EB License - How to obtain?

BeardyGit

I have a full B license. I don't need or want a C license, but I'd like to be able to tow an Ifor Williams type fully braked car transporter behind my landrover occasionally. Can anyone explain to me what the process is with regard to obtaining an EB category approval on my license? Specifically:

1. Do I need a provisional/learner permit for the EB category?

2. If yes, do I keep my current license and simply have a LP for the EB category?

3. Will the test require me to tow a trailer of over 750kg weight etc? Or can it be completed with a lightweight single axle type trailer - The reason is that I'd need to make arrangements to borrow the transporter well in advance.

4. Do all centres test for EB?

I know it's an unusual enough thing for someone to want EB on their license, but I wouldn't take the chance of towing an uninsured trailer....

Thanks,

Gil

DriveSkill

Gil_Dub wrote: »

1. Do I need a provisional/learner permit for the EB category?

Yes, you need a new Learner Permit.

Gil_Dub wrote: »

2. If yes, do I keep my current license and simply have a LP for the EB category?

Yes, your keep you full B licence and you just get a Learner Permit for EB, once you pass the test you will have a single full licence with both B and EB categories. The same restrictions apply while you are driving on the EB permit (i.e. L Plates and accompanying driver with a full EB licence)

Gil_Dub wrote: »

3. Will the test require me to tow a trailer of over 750kg weight etc? Or can it be completed with a lightweight single axle type trailer - The reason is that I'd need to make arrangements to borrow the transporter well in advance.

There are very specific requirements on the trailer for the EB licence which are stricter if your vehicle is registered after 2004 (now why that has any impact on a car trailer is beyond me that those are the rules!). Basically the trailer needs to be at least 1400kg and at least 2.4 m long. If the car is registered after 2004 it also needs to be a 'closed box' trailer (i.e. like a horse box) which would mean that your rear vision is dependant on side mirrors only. Full details on the trailer specs are available in the rules of the road here :

http://www.rulesoftheroad.ie/your-licence-and-vehicle/representative-vehicles-for-driving-test/index.html

Gil_Dub wrote: »

4. Do all centres test for EB?

I'm not actually 100% on this, I have a feeling the answer is 'no' but at the same time I would think all of the larger RSA test centers should be able to accomodate the EB test. There are only a few differences between it and a normal B test : a) you wont be asked to do a turnabout and b) you have a choice of either left or right reverse and the tester will be outside the car while you are doing it.

The EB test is not very common - in fact I've only ever heard of one person doing it!

Best of luck with it.

Declan.

Farls

I was interested in doing this myself but the fact that you have to have a 'closed box body' trailer and the dimensions don't match up to the trailers I have means I would have to hire a trailer for the day. This makes no sense at all.

It's like having to do your driving test in a lorry so as you can drive a car.

BeardyGit

Well, my trailer's plenty long enough @ 14', and my landrover is a '98 so it'll be fine, even as a drop side flatbed. I'm going to have to rent a horsebox or similar or borrow a newer 4x4. Arse. Looks the advise earlier on this thread got it the wrong way 'round.

Have my test application gone in, just waiting on the date.

Farls

Fair play for doing it. It sounds like an awful lot of hassle. Let us know how ya get on anyway!

Wishbone Ash

Gil_Dub wrote: »

I know it's an unusual enough thing for someone to want EB on their license

It's not unusual at all. It's just that most people with an EB licence got it when they were given out automatically with a B or they attained it be default by passing a test in a much larger trailer category. For example, all artic (EC) drivers will also have an EB.

DriveSkill wrote: »

The same restrictions apply while you are driving on the EB permit (i.e. L Plates and accompanying driver with a full EB licence)

....and the accompanying driver must have held the EB licence for at least 2 years.

You will also be required to have the EB Learner Permit for 6 months before undertaking a driving test.

DriveSkill wrote:

There are very specific requirements on the trailer for the EB licence which are stricter if your vehicle is registered after 2004 (now why that has any impact on a car trailer is beyond me that those are the rules!).

Presumably it is to allow the new regulations to come into force to the maximum effect. A trailer 'carries' the registration of the towing vehicle. If they were to ignore the towing vehicle's registration, there would be nothing to stop people from unearthing old trailers to get around the new specifications and effectively rendering them useless.

DriveSkill wrote:

I'm not actually 100% on this, I have a feeling the answer is 'no' but at the same time I would think all of the larger RSA test centers should be able to accomodate the EB test

Any test centre which does truck tests will do EB tests as it is usually truck examiners who conduct them. A category B examiner can only do B tests whereas those who do truck and bus tests can cover almost any category. (I had the same examiner for the artic truck test and the motorcycle test).

DriveSkill wrote:

The EB test is not very common - in fact I've only ever heard of one person doing it!

It's quite rare alright but the category is common as many get it by default.

Farls wrote: »

the fact that you have to have a 'closed box body' trailer and the dimensions don't match up to the trailers I have means I would have to hire a trailer for the day. This makes no sense at all

How does it make no sense at all? How are they to know that you are going to continue to use the same trailer? I had to hire an artic truck, a rigid truck, a bus and a motorcycle to do the tests. It's perfectly normal.

