Learning to tow a Trailer

[daisy2005]

Hi

Im 23 and after many years of my dad towing me around I have decided to learn to tow and do my B+E driving test. I have been practacing towing with my dad in the car with L plates on and without a horse, but wanted to check if anyone knew if it was ok to tow with a horse in the trailer while I am still learning? As I want to practice a few times with a horse in the trailer before doing my test.

Both my mum and dad help me practice and both passed their driving tests before 1997 when the new rule for the test come into place, I take it there ok to practice with me even though they dont have a B+E license?

thanks for your help

 

[mutley75]

i am sure rog will put me straight, horses for some reason do not constitute a load. in any other form of driving on L plates you must learn in an un loaded vehicle.

 

[ROG]

Hi

Im 23 and after many years of my dad towing me around I have decided to learn to tow and do my B+E driving test. I have been practacing towing with my dad in the car with L plates on and without a horse, but wanted to check if anyone knew if it was ok to tow with a horse in the trailer while I am still learning? As I want to practice a few times with a horse in the trailer before doing my test.

Both my mum and dad help me practice and both passed their driving tests before 1997 when the new rule for the test come into place, I take it there ok to practice with me even though they dont have a B+E license?

thanks for your help

Depending what your actual vehicle and trailer set up is, you might be able to tow it on a B licence - click the HHO TOWING CLINIC link in my signature at the bottom of this post to see many examples of B licence towing


SUPERVISING A B+E LEARNER
In April 2010 new rules were introduced for those supervising certain learner drivers but they only affected those supervising VOCATIONAL categories such as C1 C1+E D1 & D1+E where the supervising driver had those categories given to them for free when they passed a pre 1997 car test.
They do not affect those with a pre 1997 B+E licence who wish to supervise a B+E learner.
All B licence holders have B+E provisional on the paper part of their licence and can tow an empty or loaded trailer on all roads including motorways.
The usual rules apply when a learner is driving -
The supervising driver must be aged over 21
The supervising driver must have held a B+E licence for at least 3 years
L plates must be fitted to the front of the vehicle and the rear of the trailer
Correct insurance for a B+E learner

Many will find that passing the once in a lifetime B+E test is their best option so here is some info on that test:-

The B+E test
No medical or theory test required
Read a number plate from a certain distance
VIDEO - Show Me Tell Me Questions - usually 5
The next three can be in any order:-
VIDEO - Reversing Exercise (old measurements) - done in test centre grounds if test conducted from practical test centre - some tests are now being done from training school grounds
VIDEO - Uncouple/couple up - done in test centre grounds if test conducted from practical test centre - some tests are now being done from training school grounds
One hour road drive - includes the independent drive and is done virtually the same as the basic car test

DISCLAIMER - I have no connection to any companies which may be featured in those videos

 

[ROG]

i am sure rog will put me straight, horses for some reason do not constitute a load. in any other form of driving on L plates you must learn in an un loaded vehicle.

Horses are considered a load but the legal rules are that any learner with a full B licence can learn with a loaded vehicle or trailer

 

[china]

I practiced with a horse in and L plates. But, you are probably better off not driving with a horse in as the instructor and examiner want you to drive 'normally' , not like you are towing a horse! I made that mistake ;-)

 

[ROG]

I practiced with a horse in and L plates. But, you are probably better off not driving with a horse in as the instructor and examiner want you to drive 'normally' , not like you are towing a horse! I made that mistake ;-)

On a DSA test the trailer must be empty but the examiner will expect the driver to pretend that it is loaded with a safe load which would not be a horse etc

Pretend it is loaded with eggs that are well packed

 

[china]

On a DSA test the trailer must be empty but the examiner will expect the driver to pretend that it is loaded with a safe load which would not be a horse etc

Pretend it is loaded with eggs that are well packed

My instructor said to me, "you are driving like you have a horse in the back" you will get picked up on for that and you may get picked up on for hesitation. But I got grilled in my show me tell me questions about safe loading! An oddly one was show me how you use fog lights lol!

 

[Happy Hunter]

Agree with others - I found no use practicing with a horse.
The test is the test - then you learn to drive with a horse in there.

Trouble is = My horse isnt a particularly well packed egg!!

As long as everyone else on the road knows what your planning (Direction and speed wise) and your nice and safe - Panic about the horse later!