nods...as per post #189
steve's P38 RR
Active Member
We have a lot more for's than against, so looks all good to tow on the motorway, shame I came back with an empty trailer, As soon as I get a usable tow car I'll be taking my test (some where) I take it you can use an auto to do the test?
Headtester
Active Member
Yes you can use an auto to take the test but you would then be restricted to driving autos only.
As far as where you can take your test - any DSA LGV test centre; use this link to find the nearest one to you.
steve's P38 RR
Active Member
You mean I would only be able to tow with an auto, cause I can drive manuals at the min, if this is the case I need to replace my gearbox and do my test before I change my car.
The auto restriction ONLY applies to the actual Driving Test...not the Trailer test. It doesn't matter which you use to sit the B&E Test with.
:doh:
Jacko-RADC
New Member
Direct.Gov gives a definative answer on trailer issues.
The driving licence you need to tow a caravan or trailer : Directgov - Motoring
The driving licence you need to tow a caravan or trailer : Directgov - Motoring
Even if you tow the trailer empty, IIRC if the max limit on that and the gross max weight of the car is over you can't tow it. It doesn't go off what the weight is, it's what the max plate is.
My partner did his B+E as soon as we got the Disco as not much can be towed without it (If you passed your test later)
Try local caravan club registered trainers rather than large training companies who deal with commercial training, usually cheaper
My partner did his B+E as soon as we got the Disco as not much can be towed without it (If you passed your test later)
Try local caravan club registered trainers rather than large training companies who deal with commercial training, usually cheaper
fishsponge
New Member
Sorry to re-open this lengthy one, but i'm doing my first B+E "lesson" today (despite being able to pull, reverse, couple and uncouple a trailer just fine) - i'll inquire as to what the rules are and attempt to put a 78th viewpoint up here later today!
Also worth noting that the DSA book that comes with a new or renewed driving license only talks about weight - not plated mass or MAM - for the most part!
Also worth noting that the DSA book that comes with a new or renewed driving license only talks about weight - not plated mass or MAM - for the most part!
steve's P38 RR
Active Member
Hope you got on well with your lesson, the extra info would be great and also the company your doing it with as your not far from me.
fishsponge
New Member
So, the lesson went very well.
If I pass first time, it should cost me a grand total of £500. I suspect it'll cost another £200 for each retest.
Today's lesson was 2.5 hours long and while i'm 80% there, the last 20% is going to take the longest. I've booked my test at 09:45 am in 2 months time, which will give me 30 minutes practice before the test (which is 1 hour long) and an entire day's training the day before, just to perfect the "procedures" and get used to driving the instructor's vehicle instead of mine.
Anyway, I was already confident pulling a trailer and reversing, and I like to think I'm very good at checking my mirrors, indicating properly etc... but doing it well enough to pass a driving test is another matter!
You have to revert to the 10-to-2 position on the steering wheel (not when reversing though), you have to check your mirrors in the right order, coupling and uncoupling is very procedure-based and if you do bits in the wrong order you could fail.
Basically, if you can reverse a trailer already it's easy other than the specific procedures and checking mirrors in the right order etc...
If you can't already reverse a trailer, I suggest you find some private land and a trailer and let it become instinctive on your own time, purely to save money on lessons. Or, tow a trailer that is legal - the principals are the same regardless of the size of trailer.
For example, I learned to reverse on a pedal-powered tractor and trailer as a toddler in my parents garden many years ago (and i've not pulled a trailer since, but somehow it's instinctive to me)!
Anyway, I'm not gonna do any more training until the day before my test now, but I'm happy to answer any questions!
Oh, and I'm doing my training with "C-Way School of Motoring":
C-Way School Of Motoring | Land Rover Discovery 3 And Trailer Peterborough/Female Driving Instructor/Driving Lessons/B&E Training/Trailer Training/B&E Tests/Trailer Tests
I think they're good because (a) they use Land Rovers instead of piddly little cars (which is good because you have low range for reversing, plenty of power for pulling away etc...) and (b) they only charge you for the time you spend with them (i.e. if you book a whole day and you're done by 3pm, you'll only be charged up until 3pm)!
Anyway, at this early stage at least, i can highly recommend them! I got their number in the first place from the Caravan Club web site (not that I'm a member, but their list of trainers is available for the public Having the right licence to tow | Practical advice | The Caravan Club ).
