Car and Trailer Training for the B+E Test

IMPORTANT LAW CHANGES: 
Car and trailer driving tests (B+E) will stop on 20 September 2021. You can no longer book a car and trailer driving test on or after that date. The Government will change the law so that you will automatically get this category on your driving licence. This will be some time later this year. Until this law changes you will still require the B+E category to tow trailers as per the current government guidelines. 

Find out how the rules are changing and how this law will affect you. Car and trailer driving test - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

We offer trailer handling (duty of care) courses to fulfil the requirements of the duty of care need by employers by law under health and safety regulations.

Drivers who passed a car test on or after 1 January 1997 are required to pass an additional driving test in order to tow large trailers and gain entitlement to category B+E and all larger vehicles. Category B Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes MAM and with up to 8 passenger seats may be coupled with a trailer up to 750kgs MAM (allowing a combined weight up to 4.25 tonnes MAM) OR a trailer over 750kgs MAM provided the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle, and the combination does not exceed 3.5 tonnes MAM.
 All drivers who passed a car test before 1 January 1997 retain their existing entitlement to tow trailers until their licence expires. This means they are generally entitled to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8.25 tonnes MAM.

We Offer:

• Modern Mitsubishi L200 training vehicles and trailers.
• Hundreds of 1st time passes.
• A dedicated booking team.
• An exceptionally high 1st time pass rate.
• Patient and friendly trainers.
• A company that has a proven track record, estblished in 2005.
• Customers highly recommend us, check out our photos.
• The chance to come and meet us at our office
• An assessment drive if required.
• Training sites at Southampton, Greenham, Abbingdon, Poole.

Course: B+E (Car and Trailer Test)

Location: Southampton, Hampshire

                 Newbury Berkshire

Age: 17+ 

The B+E licence is for drivers 17 or over. who passed their car test on or after 1st Jan 1997, and wish to tow a large trailer. (a trailer with a MAM of 750kg to 3500kg)

Course Requirement: Hold a provisional B+E licence.

Theory Test: Not required

Course length: 8 to 20+ Hours

Price: Call for details

We have driving tests pre booked with DVSA.

DVSA Test fee. £115 weekdays

DVSA Test fee £141 Saturday

There is not a fixed amount of time for a course as everyones requirements are different, but here is a guide for you. 

12 Hour training course.

Ideal for those who have some towing experience and reversing.

16 Hour training course.

Ideal for those who may not have towed before, but are confident and competent drivers in general.

18-20 Hour training course.

Ideal for those who have never towed before, and need some time get their general driving standard to the high DVSA test standards.

Typical amount of training required is split between 1 and 4 days.

If you are unsure what length of course you require, then book one of our towing assessments. This will make sure you are on the right length of course.

We will be able to help you with every thing that is required to pass your B+E driving test. From the initial phone call, supplying a modern Mitsubishi L200 vehicle and trailer which meets all the DVSA test requirements, to arranging your course and training to suit you and obtaining your driving test. Your instructor will take to the DVSA test centre and the return you back to the training centre.

The B+E Driving Test

 

The B+E Questions

You’ll be asked 5 vehicle safety questions. These are also known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.

The examiner will ask you ‘show me’ questions, where you’ll have to show them how you’d carry out a vehicle safety check.

You’ll also be asked ‘tell me’ questions, where you’ll have to explain to the examiner how you’d carry out the check.

1. Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

2. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and checking functioning of all indicators.

3. Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle.

The load should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer. Heavy items should be loaded as low as possible so that they are mainly over the axle(s). Bulkier, lighter items should be distributed to give a suitable ‘nose weight’ at the towing coupling. The nose weight should never exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.

4. Tell me the main safety factors involved in securing a load on this vehicle.

Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking.

5. Show me how you would check that your vehicle and trailer doors are secure.

Physical checks should be made to ensure that windows, roof light and all doors, including cargo doors, are properly closed.

6. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

7. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

8. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

9. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.

Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

10. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).

11. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.

Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

12. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them (no need to exit vehicle).

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

13. Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

14. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this vehicle (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine).

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.

15. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

We cover the south for trailer training from Bournemouth, Ringwood, New Forest,Totton, Southampton, Eastleigh, Winchester, Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Porchester, Wickham, Salisbury.

We have B+E car and trailer training from Newbury, Greenham, Basingstoke, Reading, Farnborough, Andover, swindon, Abingdon, Bracknell.