Government proposal to change trailer licensing regulations.

[Justme]

wonder if this applies if you have an old licence with unlimited towing and drive upto 7.5 ton ?

Er how can it apply to you?

You already have the BE.
Driving up to 7.5t is not affected.
Your restriction on towing with C1E is not affected.
Your limitation on D1 / D1E is not affected.

 

[Maxus]

I wish I could use a tipper truck with a gross weight or 4.5T or 5.5T without o license ect. That way I could use a tipper truck and tow the digger on a plant trailer. ATM tow the digger on a tipper trailer with a 4X4 which is not ideal really..

 

[Justme]

I wish I could use a tipper truck with a gross weight or 4.5T or 5.5T without o license ect. That way I could use a tipper truck and tow the digger on a plant trailer. ATM tow the digger on a tipper trailer with a 4X4 which is not ideal really..

Its more likely to go the other way. The EU now have O licence for over 2500kg commercial vehicles & we have to do the same to go there.

Eventually the UK will follow as we have a huge problem of people running 3.5T when they really need 5-7T so are over loaded.

Beware using the 4x4 O licence exemption.
Most 4x4 dont fully comply with it as they are not under 2040kg unladen (inc all perm fitted extras)

 

[craig]

If your thinking of booking a trailer test or hgv test might be worth hanging fire.

An extra 50,000 lorry tests a year​

Today (10 September) the government has announced plans to help to tackle the shortage of lorry drivers by creating an extra 50,000 lorry tests. Changes to tests will come into force as soon as possible. They follow a public consultation over the summer, which saw thousands of respondents, including industry leaders, support the move as a positive step to help the sector tackle the lorry driver shortage currently affecting countries around the world. These changes will not change the standard of driving required to drive an HGV, with road safety continuing to be of paramount importance. Any driver who does not demonstrate utmost competence will not be granted a licence. All car drivers will also still be encouraged to undertake training to tow trailers and caravans. We’ve already delivered 50% more tests than were available before the pandemic, but today’s additional measures will deliver yet more tests.​ Public feedback on the consultation proposals​ The consultation received over 9,500 responses and most respondents supported the proposals. We’ve analysed the responses and published a summary of the public feedback on these proposals on GOV.UK. We will publish a full consultation report in due course.​ Cars towing a trailer​ Drivers who passed their car test before 1 January 1997 can already tow a car and trailer without taking a car and trailer test. As a result of these changes, all car drivers will be able to tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg without the need for an additional test when the law is changed, which will be as soon as possible. Until then, car drivers who gained their licence after 1 January 1997 will only be able to tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg if they display L plates and are supervised by a driver aged over 21 who has had a car and trailer licence for 3 years or more or passed their car test before 1 January 1997. To make more lorry tests available, DVSA will not be carrying out any car and trailer tests from 20 September. We’ve published detailed guidance about the new rules for towing a trailer or caravan with a car that will apply until the law changes and what you’ll be able to do when the law has changed.​ If you offer car and trailer lessons​ Professional training is still important for car drivers who want to tow a trailer, so we will continue to encourage those wanting to tow to seek training before towing a trailer. We encourage you to talk to your car and trailer pupils to explain what they will no longer need to take a test and will be able to tow a trailer that’s up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) when the law changes. You can also signpost your pupils to our towing guidance.​

And

An extra 50,000 lorry tests a year​

Today (10 September) the government has announced plans to help to tackle the shortage of lorry drivers by creating an extra 50,000 lorry tests. Changes to tests will come into force as soon as possible. They follow a public consultation over the summer, which saw thousands of respondents, including industry leaders, support the move as a positive step to help the sector tackle the lorry driver shortage currently affecting countries around the world. These changes will not change the standard of driving required to drive an HGV, with road safety continuing to be of paramount importance. Any driver who does not demonstrate utmost competence will not be granted a licence. All car drivers will also still be encouraged to undertake training to tow trailers and caravans. We’ve already delivered 50% more tests than were available before the pandemic, but today’s additional measures will deliver yet more tests.​ Public feedback on the consultation proposals​ The consultation received over 9,500 responses and most respondents supported the proposals. We’ve analysed the responses and published a summary of the public feedback on these proposals on GOV.UK. We will publish a full consultation report in due course.​ Staging of lorry and bus and coach licences and tests​ Under the new proposals learner lorry drivers will be able to take an articulated lorry test without the need to pass a rigid lorry test first once the legislation has changed. Likewise, learner bus and coach drivers will be able to take a bus and coach test with a trailer, rather than having to pass a test without a trailer first. This will not change the standard of driving required to drive a lorry. Legal processes must be followed, and if completed successfully, we expect the regulations will be amended as soon as possible.​ If your drivers have a rigid lorry test booked​ We encourage you to talk to your drivers who have a rigid lorry test booking about these changes so you can together make an informed decision about their upcoming test. You may wish to wait for the legislation to change. Their trainers will not be able to change these bookings until the revised legislation has come into force. You will still be able to book a rigid lorry test and a bus and coach test without trailers following this change.​ Trainers conducting the manoeuvres assessment in vocational driving tests​ In the future, the off-road manoeuvres part of vocational tests will be assessed by DVSA-approved vocational trainers. These manoeuvres will be assessed at the vocational trainer’s off-road area before the on-road test with DVSA. We will work closely with the industry on these plans and keep you updated.​

