allowed to drive is a car...

No minibuses or vans or lorry upto 8 tonnes either never mind towing...lol

Martin

sikelsh · 5th July 2010, 13:05

I think your wrong

That link doesnt say that

Car licences obtained on or after 1 January 1997

If you passed a car test on or after 1 January 1997 you're limited to vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass towing a trailer up to 750kgs, or a vehicle and trailer combination up to 3.5 tonnes MAM providing the MAM of the trailer doesn't exceed the unladen mass of the towing vehicle. You will need to pass an additional driving test in B+E if you wish to tow a caravan or trailer combination which exceeds these weight limits.

Further Reading

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...es/DG_10013073

5th July 2010, 09:24	#1
Departed 32016 This is my second home Rover 75 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 5,190 Thanks: 101 Thanked 257 Times in 145 Posts	anyone done the trailer test to add it to your license? Being young, (26) I can't tow without conduting a further driving test to show me ability to tow a caravan or trailer- just wondering if anyone has done this at all and they found it?

5th July 2010, 12:09	#7
sikelsh This is my second home MGF Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Boston Posts: 4,865 Thanks: 123 Thanked 281 Times in 178 Posts	It depends what you are towing I think, car and caravan you should be ok. Anything over 3.5 tonnes requires a test http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...les/DG_4022521 Simon __________________ Si Kelsh

5th July 2010, 13:05	#10
sikelsh This is my second home MGF Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Boston Posts: 4,865 Thanks: 123 Thanked 281 Times in 178 Posts	I think your wrong That link doesnt say that Car licences obtained on or after 1 January 1997 If you passed a car test on or after 1 January 1997 you're limited to vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass towing a trailer up to 750kgs, or a vehicle and trailer combination up to 3.5 tonnes MAM providing the MAM of the trailer doesn't exceed the unladen mass of the towing vehicle. You will need to pass an additional driving test in B+E if you wish to tow a caravan or trailer combination which exceeds these weight limits. Further Reading http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...es/DG_10013073 __________________ Si Kelsh

5th July 2010, 11:37	#2
topman This is my second home MG ZT-T 190 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 5,493 Thanks: 372 Thanked 647 Times in 534 Posts	I did the B+E test last year. It's longer than the car test. It's about an 1h 45mins long, there is a reverse the trailer part of the test that can be a bit tricky. You reverse back from one box of cones into another about 15 yrds away and about 5/10 yards to your right. You have to go to the right of the cone and not hit it. Once in the second box you pull forward it another open box of cones to simulate pulling forward into a garage. You then have to un hitch the trailer and pull away then rehitch it. You have to do a bit of an inspection and an oral 'test' about the trailer. You then have about an hour of driving around. Some last longer over 2 hrs. I did mine in one week course, Mon to Thurs driving test on friday. Passed first time

5th July 2010, 11:39	#3
Roverowner Retired CDTi Tourer 2005 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Linköping Posts: 5,023 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Haven´t done the latest British one but have the licence for heavy trailer (full bus and lorry too) Very useful, saved a fine a few times

5th July 2010, 11:43	#4
matt_tdv6 Avid contributor 04 ZT CDTI & 04 MG ZR Express Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Scunthorpe Posts: 244 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	What test

5th July 2010, 12:55	#8
Departed 32016 This is my second home Rover 75 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 5,190 Thanks: 101 Thanked 257 Times in 145 Posts	take a look at the back of your licence, I have B, B1 FKP. B+e is a trailer / caravan If you got your licence before Jan 1997 you're ok up to 3.5 tonnes, if after you can't tow, until you sit another test.