Gaining a B + E licence

[Chris_374371185]

Hi,

Just after a bit of advice really.

I'm looking to buy a caravan next year, but one of the things I need to consider first is my driving licence.

I'm 25 and passed my test in 2002, therefore I only have a 'B' entitlement on my licence so would need the 'B+E' entitlement on my licence.

To be honest, I am an experienced driver having driven all sizes of vehicle within my entitlement. Also, towing is not a new experience to me, I have towed a motorcycle trailer on many occasions and have also towed exhibition trailers & large trailers off-road in my role within a motocross club.

I am a bit unsure how much tuition I would need to pass the C+E test, and also the best way to go about it. A local driving school do trailer tuition for £33 per lesson or £410 for 10 lessons (including test fee and loan of vehicle for test). Seems quite dear but at least everything is covered in that.

Is this the only way to go, or is it possible to do a course with the police or Camping & Caravanning Club?

Has anyone else on the forum had to undergo the C+E test, and/or could supply some tips/information as to how to gain suitable tuition and get through the test?

Regards

Chris

 

[DeliDave]

Don,t know but there may be a few people looking into it,a letter in the CC magazine I rec'd today says DVLA change your entitlement to the B+E entitlement when you reach 70,unforunateley they dont let you know so people are in blissful ignorance.I am a bit away from this yet but if I am still vanning then assuming there is any fuel i'll be looking for tuition as well.Good luck

 

[mauron]

Hi Chris,

As far as I understand it if you have passed your driving test after 1997 you can drive a car and caravan outfit with a combined MAM of 3500kg, as long as the trailer does NOT exceed the unloaded weight of the car.

Above this an E test is required.

Many combinations will be below 3500kg (mine included).

Hope this is useful,

Ron

 

[PaulHull]

Just to second what Ron said really - keep the outfits maximum weight below 3500kgs and you're fine to drive with only category B entitlement.

I passed my test in September 1997 so only just missed out on B+E for free! My brother in law who's a year older than me passed just before the changeover and even though he's an absolutely useless and fairly inexperienced driver (pootles to work and back - that's it) he can pull a Kabe Tower using 3 Range Rovers stuck together if he wants to - I can't.

 

[RogerL]

For a B only licence, the 3500kg limit for the sum of the plated weights and the other condition that the caravan MTPLM must not exceed the car's kerbweight gives an approximate limitation of:-

Car 1525kg kerbweight (1975kg MAW)

Caravan 1525kg MTPLM

There's plenty of choice of caravans under 1525kg MTPLM - the choice of towcars does include some 4wd models.

My Subaru Outback (1520kg kerb/1970kg MAW) can tow a 1520kg MTPLM caravan for a B only driver.