Learning to tow (B+E test) and buying a trailer - advice?
Discussion
I need to add the B+E category to my licence and also buy a car transporter trailer
Does anyone have any pointers on where to start with either? How best to choose between the multiple driving schools that offer training (other than solely doing so on price). I'm in Gloucestershire if anyone has any personal recommendations
From reading the GOV.uk piece on the B+E test it sounds like a fully fledged retake of my driving test with some towing specific stuff thrown in like the reversing exercises etc - is it? Back to wheel shuffling like a learner?
Tips for buying a decent trailer that isn't knackered or nicked? I'm seeing a s
t load of brand new trailers of Polish origin for less than 2 grand including vat which almost seems too good to be true compared with the used market
Does anyone have any pointers on where to start with either? How best to choose between the multiple driving schools that offer training (other than solely doing so on price). I'm in Gloucestershire if anyone has any personal recommendations
From reading the GOV.uk piece on the B+E test it sounds like a fully fledged retake of my driving test with some towing specific stuff thrown in like the reversing exercises etc - is it? Back to wheel shuffling like a learner?
Tips for buying a decent trailer that isn't knackered or nicked? I'm seeing a s
t load of brand new trailers of Polish origin for less than 2 grand including vat which almost seems too good to be true compared with the used marketRe the practical test
1) Show me/tell me questions.
2) Reversing exercise (Basically Reversing across a rectangle into a garage keeping within lines/cones).
3) Drive on the road inc uphill move off, downhill move off, two normal stops/move off & one angled move off (you don't have to shuffle, you do have to maintain effective control.), it will also inc 10mins independent driving (follow signs to ----- etc)
4) Uncouple/recouple.
1) Show me/tell me questions.
2) Reversing exercise (Basically Reversing across a rectangle into a garage keeping within lines/cones).
3) Drive on the road inc uphill move off, downhill move off, two normal stops/move off & one angled move off (you don't have to shuffle, you do have to maintain effective control.), it will also inc 10mins independent driving (follow signs to ----- etc)
4) Uncouple/recouple.
Get as long a trailer as possible for your test. Sounds counter intuitive, but they are far easier to reverse. My car trailer is an 18 ft twin axle and I can reverse it through gates like a pro with inches to spare either side. Put me on a short trailer, and I can't get more than about 10 feet without jack knifing it.
S/H Ifor Williams is the standard answer!
S/H Ifor Williams is the standard answer!
rxe said:
Get as long a trailer as possible for your test. Sounds counter intuitive, but they are far easier to reverse. My car trailer is an 18 ft twin axle and I can reverse it through gates like a pro with inches to spare either side. Put me on a short trailer, and I can't get more than about 10 feet without jack knifing it.
S/H Ifor Williams is the standard answer!
I find a similar phenomenon when I drive a massive LWB van versus a tiny car so there might be something in your theory!S/H Ifor Williams is the standard answer!
Used IW trailers look bloody ropey from the limited browsing I've done so far - strike me as the kind of things people keep until they're thoroughly knackered because of the huge brand new price!
vonhosen said:
Re the practical test
1) Show me/tell me questions.
2) Reversing exercise (Basically Reversing across a rectangle into a garage keeping within lines/cones).
3) Drive on the road inc uphill move off, downhill move off, two normal stops/move off & one angled move off (you don't have to shuffle, you do have to maintain effective control.), it will also inc 10mins independent driving (follow signs to ----- etc)
4) Uncouple/recouple.
The inclusion of independent driving was what made me think it'd be like being a 17 year old again to be honest - seems rather irrelevant!1) Show me/tell me questions.
2) Reversing exercise (Basically Reversing across a rectangle into a garage keeping within lines/cones).
3) Drive on the road inc uphill move off, downhill move off, two normal stops/move off & one angled move off (you don't have to shuffle, you do have to maintain effective control.), it will also inc 10mins independent driving (follow signs to ----- etc)
4) Uncouple/recouple.
If you dont mind travelling a bit to do your test, I can highly recommend these guys http://www.pjetraining.com .
They are in Hereford, I did my test with them. I did an intensive course over 2 days though I could already drive with/reverse a trailer so they sent me home by 12pm. It's all one to one training.
They use a VW amarok and a twin axle box trailer. Very good, well maintained kit.
The test itself is easy as explained above providing you can reverse the route set out. You basically have to reverse an S shape into a predetermined box. The road part of the test is easy too. No hand shuffling needed but you must remember to use your mirrors, more so than normal.
The only point to note is when coupling the trailer, you MUST lower the hitch onto the ball until it locks, then wind it up on the jockey wheel to make sure it's attached properly. If you don't, it's an instant fail.
It's ALOT easier than a normal driving test.
Just to add, there was a lad there after me had never driven with a trailer before, he passed his test the same day as me.
They are in Hereford, I did my test with them. I did an intensive course over 2 days though I could already drive with/reverse a trailer so they sent me home by 12pm. It's all one to one training.
They use a VW amarok and a twin axle box trailer. Very good, well maintained kit.
The test itself is easy as explained above providing you can reverse the route set out. You basically have to reverse an S shape into a predetermined box. The road part of the test is easy too. No hand shuffling needed but you must remember to use your mirrors, more so than normal.
