Got test booked for next week, has anyone already done the test recently who can offer some advice. Got 3 hours driving practice before test booked also. I will be completing the test at Peterborough LCV Centre.
regards
TD
regards
TD
B+E Towing Driving Test
- Thread starter twindaddy
- Start date
twindaddy said:
Hi i have my B+E test booked for Aug 8 at Gosforth Lgv centre, i havent booked any lessons yet, im going to use my dads trailer which isnt that big and do some driving around and get used to parking and looking in me mirrors ect.
I have rang loads of people about the test to see what you need to do.
Basically you have to uncouple and couple and do checks to make sure everything is safe and then you have a 50 min drive where your examiner will be making sure your safe on the road. What i have been told is when you get to traffic lights and its green the examiner will look at you to see if your checking your mirrors ready to slow down if the lights change.
The test sounds not too bad. I just need to get out of my bad habbits as the examiner will be making sure your safe.
I have found that the lessons are very expensive!! averaging £500 for three days.
Hi,
Id be really interested on any pointers that anyone can give with regards to the test....
I plan on doing my test at some point - im generally 'ok' with regards to law/license at present, towing an old light van behind an estate. As it stands, im either over my license limit, or over the GTW of the tow car so bang to rights either way! But I can see in the future that I would like to get a heavier car for a heavier van, and so will need the B+E. Also dead useful to be able to borrow the L200 and hitch up a car trailer or the like....
Im quite lucky that I know a driving instructor who was able to give me some tuition for the first time towing, that and a big field and horse jumps that I have been able to practice the reversing with!
Even if I dont use the extra weight, it will be a good personal achievement for me I guess...
Thanks
Rob
Id be really interested on any pointers that anyone can give with regards to the test....
I plan on doing my test at some point - im generally 'ok' with regards to law/license at present, towing an old light van behind an estate. As it stands, im either over my license limit, or over the GTW of the tow car so bang to rights either way! But I can see in the future that I would like to get a heavier car for a heavier van, and so will need the B+E. Also dead useful to be able to borrow the L200 and hitch up a car trailer or the like....
Im quite lucky that I know a driving instructor who was able to give me some tuition for the first time towing, that and a big field and horse jumps that I have been able to practice the reversing with!
Even if I dont use the extra weight, it will be a good personal achievement for me I guess...
Thanks
Rob
The lessons to support the B+E test do seem to be rather expensive, especially when compared to normal driving lessons.
I think it might be useful if anyone who has taken the lessons or teh test to report about the way the they went, and any particular points that are being emphasised (like Rob has started)
I think it might be useful if anyone who has taken the lessons or teh test to report about the way the they went, and any particular points that are being emphasised (like Rob has started)
Prof John L said:
Thats a good idea as i have mine on the 8/8 and i know how to tow but the examiner will be looking at how safe i will be. If no one puts anything on i will once i have done my test as people need to know what it will be like.
Reading the script on driving licences, it seems that you can tow up to a gross train weight of 4200kgs on your B licence. Surely that covers most caravan towing combinations?
Sproket said:Have a look here at some of the B+E questions & answers
You got to be kidding. I thought the test would relate to towing a trailer and not whether your wipers work????? What a load of codswallop!
Parksy
Moderator
If you couldn't demonstrate to an examiner that you know how and when to clean the vehicle windscreen using the washer / wiper switch you would thoroughly deserve to fail the test. Cyclists, pedestrians and other road users can be obscured by a dirty screen, especially when the sun is shining on it, this is especially relevant when towing a large trailer.Surfer said:Sproket said:Have a look here at some of the B+E questions & answers
You got to be kidding. I thought the test would relate to towing a trailer and not whether your wipers work????? What a load of codswallop!
Surfer said:
You can only tow up to 3500kg on your B, ensuring the towing vehicle is not heavier than the trailer. Gross vehicle weight plus MTPLM of trailer. I did loads of research before I booked in for my test, which, I passed yesterday ! ! Woo Hoo ! !
A bit on the test, reading number plate from distance, demonstrate knowledge of your vehicle such as brake fluid/engine coolant/washer bottle etc. Then demonstrate your lights/fog lights/demister etc.
Then in no particular order, reversing maneouvre, couple/uncouple then 50 minutes out on the road.
During the reversing the main thing is don't panic if it starts to go wrong. You are allowed to pulll forward a maximum of twice so keep it cool. Take your time, keep your foot off that throttle and let the vehicle do the work.
In the road driving you will do 10 minutes of 'free driving'. Here the examiner will tell you to head for a town/village by name only and you need to use your road sense/sense of direction/lane positioning to demonstrate you are competent.
Pay particular attention to your mirrors at all times, especially exiting turns and always check both never just one.
