|
|
1. The requirement for taking the test
does not apply if the Maximum Authorised Mass (or MAM) of the trailer is under
750Kgs. The MAM is the maximum potential weight of the trailer and its contents
as shown on the weight plate or manufacturer’s handbook and not the actual
weight. Similarly, if you passed your car test prior to 1st January 1997, you
do not need to take the additional test.
For example, most horse trailers have a MAM of
between 2 tonne and 2.5 tonne; most caravans are between 1.2 and 1.5 tonne.
2. If the MAM of the trailer is over 750Kgs you need to take the test if
the following weight combinations apply:
Either The combined
MAM of the car and trailer exceeds 3500kgs (3.5 tonnes)
or The
MAM of the trailer is greater than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle.
3. If you
passed your car test on or after 1 January 1997 and either of the above weight
combinations applies, you will need to take the test. This will give you B+E
entitlement (see our license definitions table further down.)
4. If the
combined MAM is less than 3500Kgs, and the MAM of the trailer is
less than the unladen weight of the vehicle, you will not need to take the
test.
5. If you
passed your car test before 1 January 1997 you will have category B+E
entitlement on your license already and will not need to take the test.
Not too complicated I think you will
agree!
|
|
The test is conducted by the LGV
examiners at the lorry test centres, taking about an hour to an hour and a
half. The first part is off road, comprising of a reversing manoeuvre; a controlled
emergency stop and disconnect/connect the trailer. The on road part is a full
driving test and you will be expected to drive to a very high standard.
Particular emphasis is placed on use of mirrors, forward planning, general
observations, road positioning and consideration for other road users.
|
|
|
|
What training can you provide and much will I
need?
|
We tailor our training to suit you, so
we don't run pre-set courses. The amount you will need will depend on your
previous experience and how quickly you learn. As a rough guide, I have found
that people who have some experience of towing and reversing need 2-3 days;
those with no experience at all need 4-5 days.
In order to find out and give you an
honest assessment, we do a half day session of about 4 hours. During this time
we take you through the off-road manoeuvres in some detail and then spend as
much time as we can on the road, taking you through a variety of different road
conditions. At the end of this session, we can explain the areas that need
attention. After that, it is up to you. If you have your own vehicle and
trailer (and someone to accompany you) you could practice on your own then come
back for further assessment when you think you are ready. Or, you take the full
on training with us - this can be in half day, or whole day, sessions spread over
a period of time to help you budget for it, or as a block with the test at the
end. Waiting times for tests vary but are usually around 2-3 weeks.
|
|
|
How much does it cost? (This is probably the most
important one!)
|
Half day (4 hours): £160
Whole day (6 hours): £240
If you have friends that also want (or need) to do the test, we can run
session with more than one person which will help you save some money.
|
|
|
Do we have to have our own vehicle and trailer or
can you provide one?
|
If you have your own then it makes sense to do the training in that, as this is what you are going to be driving in the future. However, if you don’t have one, or don’t want to use your own, we can provide either car or trailer, or both. We believe our responsibility is to provide you with the necessary skills to enable you to tow safely. Therefore, we use vehicles that are similar to those you are going to use after the training, not something just adequate to get you through the test.
Call 01506 823152 for more information.Text trailer to 07834 872716 and i will get back to you as soon as i can.