I'm going to do my towing test, having had some excellent advice on the forum regarding the 'rules '. I was just wondering if I can practice towing if I have L plates on? With or without someone who already has B+E entitlement. I've looked on gov website but can't find anything. Was thinking I could get some practice in and save a few quid!! Thanks again
Can I practice towing with L plates?
- Thread starter Turps
- Start date
Is the only 'unit' (car+van) that you have available to practice in over the 3500kg limit? .... if not surely there is no problem?
I have an old license, but when I first got the 'van I wanted to practice reversing. The big problem I found was finding somewhere suitable to do so! Caravan sites are not the best place because you know you are being watched like a hawk ..... and/or people will come and offer to 'help' with advice. I eventually learned the hard way after getting stuck down unsuitable roads!!
I have an old license, but when I first got the 'van I wanted to practice reversing. The big problem I found was finding somewhere suitable to do so! Caravan sites are not the best place because you know you are being watched like a hawk ..... and/or people will come and offer to 'help' with advice. I eventually learned the hard way after getting stuck down unsuitable roads!!
Damian
Moderator
Taken from a specialist centre:
" It is expected that all drivers showing up for the towing test at an approved testing facility will already be prepared. To that end, drivers are required to bring with them a photo card driving licence or a signed paper licence along with a passport for identification purposes. Drivers also bring their own cars and trailers appropriate to the kind of licence they are attempting to obtain. This means an already licenced driver will have to accompany the candidate to the test in order to legally tow the trailer being used"
Therefore it follows that to practice you must have a qualified driver with you who can tow the trailer you want to pass the test in.
That could be a driver who has Grandad Rights, or one who has previously passed the B+E test, and held their licence over 3 years
" It is expected that all drivers showing up for the towing test at an approved testing facility will already be prepared. To that end, drivers are required to bring with them a photo card driving licence or a signed paper licence along with a passport for identification purposes. Drivers also bring their own cars and trailers appropriate to the kind of licence they are attempting to obtain. This means an already licenced driver will have to accompany the candidate to the test in order to legally tow the trailer being used"
Therefore it follows that to practice you must have a qualified driver with you who can tow the trailer you want to pass the test in.
That could be a driver who has Grandad Rights, or one who has previously passed the B+E test, and held their licence over 3 years
A lighter trailer is certainly one way, but Id suggest getting one with roughly the same length as your caravan, so it particularly mimics the reversing characteristics more accurately.
Otherwise you may use L plates, but you must be accompanied by a driver who has had the same for at least three years. Perhaps an older relative who passed their test before Jan 1997.
Otherwise you may use L plates, but you must be accompanied by a driver who has had the same for at least three years. Perhaps an older relative who passed their test before Jan 1997.
Hi turps ,
I agree with the prof I have a 8ft by 5ft twin axle trailer which i use for waste and garden wastr and household stuff for the house yet I find it much easier reversing our caravan so if you get something a bit bigger towards the size of what you were going to tow it will make it easier for when you do your test , don't forget opposite lock when reversing!
Good luck
Craig
I agree with the prof I have a 8ft by 5ft twin axle trailer which i use for waste and garden wastr and household stuff for the house yet I find it much easier reversing our caravan so if you get something a bit bigger towards the size of what you were going to tow it will make it easier for when you do your test , don't forget opposite lock when reversing!
Good luck
Craig
The test cannot be done with a caravan and the type of trailer is specified in the regulations. If you have a back copy of an older magazine you will see that the test is covered and a large commercial trailer was used, Not sure if you can access this from the magazines website or the month involved but I hope someone will know.
I would like to modify may previous answer a little.
As Raywood points out, the BE test has certain stipulations regarding size and type of tow vehicle and trailer to be used for the test. Generally if you use a towing school they will provide the required equipment, how ever you can simply apply for your self.
You will find the basic specifications for tow vehicle and trailer here
https://www.gov.uk/car-trailer-driving-test/trailer-rules
BUT - I must warn you that these pages on the Government portal have been found to contain errors, and I have not scrutinised these relevant pages in detail.
I did suggest using a trailer of similar size to your caravan for practice, and the reason for that is the longer distance from the coupling to the trailer road wheels, the slower (and thus easier) it responds to steering input when reversing. However, as you need to be able to pass the test with the specified trailer type, it may be better to practice with the test size trailer.
Generally speaking if you can manage reversing a shorter trailer you will find a longer trailer easier.
The towing test is not just about reversing, it also covers correct hitching procedures, and other good safety aspects,
I would venture to suggest that even those older drivers who already have Cat BE and intend to start towing may benefit from having some professional towing training even if you have no intention of taking the new test. The caravan clubs used to offer such courses, and may have commented on how useful they found them.
As Raywood points out, the BE test has certain stipulations regarding size and type of tow vehicle and trailer to be used for the test. Generally if you use a towing school they will provide the required equipment, how ever you can simply apply for your self.
You will find the basic specifications for tow vehicle and trailer here
https://www.gov.uk/car-trailer-driving-test/trailer-rules
BUT - I must warn you that these pages on the Government portal have been found to contain errors, and I have not scrutinised these relevant pages in detail.
I did suggest using a trailer of similar size to your caravan for practice, and the reason for that is the longer distance from the coupling to the trailer road wheels, the slower (and thus easier) it responds to steering input when reversing. However, as you need to be able to pass the test with the specified trailer type, it may be better to practice with the test size trailer.
Generally speaking if you can manage reversing a shorter trailer you will find a longer trailer easier.
The towing test is not just about reversing, it also covers correct hitching procedures, and other good safety aspects,
I would venture to suggest that even those older drivers who already have Cat BE and intend to start towing may benefit from having some professional towing training even if you have no intention of taking the new test. The caravan clubs used to offer such courses, and may have commented on how useful they found them.
You don't say if you are to take your test through a professional driving school.
This is the preferred route as they can train you in the exact aspects the examiner will be looking for during your test.
They will train you in the reversing manoeuvre the examiner will require you to perform.
This Practical Caravan blog gives a good insight..... Click here
This is the preferred route as they can train you in the exact aspects the examiner will be looking for during your test.
They will train you in the reversing manoeuvre the examiner will require you to perform.
This Practical Caravan blog gives a good insight..... Click here
Yes, planning to have lessons, but given how expensive they are I thought it could be handy to increase my experience by practicing between lessons, like I did when learning to drive. Great link there- thanks!!
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