An update and weight limits on car and trailer

A few days back I posted that the B+E (car and trailer test) was being discontinued in an attempt to free up more driving tests for LGV . . . We'll come back to that later.

Latest announcement is that as of now (16th September 2021) it is not possible to book a B+E test and the last ones will be carried out on the 20th. In true left hand / right hand style the changes to licence conditions not only haven't come into effect - we do not even have a date for them so for the time being you still need a licence that there is no way of getting until the next announcement is made. Back to weight limits

There is much being made of the 'tow trailers up to 3,500kg - however nothing is being done to explain the wider legalities.

Whilst in theory yes you could tow a trailer of up to 3,500kg this relies on you having a vehicle that has that capacity. Even the largest Transit van that can be driven on a category B licence is not legally capable of towing a 3,500 kg trailer. In reality you are looking at the bigger 4X4s - Land Rovers and the like if you want a 3,500kg trailer - HOWEVER . . . It is widely recognised that a trailer weighing more than the towing vehicle is very susceptible to 'tail wagging the dog' and I've yet to meet anyone official to recommend it. Just because it is legal doesn't make it safe.

The data plate lists amongst other things the maximum weight of the vehicle, and the maximum 'train weight' - this is the weight of the whole thing, vehicle, trailer, load, driver, passenger(s) and so on. If you are a business you are responsible under H&SaW Act 1974 to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing . . . . and to provide "Adequate training and supervision". Needless to say (but I'll say it anyway) that means if the worse happens you can expect to be able to demonstrate you did meet that requirement and failing to do so could land you up in one of Her Majesties 'hotels'. Now back to those LGV tests

The powers that be have failed to realise that in order for a test to go ahead there needs to be someone ready to take it. There are a finite number of LGV trainer providers out there and every one I know of has a waiting list. In my opinion there simply isn't the traininig capacity to fill those newly created tests and this could well lead to a raft of new 'Have a go' trainers with little to no training experience. It is the usual case of buyer beware - check reviews, look for feedback, ask about pass rates and above all - stay safe.