B+E towing test

[ozywoods]

Hi
I'm thinking about taking my towing test so that I can to large trailers (eg car transporters). I believe that I would need to take the test to be able to do this as towing approx 2.5 tons (possibly more) would probably go over the gross train weight limit for a normal car licence.
Anyway, does anyone know anything about the towing test? I believe is costs around £100 (probably gone up since I last looked though), and you need to have a suitable vehicle and box trailer with which to take the test ( I have the terrano to do the towing and access to a suitable trailer).
I have some experience with maneuvering trailers, I usually do ok, but would obviously need to practice.
However I don't really know what the test would entail, I assume it would involve some maneuvers and some general driving, does anyone know? Also any general tips on trailer towing and things to look out for or be aware of? And good maneuvers to practice?
Thanks

 

[R1cho]

Firstly an introduction to the car and trailer B+E test.

B+E is the Driving Standards Agency practical driving test for car and trailer. No medical examination or additional theory test is required. The test is regarded by the DSA as the first steps leading to driving Large Goods Vehicles and is examined seriously. The duration of the test is about an hour and a half.

This driving test is made up of a number of different exercises including:

Reversing exercise

Uncoupling, trailer inspection, re-coupling

Controlled stop.

In addition to the trailer manoeuvring exercises mentioned above the candidate must show the examiner normal driving skills and competency on the highway including junctions, roundabouts, lane control, mirror routines, hill starts, angled starts etc.

During the test you will be asked a number of preset questions called ‘show me, tell me’ which must be answered either verbally or practically demonstrated.

 

[R1cho]

this may also be useful

http://www.towing-solutions.co.uk/trailer-driving-courses/B+E Flowchart.htm

 

[briggie]

i allready have that on my licence and dont remember passing a special test , but then im old :lol

 

[R1cho]

u have to test for everything now pete, max seats now when u pass ya test is 8 including the drivers

 

[ozywoods]

this may also be useful

http://www.towing-solutions.co.uk/trailer-driving-courses/B+E Flowchart.htm

According to this I would definitely need to do the towing test for what I want to do. Thanks.

You need to do the extra tests for pretty much anything other than driving a normal car (eg minibus, towing or large vehicles) if you passed your test in 1997 or later.