Anyone done the trailer test?

[Mirez]

I have one of the "up to 750kg" licences so this is something I really need to get around to as I do tow frequently (albeit short journeys) and its just slightly ever so possible that a Galaxy on a car trailer maybe exceeding this

So I would class myself as confident, coupling \ uncoupling and manoeuvring aren't a problem which leads me to the question on whether to just sit the test or do some training but all my local trainers seem to want to do a 2 day minimum course

Either they are catering to newbie towers only or I am underestimating the test so hopeful someone whos done it can give me some advise?

[sheepy69]

im a class one hgv driver (artic) so i get to play with the big toys lol. trailer test depends a lot on when you originally pasted your driving test check it out here m8 https://www.drivex.co.uk/driving-licence-info/

hope this helps m8.

dom

[bigdave982]

Try your local towing school, see if they do an assesment of what you need. Trust me, theres plenty running around in class 1's leaving me wo dering what license they have😁

[NeilSu]

Did you go through with your trailer test, Mirez? How did it go?

[Mirez]

Hey @NeilSu,
No not yet lol, I still need to do it but I'm in the middle of a house move so its taken a back seat for the moment. It also took a while to find a driving instructor who didn't want me to do a minimum 48 hours of practice first!

[brianh]

I've been meaning to do the same for a while, but keeps getting put off for various reasons.

Having used a few trailers on the road (below the limit - which isn't quite as clear cut as 750kg, it can be heavier provided its not heavier than the vehicle, and the combination doesn't exceed 3.5T in total allowed weight - Its not the actual weight of the trailer that is looked at, its the MAM or the max it can be loaded to including the weight of the trailer) its actually somewhat easier to control larger trailers than the small ones as they don't tend to wander about when you reverse them so easily.

[gregers]

i passed my test around 1986/7,spose i better check my licence as i sometimes tow a cherry picker round my work.

[brianh]

You should be fine, its 1999 thats the changeover point. Your work should know anyway if your driving their vehicles as they should have checked your license. You should have BE shown on your photocard if you have one (I still know a few people who still have the paper license!)

The exact wording from DVLA is

Category B
Description
"You can drive vehicles up to 3,500kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) and up to 8 passenger seats, and a driver, with trailer up to 750kg; trailers over 750kg if combined weight of vehicle and trailer isnââ,¬â,,¢t over 3,500kg and the fully-loaded trailer doesnââ,¬â,,¢t weigh more than the unladen vehicle"

Category BE
Description
You can drive category B vehicles with trailer when combined weight of vehicle and trailer is over 3,500kg

[Mirez]

Agree completely although it's 1997 they started faffing with the licences.

https://www.fordmpv.com/smf2/ford-galaxy-common-faults-and-problems/galaxy-towing-weights-towbar-wiring-trailers-and-couplings/

[gregers]

just checked mine,yeah im covered.for loads by the looks of it.

[Mirez]

Old man! 

[gregers]

lived in ill have you know.