Do I need to take a trailer test?

[Maty]

I'm trying to understand whether or not I need to take the C+E Test to tow a car on a trailer or not, just wondering if anyone can help!

Tow car will be a 2018 BM 320d touring. Kerb weight 1500kg.
+ a new braked car trailer,lets say 500kg.
+ an R53 Mini track car. Weight 1150kg.

So total weight 3150kg.
I passed my test in 2000.

Thanks.

[Maty]

HustleRussell said:

B+e. Yes.

The Gross weight of the BMW will be about 2,200kg and the gross weight of the trailer will be at least 1,600kg so you will be over the 3,500kg limit by a few hundred kilos.

Edited by HustleRussell on Thursday 27th August 12:12

Thanks HR, to be honest I'd rather take the test anyway to be on the safe side.

One question though how do you get the gross weight of the BM to 2,200kg out of interest?

[Maty]

Ah yes! I was looking at the minimum kerb weight! Which is 1500kg. What does this refer to?

[Maty]

DocSteve said:

I think there is a sticky thread on this but, yes, you will have to take the test. I missed out by a few days when they changed the rules so had to go through the relatively painful process.

Just a few tips - read what is expected on the test day, especially the questions they will ask you, which are on the gov.uk site. If you have never reversed a trailer before then you really ought to get some tuition / friendly advice or you may struggle to manage it on the day. On the drive (which is quite lengthy), be considerate, brake gradually and on the section where the examiner tells you to drive somewhere without directional guidance don't do something silly if you missed a road sign. On mine, the sign had actually been removed and after going around the roundabout twice the examiner acknowledged that. If you have to make an unusual move then as long as you do it safely and explain what you are doing it should be fine.

Good luck!

Thanks Steve.

I used to race back in the 00s, my dad used to do the driving with the trailer and the car on the back. It was always my job to get the race car on the trailer and the trailer hitched up. So I understand that bit. He used to show me how to back the trailer in as well, so I get the theory behind it all but I've never actually tried it myself.

I think I'll book a single day's lesson, see how it goes from there.

Thanks for all the help, must admit the whole weights thing is still a mystery though! Kerb weights, mams, trailer ratings... Surely it could be simpler!