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 are the UK`s leading provider of trailer towing training for the car or van and trailer towing test (B+E). We are one of the first training providers in the UK to deliver specific trailer towing training.
Our Managing Director Steve has a wealth of knowledge with towing trailers. Steve has instructed for both the Caravan and Motorhome club and Camping and Caravanning Club of which he was a principle instructor. Also instructed many companies like Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Garmin, Trading Standards, RYA to name a few.
We have an exceptionally high first-time pass rate for the B+E car and trailer test. We provide training not only to those wishing to gain the B+E licence but also to those that need trailer reversing and handling courses.
Our car and trailer courses (B+E) are between 8 and 20+ hours depending upon your level of ability and experience to fully prepare you for the DVSA B+E driving test standard. Typically, this is done in blocks of training hours. Don’t underestimate the standard of driving to pass this type of test.
Trailers for driving tests must now be loaded to a minimum weight. Our trailers meet the DVSA test requirements and are loaded to the correct weight.
You may wish to use your own familiar towing vehicle for training or use one of our new top specification Mitsubishi L200`s 4X4 vehicles.
Your experienced driving instructor will cover all that is required on your training, for you to pass the DVSA B+E driving test.
We Offer:
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 driving test is conducted at a DVSA large goods vehicle driving test centre with an off road manoeuvring area.
The B+E driving test lasts about 90 minutes. A VERY HIGH standard of driving is required to pass this type of test.
At the start of the B+E driving test you are required to carry out an eye sight test. A few questions relating to the safety and loading of the vehicle and trailer will then be asked.. You then drive the outfit onto the manoeuvring area and complete the reversing exercise accurately and safely.
You will drive in varying roads and traffic conditions including motorways where possible, complete uphill, downhill and angled starts and demonstrate a high standard of driving throughout.
Back at the test centre you will then un-couple the vehicle from the trailer, you are then required to re-couple to the trailer safely.
The order in which you are tested may change due to the test centre requirements
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.
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and checking functioning of all indicators.
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.
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.
Physical checks should be made to ensure that windows, roof light and all doors, including cargo doors, are properly closed.
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.
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).
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.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.
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.
Office Opening Hours
Mon - Fri |
07:00 - 17:00 |
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