Gil_Dub wrote: »

Well, my trailer's plenty long enough @ 14', and my landrover is a '98 so it'll be fine, even as a drop side flatbed. I'm going to have to rent a horsebox or similar or borrow a newer 4x4. Arse. Looks the advise earlier on this thread got it the wrong way 'round

If you present a 1998 towing vehicle for the test, then you are only required to meet the old regulations, i.e.:

1. must be capable of 100kph
2. trailer gross weight of 1,400kgs*
3. trailer at least 2.4 metres long and at least 1.2 metres wide.

(* I'm open to correction but the regulations don't specify that the trailer must be laden or unladen. If your trailer is a flat bed, find it's net weight and if its below 1,400kgs add bags of coal/cement etc. to bring it up to 1,400kgs.)

trad

Curious that the trailer must be capable of 100km/h when the speed limit whilst towing is 80 km/h.

The 1400 kg is the gross trailer weight as in the maximum design weight, not the unladen weight of the trailer.

Wishbone Ash

trad wrote: »

Curious that the trailer must be capable of 100km/h when the speed limit whilst towing is 80 km/h

I'd imagine that this is to ensure that the person is being tested on a standard car type vehicle or a standard 'jeep' type 4x4 vehicle (i.e. a passenger vehicle towing a trailer).

If the regulations didn't state this, there would be nothing preventing a person from presenting themselves for a EB test with a 'works' vehicle and trailer or similar vehicle.

Dankoozy

Gil_Dub wrote: »

I have a full B license. I don't need or want a C license

off topic but does a C license allow you to tow a trailer with an ordinary car?

Del2005

Dankoozy wrote: »

off topic but does a C license allow you to tow a trailer with an ordinary car?

No. With a C the max you can tow is 750kg. With a B you have more lee way once you don't exceed 3500kg, or 4250kg depending on how you read the rules.

Richie15

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I'd imagine that this is to ensure that the person is being tested on a standard car type vehicle or a standard 'jeep' type 4x4 vehicle (i.e. a passenger vehicle towing a trailer).

It has to be a 4x4 or have at least 2 meters of floor space in a closed comparment behind the seats (i.e. a van), a regular car wont do. Can't remember where I read this, think it was a poster in the test center.

Del2005 wrote: »

No. With a C the max you can tow is 750kg. With a B you have more lee way once you don't exceed 3500kg, or 4250kg depending on how you read the rules.

With a category B, C or D full licence (not learner permit but that's another issue) you can only tow a trailer with a gross weight of up to 750kg or the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle, whichever in lighter. I don't know where you heard about this leeway, unless you're refering to Garda discresion? Even still, I doubt it'd stretch that far.

746watts

Richie15 wrote: »

It has to be a 4x4 or have at least 2 meters of floor space in a closed comparment behind the seats (i.e. a van), a regular car wont do. Can't remember where I read this, think it was a poster in the test center.
quote]

I passed my EB test 2 years ago(with a jeep and horsebox) and the paperwork sent out prior to the test says towing vehicle must be either a 4x4 or a car longer than 4.25m (Passat is 4.6m).

Tester will ask you how high the horsebox is too(if thats what you're using), with railway bridges in mind.
You'll be asked before you go out which direction you want to reverse around a corner, left handed or right handed, righthanded ie easier as you'll have better vision out the drivers window and mirror, the tester exits the jepp before you start to reverse and will watch your blind spot and indicate to you when to stop as you come around the corner and parrallel reverse to the kerb.
good luck with with EB test etc.

Del2005

Richie15 wrote: »

With a category B, C or D full licence (not learner permit but that's another issue) you can only tow a trailer with a gross weight of up to 750kg or the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle, whichever in lighter. I don't know where you heard about this leeway, unless you're refering to Garda discresion? Even still, I doubt it'd stretch that far.

From several threads on here and below from the RSA website, as part 1 doesn't give a weight limit for the trailer and part 2 is only an or. Personally I believe what you posted but others have posted valid reasons why B licences can tow more then 750kg.

Towing a Trailer
If you hold a category B licence and wish to tow a trailer you may do so provided
(1) the design gross vehicle weight of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle and the combination does not exceed 3500 kg or
(2) the design gross vehicle weight of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg.
If you wish to tow a heavier trailer you must hold a category EB licence.
The holder of a driving licence in category C1, C, D1 or D may tow a trailer provided the design gross vehicle weight of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg. Categories EC1, EC, ED1 or ED (depending on the towing vehicle) must be held in order to tow trailers in excess of 750 kg.

http://www.rsa.ie/SERVICES/RSA_Services/Driver_Licensing.html

JohnCleary

Hi folks. I'm interested in doing the EB test (after I get the learners permit of course)... Quick question.

It mentions the trailer and 1400KG. Does this mean that the trailer must weigh at least 1400KG, or must be CAPABLE of holding at least 1400KG? The plan would be to do the test with an empty twin-axle trailer, which weighs around 400KG, but has a capacity of over 2000KG

Richie15

Yeh think it's the GVW, i.e. the max weight whether or not it's laden at the moment.