 

[Lancs Lad]

If your thinking of booking a trailer test or hgv test might be worth hanging fire.

An extra 50,000 lorry tests a year​

Today (10 September) the government has announced plans to help to tackle the shortage of lorry drivers by creating an extra 50,000 lorry tests. Changes to tests will come into force as soon as possible. They follow a public consultation over the summer, which saw thousands of respondents, including industry leaders, support the move as a positive step to help the sector tackle the lorry driver shortage currently affecting countries around the world. These changes will not change the standard of driving required to drive an HGV, with road safety continuing to be of paramount importance. Any driver who does not demonstrate utmost competence will not be granted a licence. All car drivers will also still be encouraged to undertake training to tow trailers and caravans. We’ve already delivered 50% more tests than were available before the pandemic, but today’s additional measures will deliver yet more tests.​ Public feedback on the consultation proposals​ The consultation received over 9,500 responses and most respondents supported the proposals. We’ve analysed the responses and published a summary of the public feedback on these proposals on GOV.UK. We will publish a full consultation report in due course.​ Cars towing a trailer​ Drivers who passed their car test before 1 January 1997 can already tow a car and trailer without taking a car and trailer test. As a result of these changes, all car drivers will be able to tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg without the need for an additional test when the law is changed, which will be as soon as possible. Until then, car drivers who gained their licence after 1 January 1997 will only be able to tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg if they display L plates and are supervised by a driver aged over 21 who has had a car and trailer licence for 3 years or more or passed their car test before 1 January 1997. To make more lorry tests available, DVSA will not be carrying out any car and trailer tests from 20 September. We’ve published detailed guidance about the new rules for towing a trailer or caravan with a car that will apply until the law changes and what you’ll be able to do when the law has changed.​ If you offer car and trailer lessons​ Professional training is still important for car drivers who want to tow a trailer, so we will continue to encourage those wanting to tow to seek training before towing a trailer. We encourage you to talk to your car and trailer pupils to explain what they will no longer need to take a test and will be able to tow a trailer that’s up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) when the law changes. You can also signpost your pupils to our towing guidance.​

And

An extra 50,000 lorry tests a year​

Today (10 September) the government has announced plans to help to tackle the shortage of lorry drivers by creating an extra 50,000 lorry tests. Changes to tests will come into force as soon as possible. They follow a public consultation over the summer, which saw thousands of respondents, including industry leaders, support the move as a positive step to help the sector tackle the lorry driver shortage currently affecting countries around the world. These changes will not change the standard of driving required to drive an HGV, with road safety continuing to be of paramount importance. Any driver who does not demonstrate utmost competence will not be granted a licence. All car drivers will also still be encouraged to undertake training to tow trailers and caravans. We’ve already delivered 50% more tests than were available before the pandemic, but today’s additional measures will deliver yet more tests.​ Public feedback on the consultation proposals​ The consultation received over 9,500 responses and most respondents supported the proposals. We’ve analysed the responses and published a summary of the public feedback on these proposals on GOV.UK. We will publish a full consultation report in due course.​ Staging of lorry and bus and coach licences and tests​ Under the new proposals learner lorry drivers will be able to take an articulated lorry test without the need to pass a rigid lorry test first once the legislation has changed. Likewise, learner bus and coach drivers will be able to take a bus and coach test with a trailer, rather than having to pass a test without a trailer first. This will not change the standard of driving required to drive a lorry. Legal processes must be followed, and if completed successfully, we expect the regulations will be amended as soon as possible.​ If your drivers have a rigid lorry test booked​ We encourage you to talk to your drivers who have a rigid lorry test booking about these changes so you can together make an informed decision about their upcoming test. You may wish to wait for the legislation to change. Their trainers will not be able to change these bookings until the revised legislation has come into force. You will still be able to book a rigid lorry test and a bus and coach test without trailers following this change.​ Trainers conducting the manoeuvres assessment in vocational driving tests​ In the future, the off-road manoeuvres part of vocational tests will be assessed by DVSA-approved vocational trainers. These manoeuvres will be assessed at the vocational trainer’s off-road area before the on-road test with DVSA. We will work closely with the industry on these plans and keep you updated.​

