The Trailer Test..
The trailer test (B+E) is based on the lorry driving test and lasts
for approximately one hour. Please note that B+E tests are conducted at
vocational (bus and lorry) driving test centres.
The towing test (B+E) includes vehicle safety questions, an off-road reverse manoeuvre, a controlled stop, uncoupling and coupling of the trailer and driving on the road.
You won't be expected to carry out the following exercises:
- emergency stop on the public road
- reversing round a corner
- reverse parking
- turning in the road
Vehicle safety questions
These are basic safety checks that you should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may involve opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, you won't be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.
As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with electronic diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for you to refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures.
You will be asked five questions, that will be a combination of 'show me' and 'tell me'. A driving fault will be recorded for each incorrect answer to a maximum of four driving faults. If you answer all five questions incorrectly, a serious fault will be recorded.
For a list of the questions you can be asked on your driving test, please click on the vehicle safety questions link below.
DSA B+E (car + trailer) test fee: Mon – Fri Daytime = £115.00, Weekends or
weekday evenings = £141.00
If you want to use your own vehicle and or trailer.......
The minimum requirement for B+E Car and trailer test vehicles must be:
A car or van presented for test must be:
- a four wheeled vehicle of no more than 3500 kilograms (kg) maximum authorised mass (MAM)
- capable of a speed of at least 100 kilometres per hour or 62.5 miles per hour
The car or van must also be fitted with:
- a seatbelt for the examiner
- a passenger head restraint, which needn't be adjustable but must be fitted as an integral part of the seat - 'slip on' type head restraints aren't permitted
- an interior mirror for the examiner's use
- L-plates displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle but not interfering with the driver's or examiner's view
- a speedometer that measures speed in miles per hour and kilometres per hour
The vehicle must be legal and roadworthy and have no warning lights showing ie the airbag warning light.
- fitted with externally mounted, nearside and offside mirrors for use by the examiner or any person supervising the test
- an unladen category B vehicle towing a suitably braked, unladen trailer of at least one tonne MAM. The examiner may ask for evidence of the trailer MAM eg the manufacturer's plate
- fitted with an audible or visual device to indicate correct operation of the trailer indicators
All vehicle combinations must operate on appropriate brakes and utilise a coupling arrangement suitable for the weight.
The cargo compartment of the trailer must consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the towing vehicle; the view to the rear should only be possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the towing vehicle
For more infomation on the trailer test click here to go to the DSA Website