Car and Trailer (category B+E)
If you passed your car driving test after 1st of January 1997, you are only allowed to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes towing a trailer up to 750kgs (4.25 tonnes MAM*). You can tow a larger trailer (over 750kgs) provided that the combined MAM does not exceed 3.5 tonnes and the gross MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle. To be able to legally tow combinations outside this ruling requires the passing of an additional driving test.
If you are found to be driving beyond these limitations, you are driving outside the scope of your driving licence and your insurance will be void. This offence carries the penalty of six points on your driving licence and a hefty fine too.
Car and trailer training with Ian Markwick Driver Training is carried out using your car and trailer. It is a vehicle and trailer that you will get familiar with and possibly, the combination that you will be driving once you have passed your test.
Training can be on a one to one basis with training sessions of four hours or on a two to one basis with full day training given. It is sometimes possible to arrange training sessions to take place at weekends to fit in with work patterns however, the driving test will have to be taken on a week day. It is often the case that three training sessions either on a on a one to one or two to one basis is sufficient to reach a good standard of driving and to be ready for the test.
The content of the course and test are identical to that of the LGV category C+E course and test. The driving test is taken at Watnall Driving Test Station in Nottingham and is conducted by the examiners who are qualified to take articulated lorry tests. An overall high standard of driving along with good understanding of the handling characteristics of a heavy trailer as well as anticipation of the actions of other road users are expected at all times.
Please contact us to discuss trailer towing courses and to ensure that your vehicle and trailer meets the "Minimum test vehicle" specifications that are required by the Driving Standards Agency.
* MAM is the Maximum Authorised Mass of the vehicle and can be found on the vehicle's manufacturer's plate.