The only point to note is when coupling the trailer, you MUST lower the hitch onto the ball until it locks, then wind it up on the jockey wheel to make sure it's attached properly. If you don't, it's an instant fail.
It's ALOT easier than a normal driving test.
Just to add, there was a lad there after me had never driven with a trailer before, he passed his test the same day as me.
frodo_monkey said:
Most people I know that tow race cars use Brian James or Woodford trailers; my Woodford when new and including a tyre rack came in at less than £2k.
Woodford do seem to be a bit cheaper than BJ or IW 
Need something with at least 2T MAM (and as light a trailer weight as possible because that's the towing capacity of my tow vehicle)
AdamIndy said:
If you dont mind travelling a bit to do your test, I can highly recommend these guys http://www.pjetraining.com .
They are in Hereford, I did my test with them. I did an intensive course over 2 days though I could already drive with/reverse a trailer so they sent me home by 12pm. It's all one to one training.
They use a VW amarok and a twin axle box trailer. Very good, well maintained kit.
The test itself is easy as explained above providing you can reverse the route set out. You basically have to reverse an S shape into a predetermined box. The road part of the test is easy too. No hand shuffling needed but you must remember to use your mirrors, more so than normal.
The only point to note is when coupling the trailer, you MUST lower the hitch onto the ball until it locks, then wind it up on the jockey wheel to make sure it's attached properly. If you don't, it's an instant fail.
It's ALOT easier than a normal driving test.
Just to add, there was a lad there after me had never driven with a trailer before, he passed his test the same day as me.
Sent off an email to this lot today asking about availability and pricing, hopefully hear from them soon!They are in Hereford, I did my test with them. I did an intensive course over 2 days though I could already drive with/reverse a trailer so they sent me home by 12pm. It's all one to one training.
They use a VW amarok and a twin axle box trailer. Very good, well maintained kit.
The test itself is easy as explained above providing you can reverse the route set out. You basically have to reverse an S shape into a predetermined box. The road part of the test is easy too. No hand shuffling needed but you must remember to use your mirrors, more so than normal.
The only point to note is when coupling the trailer, you MUST lower the hitch onto the ball until it locks, then wind it up on the jockey wheel to make sure it's attached properly. If you don't, it's an instant fail.
It's ALOT easier than a normal driving test.
Just to add, there was a lad there after me had never driven with a trailer before, he passed his test the same day as me.
There seem to be a steady stream of trailers for sale on here
https://www.lotus7.club/forum/sale
and here
http://www.graduates.org.uk/forsale.asp
Also Fieldfare trailers near Salisbury have used trailers from time to time. Mark there is a car guy (hill climbs a kit car) and a good bloke.
https://www.lotus7.club/forum/sale
and here
http://www.graduates.org.uk/forsale.asp
Also Fieldfare trailers near Salisbury have used trailers from time to time. Mark there is a car guy (hill climbs a kit car) and a good bloke.
Camoradi said:
There seem to be a steady stream of trailers for sale on here
https://www.lotus7.club/forum/sale
and here
http://www.graduates.org.uk/forsale.asp
Also Fieldfare trailers near Salisbury have used trailers from time to time. Mark there is a car guy (hill climbs a kit car) and a good bloke.
Cheers, I'll check them out - not sure the typical kit car trailer will suit my needs though since I'll need more length than they would https://www.lotus7.club/forum/sale
and here
http://www.graduates.org.uk/forsale.asp
Also Fieldfare trailers near Salisbury have used trailers from time to time. Mark there is a car guy (hill climbs a kit car) and a good bloke.
Toaster Pilot said:
What kind of cost would I be looking at for such a 2 day course? Like the idea of being able to just take a couple of days off and get it done
I'm not entirely sure as I didn't pay for it. My work arranged and paid for it. I'm told it was in around the £5-600 mark including the test fees etc. Using their vehicles.Hopefully they will get back to you quickly!
The B+E test
No medical or theory test required
Read a number plate from a certain distance
VIDEO - Show Me Tell Me Questions = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqw6Ua3kmFc&fea... - usually 5
The next three can be in any order:-
VIDEO - Reversing Exercise = http://www.drivesafedriving.co.uk/b_e_rev_movie.ht... - done in test centre grounds if test conducted from practical test centre - some tests are now being done from training school grounds
DSA REVERSING TEST AREA DIAGRAM = https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa...
VIDEO - Uncouple/couple up = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao_5KOe8dGg&fea... - done in test centre grounds if test conducted from practical test centre - some tests are now being done from training school grounds
One hour road drive - includes the independent drive and is done virtually the same as the basic car test
The trailer must now be loaded with 600 kgs of sand bags or a 1000 kgs water IBC for the test so most companies are now training with that weight in the trailer = https://www.gov.uk/new-laden-testing-rules-for-dri...
Well explained here = http://www.trailertraining-wales.co.uk/test.html
DISCLAIMER - I have no connection to any companies which may be featured in those videos
This is interesting BUT NOT RECOMMENDED – a B licence towing set up can be presented for the B+E test but L plates must be used for the test that means you can train yourself, go to test by yourself, fit L plates, do the test, then, pass or fail, remove L plates and drive away by yourself.
