Laden testing update
Laden testing will now be introduced for all vehicles from 30 September 2013.
Our last update on the real total mass / ‘laden testing’ requirement for minimum test vehicles said it would be introduced from Monday 30 September 2013 initially only for vehicles registered after 19 January 2007.
It also said that vehicles registered before that date could continue to present for test un-laden until 19 January 2017.
This is no longer the case.
Rules from September 2013
From Monday 30 September 2013 all vehicles in the following categories (regardless of when they were first registered) must turn up for test with a load:
C, C+E
trailers of categories B+E, C1+E
trailers of categories D+E, D1+E
From 30 September 2013 vehicles used in these categories of tests must have a load as shown in the table.
The load is shown for bagged sand or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).
Vehicle category Vehicle or trailer Minimum real weight Minimum load requirement
B+E Trailer 800 kg 600 kg of sand or a 1,000 litre IBC
C Vehicle 10,000 kg 5 x 1,000 litre IBCs
C1+E Trailer 800 kg 600 kg of sand or a 1,000 litre IBC
C+E Towing lorry and trailer 10,000 kg for lorry and 5,000 kg for trailer 5 x 1,000 litre IBCs (lorry) and 3 x 1,000 litre IBCs (trailer)
C+E Combination 15,000 kg 8 x 1,000 litre IBCs
D1+E Trailer 800 kg 600 kg of sand or a 1,000 litre IBC
D+E Trailer 800 kg 600 kg of sand or a 1,000 litre IBC
i think that is a sensible improvement. trucks handle very differently when loaded… but! it will have an effect on the acceleration and braking distances. will the examiners be taking this into account when giving out marks for hesitancy? and how will this effect the price of training with the extra fuel costs?
it will have an effect on the acceleration and braking distances. will the examiners be taking this into account when giving out marks for hesitancy? and how will this effect the price of training with the extra fuel costs?
I cant really speak for the examiners, but I would expect them to mark according to the vehicle’s weight and abilities. I have no reason to expect anything different.
I think you can reasonably expect training costs to rise but I wouldn’t expect massive increases. Certainly, I wouldn’t let it affect a decision as to when to train. I really hope we dont get a panic rush leading up to September as we’ve experienced with other changes over the years.
Until we’ve trialled loaded training, we really dont know what the extra costs are and guessing is not a good way to run a business.
But I am pleased that the DSA have decided to apply the rules across the board rather than peanalise those of us running newer vehicles. At least that ensures a level playing field which is just and proper.
ROG:
OK, which of you trainers want me to bring some sand back from the east coast later this year ?
For those that do B+E is the minimum 800 kg unladen weight going to be an issue ?
Rog , don’t see the 800kg as a minimum unladen weight , its quoted as real weight, so trailer must be 800kg minimum with the 600kg load ? Or have I read this wrong, Peter is this your view ?
ROG:
OK, which of you trainers want me to bring some sand back from the east coast later this year ?
For those that do B+E is the minimum 800 kg unladen weight going to be an issue ?
Rog , don’t see the 800kg as a minimum unladen weight , its quoted as real weight, so trailer must be 800kg minimum with the 600kg load ? Or have I read this wrong, Peter is this your view ?
Good point = I might have read that the wrong way but I dont think so
ROG:
OK, which of you trainers want me to bring some sand back from the east coast later this year ?
For those that do B+E is the minimum 800 kg unladen weight going to be an issue ?
Rog , don’t see the 800kg as a minimum unladen weight , its quoted as real weight, so trailer must be 800kg minimum with the 600kg load ? Or have I read this wrong, Peter is this your view ?
Good point = I might have read that the wrong way but I dont think so
Hopefully one of us is right , jury out to see which one.
Minimum real weight = 800
Minimum load weight = 600 = That means at least 600 must be loaded into itMinimum real weight = 800
That’s certainly my understanding. Of course, there is no way of proving the “Minimum Real Weight” whereas the 600kg of sand in sealed, marked bags (as I have been led to believe) is quite clear.
There will be abuse of the rules, of course. There will be the smart-arses who leave the forward-most IBC’s empty working on the principle that no examiner is going to climb into the back of the truck. And, o dear, there’s a padlock on the back doors and I haven’t got a clue where the key is!!
But overall, it should work reasonably well. Who knows, maybe some of the training “wrecks” will be updated at last so they can carry a load.
Personally, I can’t wait. The sooner the better. I’ve already got the IBC’s so roll on September.
Will the 600 kg of sand if in 24 x 25kg bags need to be strapped down, if they are on the floor of trailer in one layer they are not going to move or will the DSA want them on a pallet ?
The requirement is that examiners must be able to satisfy themselves the relevant load is being carried. Hence IBC’s. They must be transparent and available for inspection. No key for the padlock could result in the exam being cancelled.
Just a bit of a inconvenience to us trainers but probably inevitable that training costs will rise a little. Can’t see much differnce in the handling of the vehicles with basically half laden trucks. More traction tho.
, jury out to see which one.