What is the trailer licence?

  • Introduction to the Car & Trailer B+E Test

     

    B+E is the Driving Standards Agency practical driving test for car and trailer. No medical examination or additional theory test is required. The test is regarded by the DSA as the first step to driving Large Goods Vehicles and is examined accordingly.

     

    The duration of the test is about an hour and a half. This driving test takes the candidate through a number of different exercises including a reversing exercise, coupling, uncoupling and a controlled stop. In addition to the trailer manoeuvring exercises the candidate must show the examiner skill and competency on the highway including junctions, roundabouts, lane control, mirror routines, hill starts, angled starts etc.

     

    During the test you will be asked a number of preset questions called ‘show me, tell me’ which must be answered either verbally or practically demonstrated.

     

    Successfully passing this test allows a driver to tow a trailer up to a gross weight (trailer including load) of 3500kg.(3.5 tons). This means a vehicle and trailer with a gross train weight of 7,000kg.(7 tons)