My friend who owns horses was complaining to me today about how she can’t pull her horsebox trailer, only her man can and he is rarely available, as she only has the provisional entitlement B+E. I explained to her that I’d help but my insurance doesn’t cover me to drive anybody else’s vehicle at the moment as it was still a little too high. I did however offer to sit beside her but she said that I need to be insured on the vehicle too in case something were to happen.
I didn’t think this was true but the more I thought about it it seemed to make sense… if something happened with her (she is insured) then I wouldn’t be able to take over the vehicle, however I have done a bit of research and it seems the only the learner needs insurance and the supervisor doesn’t?
All other bases are covered ie, 21+ license for 3 years with appropriate category. Can any of the trainers shed light on this?
To be a pedant: You haven’t held the category for 3 years. I’m assuming that you got your BE with your CE, so you’ll have only had it for 3 years in late April.
Driving lessons and learning to drive: Overview - GOV.UK This doesn’t say anything about insurance. Maybe have your friend check with their insurer about towing. Also I’m not sure you’re even necessary. Cat B allows a combination mass of 3500kg. If you’ve got say, a 2t Land Rover and a 1t 'oss box, she can probably tow it already (making the test unnecessary).
Fixed the links.
EDIT: Driving licence categories - GOV.UK Here is the proof. As long as the combo MAM doesn’t go over 3500kg, you’re (they’re) golden (So you couldn’t take a big Sprinter and the 'oss box (if the 'oss boxes MAM is over 750kg. I don’t really know how heavy an 'oss might be))
EDIT 2: I’ve looked at some trailers online. Your friend will probably have to do the B+E after all.
SUPERVISING A B+E LEARNER
In April 2010 new rules were introduced for those supervising certain learner drivers but they only affected those supervising VOCATIONAL categories such as C1 C1+E D1 & D1+E where the supervising driver had those categories given to them for free when they passed a pre 1997 car test.
They do not affect those with a pre 1997 B+E licence who wish to supervise a B+E learner.
All B licence holders have B+E provisional on the paper part of their licence and can tow an empty or loaded trailer on all roads including motorways.
The usual rules apply when a learner is driving -
The supervising driver must be aged over 21
The supervising driver must have held a B+E licence for at least 3 years
L plates must be fitted to the front of the vehicle and the rear of the trailer
Correct insurance for a B+E learner
The supervising driver does not need to be insured unless they are driving
B LICENCE TOWING
There is one extra rule on top of the usual towing rules and that is …
The plated GVW/MAM of the towing vehicle added to the plated MAM of the trailer must not add up to more than 3500 kg
Licences go on the plated MAM weights not the actual weights
Some of the Gov internet pages on this issue have missed off the word MAM - they have been informed but so far have not remedied the situation
with one horse your friend may be ok to tow it on a B licence but I would need to know a lot more - perhaps if they join the H&H site and pose their Q on that link …
Trailers can be down plated if the manufacturer is still trading
One example might be
Vehicle GVW 2200
Trailer plated at 1700 but down plated to 1300
Trailer empty = 700
Max load for trailer = 600
htmldude:
To be a pedant: You haven’t held the category for 3 years. I’m assuming that you got your BE with your CE, so you’ll have only had it for 3 years in late April.
htmldude:
To be a pedant: You haven’t held the category for 3 years. I’m assuming that you got your BE with your CE, so you’ll have only had it for 3 years in late April.
No, I had it before.
Thanks for all the advice.
When did you get an earlier B+E ? - going to assume you passed a B+E test at some point …