mak
|
| posted on 7/1/06 at 05:01 PM |
|
|
Towing Licence
If you passed your driving test, after 1997 I believe, like me, you are not licenced to tow.
Now I know the fact that I cannot legally tow is really going to hamper me in the long-run, so I am keen to upgrade my licence.
I have heard the test is quite strict and tricky.
Can anyone who has taken this extra test please explain whats involved in it, including costs etc...
Cheers, Mark
|
|
|
|
|
indykid
|
| posted on 7/1/06 at 05:11 PM |
|
|
not true.
i assumed this was the case, but according to the dvla website, i can tow, but not exceeding a train weight of 3500kgs, iirc, and not over certain
other limits.
i think i worked it out, i could tow an indy on a light car trailer with a cavalier. not a lot of info on the trailer test except a friend took hers
for the council and failed miserably. it is strict, and expensive.
will find a link to the above regs,
hth
tom
|
|
|
indykid
|
| posted on 7/1/06 at 05:15 PM |
|
|
don't know if this word file will attach, but this is what the dvla website says.
hth
tom
it seems to work, but let me know if it doesn't
[Edited on 7/1/06 by indykid]
|
|
|
mak
|
| posted on 7/1/06 at 05:29 PM |
|
|
Cheers Tom, should manage that weight with my car.
Although our trailer is fairly heavy, and being towed by a landy?! But hopefully plod won't mind 100kg here and there.
Just wish the DVLA could make this clear.
Still be useful to get a heavy trailer/heavy vehicle licence (not as far as HGV)
|
|
|
JoelP
|
| posted on 7/1/06 at 07:15 PM |
|
|
me too, and minibuses arent allowed either...
|
|
|
oliwb
|
| posted on 7/1/06 at 08:20 PM |
|
|
Know a couple of people who have done the test, I was told it was really hard by one of the trainners. However, one of my mates did it in Dumfries
and said it was piss...and to be honest he's a fairly to really crap driver....especially with trailers! Think its typical DVLA! Oli.
If your not living life on the edge you're taking up too much room!
|
|
|
dave_w11
|
| posted on 7/1/06 at 09:27 PM |
|
|
I've been looking into this mainly for wanting to tow my locost around when it's finished. All the info I can find from DVLA talks about
"maximum authorised mass" of the trailer having to be lower than the kerb weight of the towing car. I think there's supposed to be a
plate on the trailer stating this, but I don't know what happens if you made your own trailer and dont have such a plate.
Everything seems very unclear so I'm hoping a blind eye will be turned as long as you're not doing something stupid. Does anyone know what
you'd get if you were pulled for it?
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/endorsem.htm
Says "Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.........." 3-6 points. If that's all then I think I'll risk it and
hope there isn't much of a fine too.
|
|
|
k33ts
|
| posted on 7/1/06 at 10:09 PM |
|
|
this explains it in english
www.ntta.co.uk/law/law.driving_licences.htm
dont know how to link perhaps someone could tell me
|
|
|
JoelP
|
| posted on 7/1/06 at 10:33 PM |
|
|
to make a link active, just include the http:// bit, or copy and paste it whole. 
Im also very interested in trailer markings, because i heard that trailers need testing or at least they need a plate stating the details and the
manufacturer. Any truth in this?
correct link:
http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/law/driving_licences.htm
[Edited on 7/1/06 by JoelP]
|
|
|
k33ts
|
| posted on 7/1/06 at 10:43 PM |
|
|
try
http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/law/identification_plates.htm
hey it works cheers
[Edited on 7/1/06 by k33ts]
maybe no
[Edited on 7/1/06 by k33ts]
try that
[Edited on 7/1/06 by k33ts]
|
|
|
ned
|
| posted on 7/1/06 at 11:05 PM |
|
|
well the likelihood is you'd never get done for it anyway, i've driven an amercian long wheelbase cheve camper with race car in enclosed
steel trailer with spares (including spare iron block 2ltr engine) and never had any problems. probably over the 3.5tons but never mind.
i;d certainly not worry about a locost on a lightweight trailer (as long as it's braked) behind a sensible towing saloon.
Yes i'm probably stupid, yes its probably illegal. Why don't they pick on the people who don't drive on the left on motorways or who
indicate one way and go the other at t-juntions. grr.
Ned.
beware, I've got yellow skin
|
|
|
mak
|
| posted on 7/1/06 at 11:32 PM |
|
|
Well our trailer is pretty old and I doubt I could find 'the-plate', but other than that it appears towing it with a light car on it is
legal with my licence. I think as long as your trailer looks right, and is lit correctly you'll be fine whatever, an officer would'nt look
twice if you were using a landy.
Ned your not connected with a Mr Preston by any chance are you?
Mark
|
|
|
k33ts
|
| posted on 8/1/06 at 12:14 AM |
|
|
its very rare a copper will stop you with a trailer unless it looks un roadworthy they dont know the laws anyway on trailers
but the ministry of transport do quite often especialy through the summer when the caravaners are about have spot checks calling loads of the motorway
and checking
can be big fines if over weight or illegal
you should ok towing a seven about make sure all the lights work tyres good and trailer looks tidy
[Edited on 8/1/06 by k33ts]
|
|
|
ned
|
| posted on 8/1/06 at 11:56 AM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by mak
Ned your not connected with a Mr Preston by any chance are you?
Mark
No idea what you're talking about I'm afraid Mark!
Ned.
beware, I've got yellow skin
|
|
|