Anyone taking their test, best of luck ! !
Taken from the Gov advice website:-
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_10013073
Category B: Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes MAM and with up to eight passenger seats
Category B vehicles may be coupled with a trailer up to 750kgs MAM (allowing a combined weight up to 4.25 tonnes MAM) or a trailer over 750kgs MAM provided the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle, and the combination does not exceed 3.5 tonnes MAM.
So Surfers comment:
"Reading the script on driving licences, it seems that you can tow up to a gross train weight of 4200kgs on your B licence. Surely that covers most caravan towing combinations?"
Is not right. That only applies for trailers of MAM of up to 750Kg, How many caravans have an MAM of 750Kg or less?
The vast majority of caravan will be 1Tonne or more and thus the combined MAM of an outfit must not exceed 3500Kg.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_10013073
Category B: Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes MAM and with up to eight passenger seats
Category B vehicles may be coupled with a trailer up to 750kgs MAM (allowing a combined weight up to 4.25 tonnes MAM) or a trailer over 750kgs MAM provided the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle, and the combination does not exceed 3.5 tonnes MAM.
So Surfers comment:
"Reading the script on driving licences, it seems that you can tow up to a gross train weight of 4200kgs on your B licence. Surely that covers most caravan towing combinations?"
Is not right. That only applies for trailers of MAM of up to 750Kg, How many caravans have an MAM of 750Kg or less?
The vast majority of caravan will be 1Tonne or more and thus the combined MAM of an outfit must not exceed 3500Kg.
Mickeyblueeyes said:
Congratulations!! Mine is on 19th July, no pressure to pass though as we are going away only 2 days later!!! lol
I've been practising solo the 'driving' part of the test trying to remember mirrors etc.
For anyone else looking at comleting the test, search DSA driving test on youtube and there are a few videos to watch as examples.
TD
twindaddy said:
The only bit i will have trouble with is sense of direction. Mine is on the 8 Aug and then i go away on the end of Aug so hopefully will pass.
Have you done many lessons?. I hope i pass otherwise i cant use my new car for towing! i have towed a caravan for a while as been in the limits so i should be ok.
Ar Mr Bell - I haven't done much towing in the past but have taken the parents' van out (and been over the weight limit for my licence) a few times without then knowing about the weight/towing restrictions!!
I've practised the reserving exercise a couple of times and can do it very well along with the de-coupling and coupling procedure.
My concerns are mainly executing the correct procedure for turning/stopping/junctions etc in terms of checking mirrors, blind spots etc. It's things like, am I expected to use hand brake at every junction etc which I need just to clarify etc.
I've had 1 two hour session which the instructor looked at my driving and reversing etc and suggested just a few hours more on the day of the test which is what we have booked. So I am practising myself in the car (without any trailer) at the whole signals/mirrors procedures etc. I always forget the blasted blind spot check.
TD
I've practised the reserving exercise a couple of times and can do it very well along with the de-coupling and coupling procedure.
My concerns are mainly executing the correct procedure for turning/stopping/junctions etc in terms of checking mirrors, blind spots etc. It's things like, am I expected to use hand brake at every junction etc which I need just to clarify etc.
I've had 1 two hour session which the instructor looked at my driving and reversing etc and suggested just a few hours more on the day of the test which is what we have booked. So I am practising myself in the car (without any trailer) at the whole signals/mirrors procedures etc. I always forget the blasted blind spot check.
TD
You see i use my handbrake all the time even with out the van on the back. I have towed a good couple of thousand miles so i should be ok with doing the reversing part and also the uncoupling and coupling. I more likely have picked up bad habbits while been towing which is the part i will have to consintrate on.twindaddy said:
When i have the van on the back i change my driving, im much more consious of the other drivers and i check my mirrors lots more than i would with out, in fact my wife says she can see me consentrate more when we go away. I did a 9 hour journey to Oban with van on the back and used so narrow roads, so i have the experiance. All i have to do is proove this to the examiner!!
Mr Bell said:
I had one lesson, I used it to understand what the examiner would be looking for on the test. The 'hardest' part of the test is losing all of your habits, concentrate on doing this and you will be fine.
Not trying to cut in on the OP, but thanks to people who have responded, confirms what I have suspected- probably the trickiest part of the test is not using all the bad habits ive picked up, such as driving with incorrect steering wheel grip etc!!
Mr Bell said
"What i have been told is when you get to traffic lights and its green the examiner will look at you to see if your checking your mirrors ready to slow down if the lights change".
I can't really see the point of this. What different actions do you take at the lights if someone is behind you, jump amber or red? On my class 1 HGV training I was taught to check my mirrors every 8-10 seconds so I always know what's behind me.
"What i have been told is when you get to traffic lights and its green the examiner will look at you to see if your checking your mirrors ready to slow down if the lights change".
