Have you done your trailer test?

Tim M · 19 August 2007, 18:30

Who on here has done their trailer test (the test for post 1997 drivers which allows you to tow up to 3.5 tonnes).

If you have done it:
How much did it cost
What is involved
Where did you do it (if on the South Coast).

I am guessing its much the same as when you learn to drive; you need some lessons to get you to the stage where you can jump through the hoops that the test requires.

It would be good for some clarification though as I really need to do this....

Nos4r2 · 19 August 2007, 19:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

How much did it cost
What is involved
Where did you do it (if on the South Coast).

1) The test itself is £80.
2)It's quite close to the HGV test. The hardest part (the reversing test)is exactly the same.You really don't want to do it with a boat on a trailer though-it's not suitable for the test. You need a braked trailer with a MAM of over 750kg-preferably a dropside trailer or the like as it makes the reversing easier.
You'll be asked some questions as well as the test-have a look here for the list:-Trailer test safety questions
3)The test centre itself will be your local HGV test centre.

If you want to do it I'll train you if you want but you'll have to supply the vehicle and trailer. However, I won't be able to take you on a test route unless you come up here as I only know the routes up here.

simmons0 · 19 August 2007, 19:27

I need to do it sometime. Its a real annoyance.

Harry

Tim M · 19 August 2007, 19:40

Nos. Thanks for all that, and thanks for the offer of help. I think I will try and find someone locally who can train me as I know the roads. How many hours would you think someone who can tow a trailer resonably well and can reverse pretty well (well, I like to think so!) would need?

Simmons - I totally agree - what a waste of time. Im my opionion the majority of people that need to tow large trailers do so on a regular basis and generally know what they are doing.

Nos4r2 · 19 August 2007, 20:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

Nos. Thanks for all that, and thanks for the offer of help. I think I will try and find someone locally who can train me as I know the roads. How many hours would you think someone who can tow a trailer resonably well and can reverse pretty well (well, I like to think so!) would need?

Simmons - I totally agree - what a waste of time. Im my opionion the majority of people that need to tow large trailers do so on a regular basis and generally know what they are doing.

You need to see the school for an answer to that but I'd expect it to take 2 days training at least-you're expected to show a higher degree of driving skill than on a normal test and the test takes an hour too.

The reversing part isn't something you'd usually do either-it's tight and involves stopping the back of the trailer within a box after a partially blindside reverse.

Biggles · 19 August 2007, 21:40

Good job I don't have to take it. Would take me hundreds of goes at reversing.

603doug · 20 August 2007, 01:44

You folks have to take a road test for a boat trailer? Here you need a test for driving a truck (26000 lbs and over) with a trailer. Keep quiet! the bastards, oh I mean the state department of transportation will see more tax dollars. The state slogan here is "live free or die" then again when i was in Europe in the 70's taxes for the natives was about 2 to 3 times as much as i payed. Sorry i got a little off track my state just increased my taxes and i am still pissed

randski · 20 August 2007, 07:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

You need a braked trailer with a MAM of over 750kg-preferably a dropside trailer or the like as it makes the reversing easier.

Vehicle required for the test-

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...est/DG_4022543

I find most people who fail this test, do so because of basic driving faults not the reversing exercise, it will pay to have a few lessons with an instructor.

simmons0 · 20 August 2007, 08:23

Quote:

The cargo compartment of the trailer must consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the towing vehicle; the closed box body may also be slightly less wide than the towing vehicle provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the towing vehicle.

Where do I get one of them then?
Do and test centres offer the full package of training, use of a trailer and the test?
Going to be a lot of money and a lot of hassle

BigFella · 20 August 2007, 08:55

Borrow a small caravan or horse box.......

, Seriously though you will find that if you get in touch with a local stable you may find that there is someone that will offer training etc...

Tim M · 20 August 2007, 10:10

So based on that I will need to hire a large box trailer?? I thought you could do it with a flatbed....

randski · 20 August 2007, 11:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

So based on that I will need to hire a large box trailer?? I thought you could do it with a flatbed....

From 1st July 2007...

The cargo compartment of the trailer must consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the towing vehicle; the closed box body may also be slightly less wide than the towing vehicle provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the towing vehicle.

Before 01/07/07 you could do it with a flatbed, (subject to the age of the towing vehicle)

Tim M · 20 August 2007, 12:27

Oh great, so it's even harder now! I wish I'd done it before now.....

randski · 20 August 2007, 12:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

Oh great, so it's even harder now! I wish I'd done it before now.....

Its not that difficult, most of the people I have put through the test did not need more than 1 or 2 days training.

Tim M · 20 August 2007, 18:25

Another thought......

I understand that the law says you can tow a trailer over 750kg if the MAM is less than the curbside weight of the towing vehicle.

Is it legal therefore if I tow my trailer which has a MAM of 2000kg with a Discovery which has a curbside weight of 2200kg (I think)?

Jimbo · 20 August 2007, 18:35

From memory, what the law actually says is you can tow a braked trailer which is rated to no more than half the kerb weight of the vehicle, provided the MAM (Maximum authorised mass) of both trailer and vehicle does not exceed 3.5 tonnes.

I will check this though!

laser · 20 August 2007, 18:43

here is how its stated: "Category B vehicles can tow larger trailers i.e. > 750kg, 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."

which ive taken from here: http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/law/driving_licences.htm

Jimbo · 20 August 2007, 18:57

So with a 2 ton vehicle, you can tow up to another 1 1/2 tonnes.

simmons0 · 20 August 2007, 18:59

Is the MAM the same as the actual weight though? or and i know nothing about it but understood Max authorised mass to be the max weights that your car and trailer could be.

Tim M · 20 August 2007, 19:07

Correct - mam is the maximum gross weight stated on the plate on your trailer. In reality the weight will probably be quite a bit less than the MAM but its the maximum they're interested in.

Thanks for that Rich. Seems my theory is true but I didn't know about the 3.5 tonne limit. Damn!