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Hello,

Has anyone ever had the towing test (the new law that came in i think 97 - 98ish, where you have to take a seperate test to tow) and if so can you tell me what it involved, do you have to reverse and stuff, or is it really straight forward stuff?

I want to take the test so i can share the towing, my dad has towed for years (hes a HGV driver) and he will teach me, but if i can be cheeky and ask if anyone can outline the test for me so i know what my expectations are - that would be a big infact huge help - thanks!!

Regards

When did you pass test?

There's something that applies to drivers who passed their driving test after january '97 or '99, can't remember which.  You are restricted to what you can tow.    If you passed before this then you can tow a caravan but after think the weight limit is 750kg.

Check DVLA website.

The new drivers Act applies to drivers who passed their test after 1/1/97.

You are allowed to tow a braked trailer if the combined Maximum Authorised weights of the tow vehicle & trailer (train weight) is below 3,500 kgs and the trailer weighs less than the towing vehicle. Most single axle caravans towed with a saloon car will be within your limits. Best check the weights.

If the trainweight is higher - usually applies to a twin axle & 4 x 4 combination - then you must take & pass the B + E towing test. Farmers usually need to pass this because horseboxes & livestock trailers exceed the weights. Remember it is the Max Weight the trailer is designed to carry, not the unladen weight , that is important.

Sorry I haven't got details of the Test to hand (someone has "borrowed" my book with it in) but it does include reversing into an opening, also the trailer you use to take it must be of a certain size/weight.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for your link Andy, explains it better than I could!