new car=towing test help

[dubrus]

i've got a new car sitting at dealership for me but i'm now 40kg over the limit for using a B licence so i need to add the trailer test to my licence now :-(

i'm just wondering if anyone has sat it? the test centre told me i will need a minimum of 5 hours training at 30 quid an hour plus vat plus 2 hours hire for the test plus £115 for the actual test. i.e i'm looking at roughly 600 quid all in!!!!

has anyone just went straight for the test? i can't imagine it is that difficult if your used to towing boats about?

cheers

[Boats&Outboards]

Firstly are you sure your over ? You have a max limit of 3,500 kgs all up, TrailerGuy has some excellent stickies on the laws - worth reading up on

Most instructors won't let you go right onto a test for two reasons

1) they will want to make sure your competent before using their equipment

2) they will need to make something out of it other than hire of equipment for 2 hours so usually insist on an evaluation before at least a 5 hr course regardless. The cost should be closer to £400. I can recommend one dependant on location.

You can book directly using your own towing equipment but the requirements are so high it's not worth it. Things like providing additional mirrors for the examiner, having the correct sized box trailer.

The test itself is not overly difficult with only one reversing manoeuvre (S type reverse/park) and a short drive. They also want you to demonstrate how to couple/uncouple the trailer the correct way.

Videos are available on YouTube which give a good insight into what's needed. Worth a watch.

Peter ~ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

[dubrus]

hi Peter,

my new car is 2065kg plus a trailer at 1500kg=over the max allowed on a B licence (3.5 MAM).

there is only 1 test centre local to me in Glasgow i know of so my options are limited, i'll look into more centres but the one i got via google is below

the price is dependant on the amount of hours required but to sum up-

Car & Trailer 5 Hours £175.00 B+E
Car & Trailer 10 Hours(Most Popular) £350.00
B+E - Car and Trailer Practical Test /Daytime £115.00 B+E (plus 2 hours car hire at £30 per hour plus vat)

as you can see it is not cheap and this will stop my buying a new car as it is a stealth tax-no more-no less.

by time i put a towbar on my new car i'll probably be about 800 quid or so...i love rip off britain.

cheers

[jambo]

Dubrus have u tried the one at Prestwick for comparison can't envisage it being ott. Hope u get it sorted.
J

Sent from my iPhone using Rib.net

[dubrus]

i went today to the one in glasgow-the 4x4 they had was a disgrace, it is obviously someones car which is fine but if it is for business i don't expect fag ends lying openly on carpet and ashtrays and stinking of smoke.

i'll try the one in dalry or see if there is another examiner/car available aswell.

cheers

[Jizm]

Originally Posted by dubrus

i went today to the one in glasgow-the 4x4 they had was a disgrace, it is obviously someones car which is fine but if it is for business i don't expect fag ends lying openly on carpet and ashtrays and stinking of smoke.

i'll try the one in dalry or see if there is another examiner/car available aswell.

cheers

Sounds a bit shoddy to me. Good luck at the other one.

[SW RIB Charter]

It might be cheaper using your own car and trailer (must be a box) if you have one available? When me and my wife did ours a few years back using our own car and trailer we paid £120 total to hire a instructor for the day plus the 2 test fees. Both of us passed first time, but I am glad we did the training before hand as there are lots of little tips the instructor can give you / bad habits they can weed out.

I am glad the test was bought in. Yes it is a bit of hassle, but before someone could pass their test in a Fiesta one day, then be driving something like this the next.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by dubrus

hi Peter,

my new car is 2065kg plus a trailer at 1500kg=over the max allowed on a B licence (3.5 MAM).

there is only 1 test centre local to me in Glasgow i know of so my options are limited, i'll look into more centres but the one i got via google is below

the price is dependant on the amount of hours required but to sum up-

Car & Trailer 5 Hours £175.00 B+E
Car & Trailer 10 Hours(Most Popular) £350.00
B+E - Car and Trailer Practical Test /Daytime £115.00 B+E (plus 2 hours car hire at £30 per hour plus vat)

as you can see it is not cheap and this will stop my buying a new car as it is a stealth tax-no more-no less.

by time i put a towbar on my new car i'll probably be about 800 quid or so...i love rip off britain.

cheers

I wouldn't call it a stealth tax-think of the number of extreme muppets you see towing caravans they can't deal with and remind yourself that their numbers are getting fewer.

[thomas]

Google box trailer hire, must be cheaper - I have a friend who is doing her test to tow horses, wasn't costing that much.

someone could pass their test in a Fiesta one day, then be driving something like this the next

I passed my test in a Peugeot 205, wasn't long after I hooked up a bloody great trailer to go and pick a boat up

[dubrus]

if it wasn't a stealth tax it wouldn't cost so much :-)

i'll update on progress when i have some.

cheers