^whitey^

I'm applying for my EB learner permit (already have ... http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/travel-and-recreation/motoring-1/driver-licensing/learner-driving-permits-for-trailers#howtoapply


1)Do I need to resit the Theory test? I haven't done it in over 2 years.
2)Do I need another eyesight report even though I already have a full B license?

Cheers,
Eoin.

^whitey^

^whitey^ wrote: »

I'm applying for my EB learner permit (already have ... http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/travel-and-recreation/motoring-1/driver-licensing/learner-driving-permits-for-trailers#howtoapply


1)Do I need to resit the Theory test? I haven't done it in over 2 years.
2)Do I need another eyesight report even though I already have a full B license?

Cheers,
Eoin.

Just got the permit this morning so to answer my own questions
1) No
2) No

Faith+1

If you pass the Artic (EC) does that automatically give you the EB??? I'd assume if you can handle an Artic you can handle a horsebox and Jeep!???

Richie15

Faith+1 wrote: »

If you pass the Artic (EC) does that automatically give you the EB??? I'd assume if you can handle an Artic you can handle a horsebox and Jeep!???

Yep. Or if you pass ED that'll give you EB too, but I think most people get ED automatically when they get the Bus and Artic.

aTrolley

Does it matter if you do the test in an automatic or manual drive 4x4 or car?

Del2005

aTrolley wrote: »

Does it matter if you do the test in an automatic or manual drive 4x4 or car?

If done in an auto you can only drive auto. If done manual you can drive both

Muckit

Hi there

I've applied for the EB test.

I just have a few questions that maybe someone can answer.

1) Just wondering if I need to put an L plate on the tail gate/ramp of the trailer aswel as the back door of the jeep?
2) Are you supposed to put on 'flashers' when doing reverse turn (seeing as there is no reverse lights on trailer?
3) If I'm borrowing a trailer, will I have to change number plates on trailer?
4) Will the tester get me to couple/uncouple the trailer or is it just a theory question he asks?

Thanks for all your help

Richie15

Muckit wrote: »

1) Just wondering if I need to put an L plate on the tail gate/ramp of the trailer aswel as the back door of the jeep?

Yes, the back of the trailer should have an L-plate. I don't think you have to have one on the Jeep but, if in doubt, I'd say do both. You definitely wont be penalised for having too many, as long as one of them is right.

Muckit wrote: »

2) Are you supposed to put on 'flashers' when doing reverse turn (seeing as there is no reverse lights on trailer?

There should be reverse lights on the trailer, otherwise the vehicle isn't roadworthy. Your test will be cancelled and you will forfeit your fee.

Muckit wrote: »

3) If I'm borrowing a trailer, will I have to change number plates on trailer?

Yes, the plates on the trailer must match those on the vehicle.

Muckit wrote: »

4) Will the tester get me to couple/uncouple the trailer or is it just a theory question he asks?

Both, I think. You'll have to do it anyway, but you might have to explain what you're doing. (Don't forget to take off the number plate once it's uncoupled, and obviously put it back on when it's coupled again).

Muckit

Thanks for your reply. Just wondering, have you done the EB test (in Ireland) yourself Richie15?

JohnCleary

Hi folks quick question. Got my learner permit this morning. I currently have full b license. So on the learner permit to I tick eb and b? Or do I have a seperate eb license?

Muckit

JohnCleary wrote: »

Hi folks quick question. Got my learner permit this morning. I currently have full b license. So on the learner permit to I tick eb and b? Or do I have a seperate eb license?

John

I'm afraid you'I have to pass and get your full B licence FIRST, before you can apply for your provisional EB and do your full EB test. It's a long drawn out process unfortunately:mad:

Del2005

JohnCleary wrote: »

Hi folks quick question. Got my learner permit this morning. I currently have full b license. So on the learner permit to I tick eb and b? Or do I have a seperate eb license?

You already have a B licence so you only need to tick for an EB permit.

When towing a trailer you'll need to carry your full B, permit EB and a passenger who's held an EB licence for more then 2 years.

mk1esc

id like to apply for this test also.....

i ave a few questions of my own

1: do i need to sit the theory test even though i have a full b license?
2: whats the story with the eb learners permit, ie were do i get one and what do i need for one?
3: ive got a passat and ave towed a transporter trailer with a mk2 escort on it, the escort weighs less than 1 ton, 904kg, trailer must weigh 1 ton, and the passat weighs around 1.5ton or so so would i be over weight?
4: can i got to do the test in a lwb transit or does it have to be a 4x4?

thanks

JohnCleary

Whiel we're on the topic folks...

About to send off my application for learner permit for the EB license. I am confused as to whether or not I need to send in my Full B license in with it?

The application states:
CURRENT/LAST LICENSE TO ACCOMPANY APPLICATION
Your application for the issure or renewal of a learner permit must be accompanied by:
Your current or most recently issued driving license, if you hold a driving license or held one within the previous 10 years