Trailer towing- who's done the B+E test?

FlyingPete · Nov 27, 2015

Being in my 20s, my license is subject to the 1997+ trailer restrictions. Currently on a B license, I'm limited to either a 750kg trailer or 3500kg combined MAM. With a 90 of 2400kg, that means the largest trailer I can tow is 1100kg MAM.

So- is it worth me doing the B+E test? It would at least give me peace of mind not having to worry about 'can I tow this.' I've done a bit of reversing, but only with relatively low trailers (e.g a trailer tent) that you can see over the top of. On the test I gather it has to be a box trailer and so done using mirrors.

Coupling and uncoupling the trailer is simple enough and I understand the steps involved in doing it properly. Other than that and the reverse park, is it simply a road drive?

cooltide · Nov 27, 2015

You will need to have a touch screen test / hazard perception still in date, or re-do it.
Something that may be worth considering depending on your career, is doing a class c, followed by a c+e which will then cover every car / lorry + trailer combination (except buses).

listerdiesel · Nov 27, 2015

It shouldn't be an issue, but practice makes perfect, particularly if you can use different size trailers to get a bit of variety.

Reversing with mirrors is easy, as long as you can see the trailer!

Regular use of trailers will hone your skills, while you don't forget it, keeping 'current' on towing helps a lot.

Peter

Discokids · Nov 28, 2015

No, but being a similar age I'm always thinking about it. A lot get confused about the law but you seem to understand it

. The test companies say if you are towing a caravan etc then you MUST do the test but it's not the case, depends on your vehicle and all the weights, seems strange that I can tow more weight with my little renault than I could with my disco - Legally anyway. I've no real need for it but I suppose it's better to do sooner rather than later.

Beneagles · Nov 28, 2015

Yes - do it!

Boris113 · Nov 28, 2015

The test will be with a box-trailer as you said. It consists of a show-me-tell-me exercise, hitch and un-hitch, reverse into a bay which is off-set to the side of the vehicle and then the conventional test.

I did mine about a month ago and it wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be but it's not cheap.

Discokids · Nov 28, 2015

Go on..... How much?

warrior · Nov 28, 2015

I did mine wasn't bad, b+e

If you can tow and reverse well then it will be easy,

I dint have todo any hazard proception test, just the driving, I had 2 hours driving lesson to polish my driving up to the standard and then my test

warrior · Nov 28, 2015

Discokids said:
Go on..... How much?

I paid £300 all in with there car and trailer

Marmaduke · Nov 28, 2015

Because I didn't try hard enough at school I have a full hgv licence

, one thing I would recommend is shop around as if it's anything like class 2 and class 1 then prices vary massively depending on the learner company

Discokids · Nov 28, 2015

£300 is not bad I suppose, I've seen it advertised for double that.

Thor1950 · Nov 28, 2015

warrior said:
I paid £300 all in with there car and trailer

wtf-wtf-shock-surprise-smiley-emoti.gif~c200

to tow a trailer with a car, really

Beneagles · Nov 28, 2015

Discokids said:
£300 is not bad I suppose, I've seen it advertised for double that.

Test fee alone is at least £115.
Using a registered instructor and their car/trailer eliminates the risk of turning up, being told the trailer doesn't meet the requirements - no test and no refund. They will also be able to warn you of the examiners particular foibles.
Half a day if you are used to reversing - and competent! Day and a half if new to it.

https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/car-trailer-practical-test

Thor1950 · Nov 28, 2015

unreal

jamesmartin · Nov 28, 2015

Thor1950 said:
to tow a trailer with a car, really

if you passed your test after 1997 you cant tow a trailer of more than 750 kg or total wieght of car and trailer of 3.500kg without an extra test /charge

Thor1950 · Nov 28, 2015

jamesmartin said:
if you passed your test after 1997 you cant tow a trailer of more than 750 kg or total wieght of car and trailer of 3.500kg without an extra test /charge

like I said unreal

jamesmartin · Nov 29, 2015

Thor1950 said:
like I said unreal

tis ,but then im just a farmers boy, you learnt from experience and from knowledgeable people,now you pay for it

Boris113 · Nov 29, 2015

Discokids said:
Go on..... How much?

Mine was about £350 including a few lessons the day before. I could competently tow/reverse trailers beforehand but it's amazing how many little things the instructor picks up on whilst you are driving.

On the plus side it's a lot cheaper than getting caught towing overweight!

agew · Nov 29, 2015

Clearest thread about towing weights I've seen thanks!

A wrinkle.......so it's a 12 seat CSW...... Does my 21 yo daughter (now she can drive it at all) need a D+E as a pcv with trailer...? Who wrote these regs....aaaaarghhhhhh.... Thanks A

Discokids · Nov 29, 2015

What's she planning to tow?

Trailer towing- who's done the B+E test?

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