More flipped ifors and caravans spread across the M6

 

[Smiffy]

More flipped ifors and caravans spread across the M6

Tbf I don't think it will be motorways so much as motorway accidents mostly seem to be about poor loading which happens regardless of the test, I think the problems will occur down country roads and town centers when they actually have to start manouvering. I can imagine lots of minor dents.
I can also imagine the government trying to recoup any lost revenue by having a purge on trailers doing the wrong speed as alot will be unaware of differing speed limits

 

[Brendan]

Mixed thoughts on it, in a way letting any pleb tow 3.5t is a mistake but on the other hand allowing people to do the articulated straight off is better than two tests but in a way it's safer on the roads if people have had to do non articulated first, as at least they would have had some experience but letting 18 year olds jump straight to hgv is plain stupid, majority you wouldn't trust with a Micra let alone 25m of wagon and trailer.

The problem with lack of drivers is simple, it's down to pay a few have left due to money and those who have considered returning have seen the hours and pay and stayed in what ever job they were doing, flooding the market with a lot of young drivers isn't going to help with wages and will be a way for the companies to keep wages down

 

[JD450A]

f****ng joke for my entire generation TBH.... we all had to pay a small fortune to tow a trailer now we don't.

I've always been faithful to paying road tax and things but I might stick the dumper plates on the pickup from now on.

 

[tinydigger]

If your thinking of booking a trailer test or hgv test might be worth hanging fire.

An extra 50,000 lorry tests a year​

Today (10 September) the government has announced plans to help to tackle the shortage of lorry drivers by creating an extra 50,000 lorry tests. Changes to tests will come into force as soon as possible. They follow a public consultation over the summer, which saw thousands of respondents, including industry leaders, support the move as a positive step to help the sector tackle the lorry driver shortage currently affecting countries around the world. These changes will not change the standard of driving required to drive an HGV, with road safety continuing to be of paramount importance. Any driver who does not demonstrate utmost competence will not be granted a licence. All car drivers will also still be encouraged to undertake training to tow trailers and caravans. We’ve already delivered 50% more tests than were available before the pandemic, but today’s additional measures will deliver yet more tests.​ Public feedback on the consultation proposals​ The consultation received over 9,500 responses and most respondents supported the proposals. We’ve analysed the responses and published a summary of the public feedback on these proposals on GOV.UK. We will publish a full consultation report in due course.​ Cars towing a trailer​ Drivers who passed their car test before 1 January 1997 can already tow a car and trailer without taking a car and trailer test. As a result of these changes, all car drivers will be able to tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg without the need for an additional test when the law is changed, which will be as soon as possible. Until then, car drivers who gained their licence after 1 January 1997 will only be able to tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg if they display L plates and are supervised by a driver aged over 21 who has had a car and trailer licence for 3 years or more or passed their car test before 1 January 1997. To make more lorry tests available, DVSA will not be carrying out any car and trailer tests from 20 September. We’ve published detailed guidance about the new rules for towing a trailer or caravan with a car that will apply until the law changes and what you’ll be able to do when the law has changed.​ If you offer car and trailer lessons​ Professional training is still important for car drivers who want to tow a trailer, so we will continue to encourage those wanting to tow to seek training before towing a trailer. We encourage you to talk to your car and trailer pupils to explain what they will no longer need to take a test and will be able to tow a trailer that’s up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) when the law changes. You can also signpost your pupils to our towing guidance.​

And

An extra 50,000 lorry tests a year​

Today (10 September) the government has announced plans to help to tackle the shortage of lorry drivers by creating an extra 50,000 lorry tests. Changes to tests will come into force as soon as possible. They follow a public consultation over the summer, which saw thousands of respondents, including industry leaders, support the move as a positive step to help the sector tackle the lorry driver shortage currently affecting countries around the world. These changes will not change the standard of driving required to drive an HGV, with road safety continuing to be of paramount importance. Any driver who does not demonstrate utmost competence will not be granted a licence. All car drivers will also still be encouraged to undertake training to tow trailers and caravans. We’ve already delivered 50% more tests than were available before the pandemic, but today’s additional measures will deliver yet more tests.​ Public feedback on the consultation proposals​ The consultation received over 9,500 responses and most respondents supported the proposals. We’ve analysed the responses and published a summary of the public feedback on these proposals on GOV.UK. We will publish a full consultation report in due course.​ Staging of lorry and bus and coach licences and tests​ Under the new proposals learner lorry drivers will be able to take an articulated lorry test without the need to pass a rigid lorry test first once the legislation has changed. Likewise, learner bus and coach drivers will be able to take a bus and coach test with a trailer, rather than having to pass a test without a trailer first. This will not change the standard of driving required to drive a lorry. Legal processes must be followed, and if completed successfully, we expect the regulations will be amended as soon as possible.​ If your drivers have a rigid lorry test booked​ We encourage you to talk to your drivers who have a rigid lorry test booking about these changes so you can together make an informed decision about their upcoming test. You may wish to wait for the legislation to change. Their trainers will not be able to change these bookings until the revised legislation has come into force. You will still be able to book a rigid lorry test and a bus and coach test without trailers following this change.​ Trainers conducting the manoeuvres assessment in vocational driving tests​ In the future, the off-road manoeuvres part of vocational tests will be assessed by DVSA-approved vocational trainers. These manoeuvres will be assessed at the vocational trainer’s off-road area before the on-road test with DVSA. We will work closely with the industry on these plans and keep you updated.​