DSA B+E TEST AND VEHICLE/TRAILER REQUIREMENTS = http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensi...
Remember that the required 600 kgs of sand bags or 1 x 1000 IBC filled with water will be required in the trailer and the load must be secure.
SUPERVISING A B+E LEARNER
In April 2010 new rules were introduced for those supervising certain learner drivers but they only affected those supervising VOCATIONAL categories such as C1 C1+E D1 & D1+E where the supervising driver had those categories given to them for free when they passed a pre 1997 car test.
They do not affect those with a pre 1997 B+E licence who wish to supervise a B+E learner.
All B licence holders have B+E provisional on the paper part of their licence and can tow an empty or loaded trailer on all roads including motorways.
The usual rules apply when a learner is driving -
The supervising driver must be aged over 21
The supervising driver must have held a B+E licence for at least 3 years
L plates must be fitted to the front of the vehicle and the rear of the trailer
Correct insurance for a B+E learner
The supervising driver does not need to be insured unless they are driving
No medical or theory test required
Read a number plate from a certain distance
VIDEO - Show Me Tell Me Questions = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqw6Ua3kmFc&fea... - usually 5
The next three can be in any order:-
VIDEO - Reversing Exercise = http://www.drivesafedriving.co.uk/b_e_rev_movie.ht... - done in test centre grounds if test conducted from practical test centre - some tests are now being done from training school grounds
DSA REVERSING TEST AREA DIAGRAM = https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa...
VIDEO - Uncouple/couple up = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao_5KOe8dGg&fea... - done in test centre grounds if test conducted from practical test centre - some tests are now being done from training school grounds
One hour road drive - includes the independent drive and is done virtually the same as the basic car test
The trailer must now be loaded with 600 kgs of sand bags or a 1000 kgs water IBC for the test so most companies are now training with that weight in the trailer = https://www.gov.uk/new-laden-testing-rules-for-dri...
Well explained here = http://www.trailertraining-wales.co.uk/test.html
DISCLAIMER - I have no connection to any companies which may be featured in those videos
This is interesting BUT NOT RECOMMENDED – a B licence towing set up can be presented for the B+E test but L plates must be used for the test that means you can train yourself, go to test by yourself, fit L plates, do the test, then, pass or fail, remove L plates and drive away by yourself.
DSA B+E TEST AND VEHICLE/TRAILER REQUIREMENTS = http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensi...
Remember that the required 600 kgs of sand bags or 1 x 1000 IBC filled with water will be required in the trailer and the load must be secure.
SUPERVISING A B+E LEARNER
In April 2010 new rules were introduced for those supervising certain learner drivers but they only affected those supervising VOCATIONAL categories such as C1 C1+E D1 & D1+E where the supervising driver had those categories given to them for free when they passed a pre 1997 car test.
They do not affect those with a pre 1997 B+E licence who wish to supervise a B+E learner.
All B licence holders have B+E provisional on the paper part of their licence and can tow an empty or loaded trailer on all roads including motorways.
The usual rules apply when a learner is driving -
The supervising driver must be aged over 21
The supervising driver must have held a B+E licence for at least 3 years
L plates must be fitted to the front of the vehicle and the rear of the trailer
Correct insurance for a B+E learner
The supervising driver does not need to be insured unless they are driving
Toaster Pilot said:
As long as I don't actually load it beyond 2000kg and have the appropriate licence I don't need to have it re plated do I?
depends who you talk to I got told by a copper many years ago if the trailer was rated at higher than the car could legally tow it wasn't a road legal combination
I could only find caravans but the same principal applies
Caravan
The actual laden weight of the Caravan must be less than its Maximum Technically Permitted Laden Mass (MTPLM)1, the new term for gross weight shown on the caravan 'weight plate'.
The caravan's Maximum Technically Permitted Laden Mass (MTPLM) must not be greater than the towing car's Maximum Permissible Towing Mass (MPTW) defined by the car manufacturer.
wack said:
depends who you talk to
I got told by a copper many years ago if the trailer was rated at higher than the car could legally tow it wasn't a road legal combination
Which is of course 100% legally wrongI got told by a copper many years ago if the trailer was rated at higher than the car could legally tow it wasn't a road legal combination
This is legal on a B+E
Vehicle towing capacity 2000
Trailer 3500 MAM and 1000 empty loaded with 1000
This is legal on a B
Vehicle GVW 2100 with a 1300 towing capacity
Trailer MAM 1400 and 800 empty loaded with 500
R0G said:
Which is of course 100% legally wrong
This is legal on a B+E
Vehicle towing capacity 2000
Trailer 3500 MAM and 1000 empty loaded with 1000
Exactly what I'll be looking to do except with a lighter trailerThis is legal on a B+E
Vehicle towing capacity 2000
Trailer 3500 MAM and 1000 empty loaded with 1000
On that note - thoughts about buying a 2000KG rated trailer and loading it to almost its maximum every time it's used versus say one at 2700kg and leaving capacity spare? Likely to last longer and have less wear issues etc?
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