Trailer test - reversing

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hogged2trot

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When doing the trailer test, are you allowed to look out the window? I mean, have the window down and peer your head out the window to see behind?

I'm majorly struggling with being able to see the cones despite the mirrors, whereas having a little look out the drivers window would make a huge difference!
 
hogged2trot said:
When doing the trailer test, are you allowed to look out the window? I mean, have the window down and peer your head out the window to see behind?

I'm majorly struggling with being able to see the cones despite the mirrors, whereas having a little look out the drivers window would make a huge difference!
Click to expand...

Yes you can but you must also keep equal looks in all other areas


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 - 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- just watched those vids as planning to do test soon, when it shows the trailer lights being tested, do you get in and out to check or can you ask examiner to check whilst your in car?
Obviously you cant turn ignition off to check while getting out and same for the breaks.
 
My trailer training company told me I was not allowed to look out the window constantly (was my preferred way too). A quick glance is fine though.

I was told to ask my examiner to stand behind and check my lights for me.
 
Hiya,
When i did it- my instructor said i could look around, but not to the point where my shoulders were turning all the way around (if that makes any sense....)

Good luck! I thought the reversing was the hardest bit! I (thank god) passed first time BUT i did take the reversing bit very slowly. (like very very slowly) He said at the end that i 'needed more practise' reversing but he hadnt given my any minors for it. So my advice would be just go slowly! :D

xx
 
Dizzydancer said:
ROG- just watched those vids as planning to do test soon, when it shows the trailer lights being tested, do you get in and out to check or can you ask examiner to check whilst your in car?
Obviously you cant turn ignition off to check while getting out and same for the breaks.
Click to expand...


You turn to your examiner and say "could you please help me check all the lights" and they can check them whilst you turn them on :D
 
Dizzydancer said:
ROG- just watched those vids as planning to do test soon, when it shows the trailer lights being tested, do you get in and out to check or can you ask examiner to check whilst your in car?
Obviously you cant turn ignition off to check while getting out and same for the breaks.
Click to expand...

Brake lights need the assistance of the examiner but other lights usually need the driver to exit vehicle and check which means the ignition needs to be on but not the engine

Think of it like being alone on your driveway and checking out your lights and a neighbour appears for a minute who you ask to check out your brake lights
 
For those that struggled with reversing how did you get your head around it. I spent last night drawing the cones and my route breaking it down andsaying it aloud. I want the trailer to turn left so I need to turn right. Once it's starting to turn I need to turn the steering wheel to the left. I then go back straight on an angle for a bit so little steering movements turning towards the mirror I see more trailer in. I'll then want to turn into the garage so my trailer wants to go more to the right so I need to turn to the left. Once its going I need to turn to the right to straighten. It sounds so easy but it feels impossible lol
 
hogged2trot said:
For those that struggled with reversing how did you get your head around it. I spent last night drawing the cones and my route breaking it down andsaying it aloud. I want the trailer to turn left so I need to turn right. Once it's starting to turn I need to turn the steering wheel to the left. I then go back straight on an angle for a bit so little steering movements turning towards the mirror I see more trailer in. I'll then want to turn into the garage so my trailer wants to go more to the right so I need to turn to the left. Once its going I need to turn to the right to straighten. It sounds so easy but it feels impossible lol
Click to expand...

IT COULD BE YOU ARE TRYING TO DO TOO MUCH TOO SOON

Underpinning knowledge is the first thing so try this ...

Reverse in a straight line and use small adjustments to keep it straight

Only when both side mirrors are seeing the same amount of trailer will it be in a straight line

Whichever mirror the trailer starts to fill is the way you need to turn the wheel to get it back to seeing the same in both

Once this simple task has been mastered then you can deliberately make it go into one mirror and straighten it again but doing it a little to start with and then making bigger deliberate moves
 
Got the going backwards in the straight line. IT's as soon as the cone disappears from view - I seem to panic that I'll hit it, turn left too much so that the trailer comes to the right and end up near enough hitting it anyway. Think I've just got to straighten up and go back on an angle a little more till I can see the cones in the garage and then know how much I'm turning.
 
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