Hgv/trailer licences. What a massive pain in the arse!

LittleTero

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So basically I've decided after putting it off for years knowing its going to financially cripple me to take either my hgv or trailer test. However it seems that in order to take the trailer test I need a car that tows. Is this right? (I hope not!) and I'm presuming this isn't the case for hgv tests? If anyone knows more about it any help would be much appreciated. I'm getting bogged down in google search and sinking fast!
Also if anyone knows of any good places to train take either tests in the area of somerset/ WILTSHIRE border I'd really appreciate it.
Any additional tips/advice on the whole will be we'll recieved.
Thanks
 
There are quite a few grants available for trailer tests if your agricultural background/business. My OH and many of his mates have had partially funded trailer tests (Wales). I think his was under condition of under 40 and a key partner in the agri business.
If this doesn't apply to you perhaps it will help another, as agreed its a total arse and costly.
Still working up to doing mine, car test (x3) scared me enough.
I wonder if anyone can answer though, what, if any, implications are there in doing a trailer test with an automatic?
 
Good question as the only 4x4 I could poss borrow to take the test is an auto but won't be doing that if it prevents me towing in a manual!
 
Tests, licences, and courses seem to be the new scam. Jobs for the boys. It's getting ridiculous.

Haven't got a trailer licence, never been on a course, and can happily back my LR and Ifor Williams down a single track lane for any distance you specify. But then I'm 73.:rolleyes:
 
Hi LT
no you don't need a towcar until you have your test passed and want to start taking yourself to shows.
Quite a few driving schools have trailer test set ups you can learn with. Does seem to me a little like jobs for the boys at times but having seen some of the Pony Club mums try to reverse their trailers maybe it is a good idea.

Good luck with the lessons and test
 
If you get a couple of lessons then you can use the instructors car/trailer for your test. Quite often it's not actually a 4x4 but instead a car. I passed my test late last year and it was a corsa I learnt in and sat my test in. Still trying to save up for my 4x4 and trailer.

If I remember the test was about £100-£150 and my lessons were £60 for 2.5 hours. I had one lesson initially then put in for test and an hour lesson on day of test.
 
Thanks for your help guys. Being a young person I can get partial funding for hgv if I get on with it so gunna try for that as I've found a test Center thanks to fb :) but any tips on big what not to dos during test still v appreciated!
 
I think with the towing test you need to log 10 hours of lessons now before you can do your test , I sold my trailer when my mum stopped driving us to shows poor me lol , I'd bought a 4x4 but couldn't be bothered with the test .
We now have a 3.5 tonne which is brilliant , can drive on a car licence and also costs £320 insurance for any driver policy over 25 and my sister named on policy as she's only 21 , don't think I'd go back to a trailer now.
 
Check out post number 1000 in the HHO TOWING CLINIC thread
Check out the HHO LGV INFO CLINIC thread
Both are in my signature links below

If you only need to transport one horse then take a look at post 999 in the HHO TOWING CLINIC thread

If you pass the B+E in an auto then you get auto B+E not manual

There are no minimum training hours required

You could train your self in a B licence towing set up that conforms to the B+E test vehicle and trailer requirements and book your own test if you wish for B+E so only the test fee of £115 to find - that is a BIG RISK doing it that way but is possible
 
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