I can't really see the point of this. What different actions do you take at the lights if someone is behind you, jump amber or red? On my class 1 HGV training I was taught to check my mirrors every 8-10 seconds so I always know what's behind me.
congratulations on passing your test. I recently made a statement on another thread on this forum about having to pass a further test to tow a caravan or trailer over 750kg, I suggested that there touring industry would be hit hard in years to come as there will be less people with the entiltlement to tow. A member stated that there was no need to take a further test as a car and caravan upto 3500kg can be driven on a ordanary car licence, could somebody confirm the legal position please.
steve
steve
Sorry in the delay of posting an update - since PASSING my B+E Test last Thursday, we have of course been away in the caravan.
Apart of the nerves as I HAD to pass this test, the actual test isn't very difficult.
With the exception of now using mirrors more etc until that habit wears off, i fail to understand how the test as helped me to tow my caravan. Before I took the test, I could legally tow my caravan with my Wife's VW but I couldn't use my Landrover. The test has not prepared me nor given me any further guidance on any aspect of towing a larger unit with a combined greater than the 3500kg I was originally entitled to drive. In fact, the learner vehicle I took my test in was an Audi A1 with a small trailer weighing 400kg with an overall unit length of 8m! I was already entitled to drive this type of unit - why be allowed to take a test in it? The whole lesson/test costs me just over £400 and time off work - I feel it such a waste. Having said all that, I can now legally tow with my Landrover so we've had out first week out in the caravan this week in the glorious sunshine and had a ball. Towing was a dream with the Defender which has enticed me to travel a bit further from home in a couple of weeks time to Worcestershire.
TD
Apart of the nerves as I HAD to pass this test, the actual test isn't very difficult.
With the exception of now using mirrors more etc until that habit wears off, i fail to understand how the test as helped me to tow my caravan. Before I took the test, I could legally tow my caravan with my Wife's VW but I couldn't use my Landrover. The test has not prepared me nor given me any further guidance on any aspect of towing a larger unit with a combined greater than the 3500kg I was originally entitled to drive. In fact, the learner vehicle I took my test in was an Audi A1 with a small trailer weighing 400kg with an overall unit length of 8m! I was already entitled to drive this type of unit - why be allowed to take a test in it? The whole lesson/test costs me just over £400 and time off work - I feel it such a waste. Having said all that, I can now legally tow with my Landrover so we've had out first week out in the caravan this week in the glorious sunshine and had a ball. Towing was a dream with the Defender which has enticed me to travel a bit further from home in a couple of weeks time to Worcestershire.
TD
Parksy
Moderator
First of all, congratulations on passing the test and gaining your B+E entitlement.
I'm sure that you won't need me to remind you that passing a test and gaining a licence or extra categories is the easy bit, it's keeping that licence clean and always driving safely and with consideration for other road users that can be the tricky part.
From the early 70s until almost the end of the 1990s I drove large goods vehicles for a living, including articulated lorries but as far as I'm concerned there are still things to watch out for, still potential hazards that I need to be aware of and more road users of all descriptions and levels of ability, or lack of it, than ever.
I always use the defensive driving technques that I was taught when I passed the various tests for the lorries that I drove, don't become angry or frustrated, expect the worst from other drivers (especially when towing) and you will never be disappointed or surprised.
You might feel that in one sense that the day was wasted but if you try to maintain the standard of driving, observation and safety that you had to deploy in order to pass the test then you won't go far wrong.
I'm sure that you won't need me to remind you that passing a test and gaining a licence or extra categories is the easy bit, it's keeping that licence clean and always driving safely and with consideration for other road users that can be the tricky part.
From the early 70s until almost the end of the 1990s I drove large goods vehicles for a living, including articulated lorries but as far as I'm concerned there are still things to watch out for, still potential hazards that I need to be aware of and more road users of all descriptions and levels of ability, or lack of it, than ever.
I always use the defensive driving technques that I was taught when I passed the various tests for the lorries that I drove, don't become angry or frustrated, expect the worst from other drivers (especially when towing) and you will never be disappointed or surprised.
You might feel that in one sense that the day was wasted but if you try to maintain the standard of driving, observation and safety that you had to deploy in order to pass the test then you won't go far wrong.
twindaddy said:
Hi I can understand on what your saying about the licence, I have mine tomorrow and I'm feeling abit nervous but should be ok, I have towed before and I am ok, I just hope I dont mess my test up tomorrow. Roll on 10am tomorrow. I think it's the waiting which makes you more nervous. I will be so glad when I have done my test.
Parksy
Moderator
Just keep a clear head, do your observations correctly and often and I'm sure that you'll be fine Mr Bell
Facebook
Twitter