I wont lie i am more then happy to see this change come though as means I can get a bigger trailer. I can see where the faults will happen due to any one hooking up a big trailer and just going hell for leather with it. used to make a lot of people laugh when i would list my experience with towing (ex airport staff with a plane towing licence) yet due to my age i was restricted to a 750kg trailer.

 

[doobin]

Result. Very happy here, and I like to think that my responses to the consultation helped in some small way.

You’re either an idiot or you’re not, regardless of what license you hold.

Starting to see proof of the benefits of leaving the EU.

 

[Smiffy]

Mixed thoughts on it, in a way letting any pleb tow 3.5t is a mistake but on the other hand allowing people to do the articulated straight off is better than two tests but in a way it's safer on the roads if people have had to do non articulated first, as at least they would have had some experience but letting 18 year olds jump straight to hgv is plain stupid, majority you wouldn't trust with a Micra let alone 25m of wagon and trailer.

The problem with lack of drivers is simple, it's down to pay a few have left due to money and those who have considered returning have seen the hours and pay and stayed in what ever job they were doing, flooding the market with a lot of young drivers isn't going to help with wages and will be a way for the companies to keep wages down

I think you still have to do training in a rigid, and do a test before progressing to arctic but the test is done by the training company. Or atleast that's how I read it. It looks like to pass the test is still 2 weeks training you just don't have a delay between the 2

 

[JD450A]

I think you still have to do training in a rigid, and do a test before progressing to arctic but the test is done by the training company. Or atleast that's how I read it. It looks like to pass the test is still 2 weeks training you just don't have a delay between the 2

You will just do your test in a 16t wagon and drag.....

 

[craig]

With the delays at the DVLA in sorting licences out, its not going to help any shortage in the short term.
I know of people who have been waiting since may for the DVLA to pull their finger out, unsurprisingly they still manage to get tax reminders out on time though.

 

[Smiffy]

You will just do your test in a 16t wagon and drag.....

Pretty much same as usual round here
I did mine in a 12t wag and drag
Set up with the hitch quite far back and a very short drawbar meaning virtually no cut in atall.
Infact I think a 7.5t tipper towing an ifor cuts in worse.
And a 12t lorry realistically isn't much bigger than a double cab transit.
They certainly have a better turning circle.
So it kind of makes the current license a bit pathetic.

I think tbh it should be categorized on weight rather than size as let's face it weight is what screws people over. If you can't manouver something due to size you can slow down. If your running heavy and can't get round a corner you can't slow down

 

[Lancs Lad]

Result. Very happy here, and I like to think that my responses to the consultation helped in some small way.

You’re either an idiot or you’re not, regardless of what license you hold.

Starting to see proof of the benefits of leaving the EU.

Interesting about leaving EU .
Bin off tacho and hours regs for below 7.5t next?

 

[Smiffy]

Interesting about leaving EU .
Bin off tacho and hours regs for below 7.5t next?

11t then you can tow a trailer

 

[T whiting]

Interesting about leaving EU .
Bin off tacho and hours regs for below 7.5t next?

Yes please though trucks will be even more expensive.

 

[craig]

I can`t see them de-regulating small trucks, possabily the opposite, they are bringing 2.5t - 3.5t vehicles under o licences if used for hire and reward and aboard. First stepping stones to more

 

[JD450A]

I can`t see them de-regulating small trucks, possabily the opposite, they are bringing 2.5t - 3.5t vehicles under o licences if used for hire and reward and aboard. First stepping stones to more

Thats the EU..... We need to do the opposite.

No Tachographs or Maintanece arrangements needed for Vehicles under 13t used for own Goods/Restricted use..... Provided they have a 6 monthly Ministry MOT/Test

 

[doobin]

Thats the EU..... We need to do the opposite.

No Tachographs or Maintanece arrangements needed for Vehicles under 13t used for own Goods/Restricted use..... Provided they have a 6 monthly Ministry MOT/Test

Whilst we’re at it, lets bring back the good old British Ministry system!

Remember MAFF?