CAR & TRAILER (B+E) TRAINING
At WSM Training Ltd we provide a high level of service for all our drivers from Dumfries & Galloway, Borders and Cumbria. Book Now! Call 01387 733731.
Our training area is based at Unit 130, Heathhall Industrial Estate, Tinwald Downs Road, Dumfries, DG1 3PH. Where you will have use of our private training area.
What is the B+E Car and Trailer Test?
B+E Test is the Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) practical driving test for car and trailer. No medical examination or additional theory test is required. The test is regarded by the DVSA as the first step to driving Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) and is examined accordingly. The duration of the test is approx 90 mins.
The driving test takes the candidate through a number of different exercises including a reversing exercise, coupling and uncoupling the trailer.
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 and 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.
What can you tow on passing the B+E Test?
Successfully passing this test allows a driver to tow a trailer up to a gross weight (trailer plus load) of 3,500kgs (3.5 tonnes). This means a vehicle and trailer with a gross train weight of 7,000kgs (7 tonnes).
WARNING
Did you know that it is illegal to TOW a Trailer without the proper Driving Licence?
The possible Penalties for Towing Without a Valid Licence are:
9 Penalty Points (3 points for the missing licence entitlement and 6 points for no insurance owing to the fact that you are driving without the correct licence) and up to a maximum fine of £5000.
Category B: Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) and with up to eight passenger seats. Category B vehicles may be coupled with a trailer up to 750kgs MAM (allowing a combined weight up to 4.25 tonnes MAM) or a trailer over 750kgs MAM provided the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle, and the combination does not exceed 3.5 tonnes MAM.
For example: A vehicle with an unladen weight of 1.25 tonnes and a MAM of 2 tonnes coupled with a trailer with a MAM of 1.25 tonnes could be driven by the holder of a category B entitlement. This is because the MAM of the combination does not exceed 3.5 tonnes and also the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle.
Whereas: The same vehicle with an unladen weight of 1.25 tonnes and a MAM of 2 tonnes when coupled with a trailer with a MAM of 1.5 tonnes would fall within category B+E. This is because although the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is within the 3.5 tonnes MAM limit, the MAM of the trailer is more than the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle. Vehicle manufacturers normally recommend a maximum weight of trailer appropriate to their vehicle.
Details can usually be found in the vehicle’s handbook or obtained from car dealerships. The size of the trailer recommended for an average family car with an unladen weight of around 1 tonne would be well within the new category B threshold.
COURSES
At WSM Training Ltd we strive to achieve a high level of service for all our drivers from Dumfries & Galloway, the Borders and Cumbria.
All our courses are tailored to your requirements. To tow a trailer, caravan, boat, horsebox etc. up to 3500Kg, you will need to add Category B+E to your car licence (Cat B). This means passing another driving test with a trailer before you can go on the road.
We offer the following courses
High quality training to DVSA test standard training options to meet your requirements for safe driving. DVSA Approved Driving Instructor, competitive prices giving excellent value:
Pre-Training Assessment
1 hour to assess driving and reversing abilities.
1½ Day Course
8 hours training plus 1 hour’s training prior to test and time on test (approx 1½ hrs). Ideal if you have plenty of towing experience, i.e. reversing, coupling, uncoupling and your driving skills are at a high level of competency.
2½ Day Course
2 x 6 hour training days plus 1 hour’s training prior to test and time on test (approx 1½ hrs). If you haven’t had any or very little towing experience and your driving skills are to a good standard.
Car & Trailer / Caravan Refresher Course (for B+E Licence Holders)
3 Hour Refresher Course
Who needs a refresher course
- New owners of a trailer or caravan and who hold B+E Category on their Driving Licence.
- A new job requiring you to drive towing a trailer e.g. equine, farming, forestry, construction or catering industries.
- Or for those who just need a confidence boost to tackle towing a larger trailer/caravan.
We cover all aspects of trailer/caravan training and we can refresh your driving skills and boost your confidence.
On Road – in handling and awareness, observations, road positioning, planning, signalling, use of controls, mirrors and speed.
Off Road – reversing, braking, uncoupling and recoupling of the trailer/caravan.
Contact Details
So contact us today on 01387 733731 to get the tuition that you need to pass. Alternatively you can also fill in our Contact Form, to get in touch with us via email.
