Towing test - any tips?!

[DiamondSR]

I am planning to take my towing test in the (hopefully) near future, and wondered if anyone can give me some tips on how 'properly' you have to drive for the on-road part, i.e. do you have to go back to feeding the steering wheel through your hands rather than crossing them etc? (I have tried to do this and frankly find it more dangerous than crossing your hands!).

Also I am planning to have a shot at the test without forking out for lessons - has anyone else done this who can give me any hints?

Any advice/experiences/comments welcome!

 

[sarahs]

Hiya
I really wont have a go at it without at least a couple of lessons unless you are super confident regarding the reversing round a corner within the lines and parking etc.
And yes you do hav to go back to driving by the book - which I thought was the hardest part !
Good Luck !

 

[kate081]

I'd have a lesson or two unless you're very experienced. Why waste the cost of a test? The manouveres aren't easy unless you know the tricks. I think you'd fail for crossing your hands tbh. Whereabouts are you then someone can reccommend an instructor?

 

[DiamondSR]

Thanks Sarah - where did you have your lessons? I see you are Surrey based - did you take the test in Guildford? The closest place I can find for lessons is Milton Keynes??

Am trying to avoid having to take loads of time of work as well - I have lots of space to practice the reversing manouvre at the yard, but was more worried about the driving on the road part.

Thanks for your help!

 

[zoegolding]

Yes - you have to go back to driving like a learner which is really hard esp if you have been driving for a while and have slipped in to bad habits!

I wouldn't try going for your test without a lesson or two - its pretty expensive so would be a waste if you failed. They are pretty strict on the test too and you also get asked some theory questions about maintaining your vehicle/trailer etc.

Good luck when you do get round to it and remember - mirror, signal, manoeuvre!

 

[_daisy_]

like the other have said you are best having a few lessons i had 1 lesson which i pretty much just ran through my test.
even if you are a great driver i would recommend at least having one.
I drove like i normally do not like a beginner learning. I think they prefer you to drive as you do rather going back to basics cos at the end of the day you arent a beginner. As long as you keep to the rules of the road eg not speeding, or if me you do realise you are over the limit drop below youll be fine.
Also 1 major thing - mirrors, mirrors, mirrors. i think my instructor said you have to check your mirrors every 3seconds? my examiner said he couldnt praise me highly enough for the use of my mirrors (i was crapping myself in my exam)

but in the test, just relax and take some deep breaths.
oh yes and just a tip, check you know where the bonnet thing is to keep it open, i couldnt find mine in my test

the examiner just laughed at me whilst i was holding it up trying to point at things

 

[Baileyhoss]

Probably the hardest bit is that you'll need to do a dog leg reverse park between markers, you can read up on the actual requirements in the trailer test. I got a good book on it, can't remember the name, but can find out if you want. tells you the distances to lay out the cones for the reverse park etc.

one thing that is important is checking your mirrors constantly, something like every 6 -8 seconds.

Getting a lesson or two would be well worth it, even if it's just to try a dummy test.

F x

 

[DiamondSR]

Thanks everyone, I think I will follow your advice and book at least one lesson to go through the test. Can anyone recommend an instructor in the Guildford area?

 

[Chumsmum]

I *think* you have to be able to hook up to the trailer first time i.e not be able to get out and see how far away you are and not have anyone directing you - might be worth investing in one of those mirrors that you attach to the trailer or back of car?

I'm old enough

and been driving long enough that I didn't need to do the test but still had a couple of lessons and learnt loads.

Good luck

 

[star]

i'm based near woking and i'm having a day's training with a guy from redhill soon - chevron driving school. have booked my test for 3rd sep. would not consider doing test without some lessons. and yes, you need to go back to driving properly. i have been practising shuffling the wheel instead of crossing my hands, sticking to speed limits, behind the white line at traffic lights, mirrors, mirrors and more mirrors!