The Law
People passing their test on or after 1st January 1997 are now required to pass an additional test in order to gain entitlement Categories B+E, and all larger vehicles.
Category B: vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) and with up to 8 passenger seats
Vehicles in this category 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.
By passing a Category B test, National Categories F (tractor), K (pedestrian controlled vehicle) and P (moped) continue to be added automatically.
Category B+E: Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes MAM towing trailers over 750kgs MAM
Vehicles in Category B+E allow vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes MAM to be combined with trailers in excess of 750kgs MAM.
In order to gain this entitlement new Category B licence holders have to pass a further practical test for Category B+E.
There is no Category B+E theory test.
For driver licensing purposes there are no vehicle/trailer weight ratio limits for category B+E.
How if effects you
Employers
It is your responsibility to ensure all your employees have the correct licence for what they drive. Be aware that an employee that has passed their test before 1st January 1997 hold the right to B+E but may have had no form of training and you may be liable for prosecution as part of the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007, in the event of a fatal incident involving an employee driving on company business.
As a Driver
If you are caught driving without the B+E entitlement you could be awarded the following penalties:-
- LC20 - Driving otherwise than in accordance with a Licence 3 – 6 Points
- IN10 - Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risk 6 – 8 points
- Up to £1000 fine
So you could lose your licence!
Training
The assessment
Before any training is conducted a 2 hour assessment will take place. This will involve checking your driving licence and eye sight. We will also carry out an assessment on your reversing, un-coupling, re- coupling & driving technique. Areas to be addressed and the amount of training required will be discussed.
The Training
Training will be conducted around the Shrewsbury area as this is the where the test is conducted. You will get to know the area and be trained to the highest possible standard.
The Test
Consists of:-
- Eye sight test
- Vehicle safety checks
- Reversing manoeuvre
- A controlled stop
- A road drive lasting between 50mins - 1hour depending on traffic
- Un-couple & re-couple
You will be marked as per your driving test i.e. up to 15 driving faults, but no serious or dangerous faults.
If all goes well you will be given your pass certificate for B+E and a new driving licence will be sent to you with your new entitlement on it.
Familiarisation Training
This will be conducted over one day when the candidate will be assessed, trained and a report generated.
Caravan Training
Buying a caravan is not cheap and is a big investment. The last thing you would what to do is have an accident with it. Even the Caravan Club recommend some form of training. Our local caravan dealer Salop Leisure recommends their customers to us for training.
Our trainer is a very experienced caravanner himself and will be able to help old and new caravanners with all aspects of towing, reversing, loading and setting up of their caravan.
