Can I drive a horse box?

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Sallyanne95

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I'm 19 years old and got my driving licence in 2013. I've been told I can drive a 3.5ton van/horse box but does this put into consideration the weight of the horses and with horses in the box would I still be okay to drive it legally?
 
ROG is the expert on here, there is a very tight weight restriction so you need to be aware of this. There is the weight of the vehicle plus the horses plus the kit, not sure about driver and passenger weights.
Insurance would have to be covered, and I recommend you do quite a few short trips with no horses. Boxes are often not used regularly so the brakes can easily bind on, causing problems if you are just starting up.
You need to be aware of what is happening in front of you much more than when driving a car. Anticipate dangers, drive carefully, do not use the brakes fiercely, and take tight turns steadily.
 
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Yes you can drive a 3.5 tonne horsebox provided that 3.5 tonnes is the maximum weight of it and absolutely everything in it including the horse and driver. Most 3.5 tonners will only take one horse.
 
I would totally suggest you get a clapped out lwb/ mwb transit and practice your reversing, gear changes etc without risking horses (and duffing up horsebox because the sides are less robust) first. No offence intended, am sure you're a great driver but using wing mirrors for awareness and the driving position/ judging width is a bit different. I found driving a big van a lot helped me later moving into lorries too.
 
Fides said:
You can legally but probably won't be able to get insurance until you are 21...
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My friend was the insured driver on her 3.5 ton putting her daughter on as a named driver was not too bad but getting insurance as the main driver at under 21 is more difficult, it doesn't mean you are not able to be the main driver as the mileage will be so low it makes little difference.
 
Thank you everyone.
I would defiantly practice without a horse in first!
Just asking as I want to go out but my car can't pull a trailer only my mums will but I can't get insured on it and she's not happy to pull a trailer with a horse in it. My dad will but he's busy a lot so I can't rely on him. Will have to look into insurance :)
 
Sallyanne95 said:
Thank you everyone.
I would defiantly practice without a horse in first!
Just asking as I want to go out but my car can't pull a trailer only my mums will but I can't get insured on it and she's not happy to pull a trailer with a horse in it. My dad will but he's busy a lot so I can't rely on him. Will have to look into insurance :)
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Have a look to see if your third party (if you have it) will cover you to drive your mum's car. Might be an easy solution. Incidentally B+E courses are really good for touching up your skills even if you don't want to take the test.
 
I think you have to pass a test to tow a trailer anyway, so be easier to drive the 3.5ton (fully laden) on your current licence.
 
Yes, if you go to a commercial driving centre, they will take you out on the biggest thing you are legal with, and this will give you the idea, the way of driving is different, I have driven loads of things, but the first hour is a bit scary, best to do it with someone who is an instructor.
 
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