Trailer test?

[gridgway]

Does anyone know what the trailer driving test consists of for 'new' drivers who want to get B+E categories on their licences? I have searched the DVLA and DSA web sites and whilst there is mention of them, there is no mention of how, why or what!

Thanks
Graham

[vonhosen]

It is based on the lorry test & will be conducted at a bus & lorry test centre. The test lasts about an hour.

It will include coupling & uncoupling, an off road reversing exercise, a controlled stop & driving on the public roads (including a move away on a busy road; uphill; downhill; from behind a parked car.)


You won't have to do on the public roads, a reverse park, reversing around a corner, a turn in the road or an emergency stop.

[gridgway]

thanks VH. Do you know if there are any publications on the subject as I want to get my 18 yr old trailer-ready.
Graham

[gdaybruce]

My daughter took her trailer test a couple of years ago using our Discovery and horse trailer. I can't now remember where we found out about the details of the test but I do recall that the reversing element required her to execute a kind of lane change between marker cones - an S bend in reverse, if you like. We found a commuters' car park that was deserted on Sundays that was perfect for practising.

Other than that, it's essential to decouple and recouple in a very exact sequence to keep full control of vehicle and trailer - the kind of thing that is common sense but easy to forget!

Thinking further about it, I suspect we found a book on the subject in WH Smiths but, failing that, have a word with your local commercial vehicle testing centre.

Daughter passed, incidentally, and hasn't wrecked car or trailer yet, so it can be done!!

[vonhosen]

gridgway said:

thanks VH. Do you know if there are any publications on the subject as I want to get my 18 yr old trailer-ready.
Graham

Here are a couple of links thrown up by google for advice.

www.horsedata.co.uk/trailer_test.htm

www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=214

www.direct.gov.uk/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/TowingAndCommercialVehiclesArticles/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4022521&chk=UotF/k

[gridgway]

thanks VH. FOr some reason my googling failed me!
GRaham

[gridgway]

just another thought...is there the concept of a provisional licence to practice with? I have a galaxy and a 1600kg MAM trailer which my daughter cant drive until she passes the test. Or is the only time she can drive that rig during the test itself? The test has to be conducted with a trailer of at least 1000kg MAM.

Thanks
Graham

[vonhosen]

If she holds a full licence (cat B) it acts as a provisional for B+E. She just has to satisfy the usual learner obligations such as "L" plates & supervised by a full licence holder in the category she is learning who is qualified to supervise her.

[gridgway]

Great, thanks again VH. All that remains is to get her insured on the Galaxy (eek).
Graham