Trailers

[nuster100]

Dont know if this is the right section for this or not, but oes anyone know how some would go about adding trailer entitlement to their driving liscence?

What is involved?


Cheers in advance

Jay

[daz6215]

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. They also have entitlement to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kgs MAM.

If you haven't you need to sit a B+E test
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Dr ... DG_4022564

[nuster100]

Im the latter

Is it a full test to get this entitlement then? Do I have to re-sit theory or do any of the hazzard perception cr@p?

Jay

[MGF]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Dr ... DG_4022521

[Flexibase]

You do not need to re-take the theory test.

The following is an extract, minus the illustrations, from those ever-useful training and reference CDs from www.flexibase.freeserve.co.uk/power_poi ... tions.html
with the compliments of the author:

Towing Mirrors
The Law requires drivers of towing vehicles
to have an adequate view to the rear
Extra mirrors are needed for wide trailers and caravans
Unless visibility is clear over or through the trailer

Trailer L Test
Required by those passing driving L test from 1st January 1997
For trailers over 750 kgm Max. Authorised Mass (MAM)
Or car + trailer combination over 3,500kgm MAM*
Or IF trailer exceeds car’s MAM BUT 85% max. advised

Test is about 1 hour’s duration
Examiner will ask driver to explain or demonstrate five separate safety checks
Practical driving on a wide variety of roads
and traffic conditions, including
Two-way traffic
Dual carriageways &, where possible
One-way systems and motorways

For details see “Learning to Drive” by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency)

Companies offering L trailer training
http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/NR/rdonlyr ... sBandE.pdf


Trailer L Test Braking Exercise
On special manoeuvring area
Examiner indicates two marker posts approx. 61 metres (200 feet) ahead
Build up speed to about 20 mph as you reach the cones
When front of car passes between them apply the brakes
Stop as quickly as possible
Keep full control in a straight line

Trailer L Test Reversing
Usually at start of test in test centre
A & A1: 1 metre into the area from boundary line
A to A1 is 1.5 x max. width of unit (car + trailer)
A to B is 2 x unit length
Overall length of manoeuvring area = 5 x unit length
Width of bay 1.5 x max. width of unit
Length of bay based on unit length (within range of +1 metre or –2 metres, varied at discretion of examiner & won’t be discussed before start
Approach A & A1 in straight line
and stop at cones – don’t go past
Turn steering wheel correct way on starting reverse
DO NOT let a wheel go over yellow boundary
(which isn’t illustrated in the book!)
Or any part of unit to hit cones or poles
Use good all-round observation throughout
Stop with rear of trailer within yellow box
(shown blue in book!) From “Learning to Drive” by DSA

Trailer L Test Uncoupling
Use correct sequence:
Normally at test centre at end of test
Find safe place with firm, level ground
Brakes applied – both car & trailer
Jockey wheel / leg down

Disconnect electric line(s) & stow safely
Remove any stabiliser
Remove any safety chain or coupling
Uncouple trailer

Move trailer clear of car
Park car alongside trailer
Followed by Recoupling, next…
Summarised from “Learning to Drive” by DSA

Trailer L Test Recoupling
Use correct sequence:
Ensure trailer brakes correctly applied
Move car so trailer can be safely & easily coupled to it
(Swinging a little sideways is easier
than pulling forwards or pushing backwards)

Use good, all round observation when reversing
Apply towing vehicle’s parking brake firmly
Attach trailer to car
Check coupling is secure
Attach any safety chain or device
Fit any necessary stabiliser
Connect electric lines
Ensure jockey wheel, legs etc. raised and secured

Check lights operation & indicators
Ensure correct number plate fitted
Release trailer brake, first ensuring car’s parking brake firmly applied
Summarised from “Learning to Drive” by DSA

Trailer Weights
What is the max. towhitch weight for the vehicle?
See tow-hitch marking or vehicle handbook
Maximum legal weight the vehicle may tow?
See vehicle handbook

Maximum actual laden trailer weight advised for safety?
Around 85% of the vehicle’s kerbweight*
*Kerbweight: Includes vehicle, driver and essential tools
e.g. jack and wheelbrace
To see video clip of a sadly unbalanced combination crashing, if Internet connected, click: http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=aL9WS3W7Xgk

(The CDs also include a video, with consent of the Copyright holder, of caravan snaking tests and crashes not available on the Internet)

[ROG]

DSA - Minimum test vehicle requirements for a car and car and trailer test