Do I need to take the B+E car and trailer test?

Introduction to the car and trailer B+E test.

B+E is the Driving Standards Agency practical driving test for car and trailer. No medical examination or additional theory test is required. The test is regarded by the DSA as the first step to driving Large Goods Vehicles and is examined accordingly. The duration of the test is about an hour and a half.

The practical driving test takes the candidate through a number of different disciplines and exercises. These include a reversing exercise, coupling, uncoupling and a controlled stop carried out .

In addition to the trailer manoeuvring exercises the candidate must show the examiner competency on the highway including junctions, roundabouts, lane control, mirror routines, hill starts, downhill starts, angled starts etc. At some point during the test you will be asked a number of preset questions called ‘show me, tell me’ which must be answered either verbally or practically demonstrated.

Successfully passing this test allows a driver to tow a trailer up to a gross weight (trailer plus load) of 3500kg.(3.5 tons) This means a vehicle and trailer with a gross train weight of 7,500kg.(7.5 tons)

Do I need to take the test?

A - Unladen weight of towing vehicle.
B - MAM or gross weight of towing vehicle
C - MAM or Gross weight of trailer

	You are OK on a category B licence if the following is applied:-
	If C is equal to or less than 750Kg - and B + C add up to or are less than 4250Kg
	If C is more than 750Kg but less than A, and B + C add up to or are less than 3500Kg
	You will need a B+E car and trailer licence if the following is applied:-
	If C is more than A
	If B + C add up to more than 4250Kg

IMPORTANT: If you tow trailers above your allowed weight limits or trailer combinations that are not covered by your driving licence your vehicle insurance is invalid.

B+E car & trailer towing courses:More Info

Contact: towing-solutions.co.uk