Car and Trailer Test for UK Drivers

Learning to tow a trailer with a car is something most of us will never do in our lifetimes. Nevertheless, among drivers that own work trailers or caravans, training is at least a good idea when you understand that passing the car and trailer test is usually required to legally operate vehicles and larger trailers.

We will not go into details here about who needs a trailer entitlement; you can find the appropriate information by visiting the GOV.UK website. We do want to focus on what you need to learn in order to pass your car and trailer test in the UK. The HGV Training Centre offers the appropriate training to interested drivers.

Taking Your Car and Trailer Test

There are two components to the practical skills test for car and trailer operation. We will deal with the second component first. This component involves actually getting behind the vehicle and demonstrating the skills that you have learned by driving and manoeuvring the trailer.

You will be required to properly hitch and unhitch the trailer, demonstrate turning techniques, demonstrate reversing and manoeuvring, etc. Yet before you get to the second part, you will be asked a series of questions for the first component. These questions are designed to test your knowledge of road safety, hazard prevention, and the car/trailer dynamic.

The government website listed above supplies a full range of sample questions you can look at. Here are just a few of those of sample questions:

• Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle.
• Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
• Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

In addition to the questions, you’ll also be required to demonstrate specific things for the tester. For example, you may be required to lift the bonnet of your car and demonstrate how to check both the brake and radiator fluid levels. You might be asked to demonstrate proper use of the parking brake, how to ensure trailer doors are secured, and how to check proper functioning of headlights and taillights.

It is good to know that you’ll be able to use your own vehicle as long as it meets certain government standards. You can find those standards on the previously mentioned website.

Training a Good Idea

If you are thinking about taking your car and trailer test, we encourage you to consider training first. Training is always a good idea because it not only prepares you for the test but it also makes you safer when you are driving on the roads

The training we offer is very affordable and can be completed quickly. Furthermore, we help you every step of the way to make sure you complete the process and pass the test the first time. Please contact us if you have any questions.