RE : Use of Tractor Unit without HGV licence

UK PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS FORUMS OWNER AND FLEET OPERATORS FORUM (INTERACTIVE)
1

Hi

I am trying to establish the legality, of driving a tractor unit, without a trailer, with a non HGV licence.

I have been told, that it may be possible, if the 5th wheel is dismantled, therefore no trailer can be attached.

Is this possible, or are there other ways of driving the cab unit legally, without a HGV licence.

Regards Martin Burney

2

There are a couple of things that need to be taken into consideration.

First of all the tractor unit would need to have a working weight of less than 7.5 tonnes, the working weight is the weight of the vehicle, in it’s working condition, without fuel.

Second you need a category C1 licence, licences issued before 1997 (I think it was) automatically have a C1 entitlement. Not having the 5th wheel fitted makes it an incomplete vehicle for the purposes of the regulations and that is why you can drive it on a C1 and don’t need an LGV licence.