TRAILER TRAINING (B + E)
If you passed your driving test after the 1st January 1997 you will need to pass a trailer towing test to get the B + E category added to your license. This allows you to tow caravans or trailers over 750kg without this you would be restricted to a small trailer of up to 750 kg. This means that anyone under the age of 30 in 2009 would most likely have to pass this test or anyone who has not held a full car licence for 12 years in 2009.
Most people and companies are still unaware of this and are therefor towing illegally, which means they will not be insured. This can result in a driving ban if stopped by the police or even worse, if an accident did occur you personally would be liable for any damages, as your insurance would not be valid.
VEHICLES & TESTING
We have our own car and trailer that meets all the requirements of the D.S.A. in size, weight and load for you to use for your training and test.
If you already have a car and trailer combination you that you'd like to use you will have to make sure it meets all the requirements of the D.S.A test centre, otherwise you will not be taken for the test and will lose your test fee.
If you plan to us your own trailer then please read the DVLA's Requirements for towing trailers in Great Britain (INF30) Leaflet by clicking here.
At our large off road site at the Pirelli stadium we can replicate the off road manoeuvres that you will be required to pass for the D.S.A. test, and the coupling and uncoupling of the trailer, without being distracted.
HOW MUCH TRAINING?
The main part of the test is on the road so your normal driving will have to be to a high standard and this will be assessed before any trailer training will be started, and any problems will be addressed.
This is considered a professional qualification and the test will be at one of the HGV test centres, in Birmingham, Stoke on Trent or Nottingham. Your standard of driving will have to be a lot higher than the normal ‘L’ test.
Because of the trailer you will have to demonstrate advanced planning skills and vehicle control on the road. You will be on the road for the exam for approximately 50 minutes. The whole test will take just over an hour and a half to complete.
You must show that you fully understand the principles of the reversing manoeuvres and can complete these successfully on site. You will need to perform a controlled stop on site as well as reversing manoeuvres before going out on the road with the trailer attached. You must be able to couple & uncouple the trailer and make all the relevant safety checks .
You will also have to answer five B + E safety questions at the start of the test, a driver fault will be recorded for each incorrect answer to a maximum of four driving faults. If you answer all five incorrectly a serious fault will be recorded. We will provide a list of questions for you to revise from at home, also your instructor will go through them with you so you fully understand all aspects as part of your training.