Car & Trailer BE Licence Category, Procedure and Test

Nash Bridges

I thought I would post some notes I took on getting the Car and Trailer (BE) category added to your licence. I found a lot of info on boards and elsewhere so I am posting it here for anyone considering getting the BE category in future.

In summary the BE test is a full car test done with a trailer and without the 3 point turn. Everything else from the typical car test is included. In addition there are some trailer related items which you must know or be able to do. I will point out what is different or additional to the typical car (B) test. If you want to do the BE test it is probably worth getting an Irish learner driver book to see what is involved in the normal (B) driving test. I had a full licence for 14 years before doing the Trailer test so the test had changed a bit in this time.

Before doing your driving test there are a number of bureaucratic hoops to jump through. Unless you passed your car (B) test recently you will need to do a theory test. This allows you to apply for a (BE) learner permit in person at one of the new NDLS licencing centres. Which in turn allows you to apply for your driving test. Unlike the (B) car test there currently is no 6 month waiting period. After you pass your test it is back to the NDLS licencing centre to get the BE category added to you licence.

Costs
Theory test €45
Learner permit €35
3 Lessons €200
Test Fee €85
Add category to licence €35
Total €400

I also got the Theory Test CD Rom for €20 and a Learner driver book by Brian O’Leary for €10.

Vehicle and trailer requirements
The vehicle used for the test must be at least 4.25m long or else a 4x4. Harder to fulfil are the trailer requirements.
Trailer with a design gross vehicle weight of at least 1,400kg but not exceeding 3,500 kg. The cargo compartment of the trailer must consist of a permanent, closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the motor vehicle, and have a length of at least 2.4 metres. The trailer must be presented with a load of 30 four inch (100 x 220 x 450mm) solid concrete building blocks.
Also the trailer must have all lights working which will be checked and have an L Plate and matching number plate. I rented my instructors trailer for the test as this ensured that all requirements were in order.

Trailer specific Heights, Weights and facts to know which may be asked
There are a number of trailer specific facts and figures which may be asked. I was asked for quite a few of these before doing my test so they are worth noting and knowing.

• Height of Trailer,
• Towing capacity of vehicle braked and unbraked,
• Train Weight,
• Tyre Pressure
• Nose weight of trailer.
• The Max weight of trailer loaded is 3500kg for licence. For test the load must be over 800kg (30 Blocks).
• If there is more than 1.5m between hitch and front of trailer a 30cm x 30 cm flag is needed.
• The Distance between hitch and trailer cannot be more than 4.5m

Coupling and uncoupling procedure.
This will not need to be physically demonstrated but you may be asked the order of these tasks.

Coupling Trailer procedure
1. Safety Cable on 1st
2. Hitch on
3. Electric lights plugged in
4. Lock Jockey Wheel up high
5. Trailer handbrake off
6. Remove Chock from Wheel

Uncoupling Trailer procedure
1. Trailer Handbrake on
2. Chock on wheel
3. Unplug Lights Socket
4. Jockey Wheel locked down
5. Hitch Off
6. Unattach safety Cable

Reversing
Like the car (B) test reversing is probably the hardest bit of the test to master from a skill point of view. The (BE) trailer test involves reversing around a corner from a main road to side road. Some notes I made are listed below.
• Go slow, no time limit
• Hazards on, windows down
• Plenty of observation, Mirrors and looking all around
• Look before starting, before turning, from time to time. Check both mirrors.
• No need to be close to curb or corner. Keep trailer wide. Reset if necessary.
• Stop completely if there is any car or pedestrian around

Lessons and Instructors
BE instructors are not as easy to find as the Car instructors. You are best to find someone who gives commercial (trucks) instruction as well as car instruction if possible. Unlike the car there is no minimum amount of lessons required but I would recommend that you get at least one lesson and go from there. If they have a suitable trailer to rent meeting all the requirements this is also very handy. I got 2 lessons and a refresher immediately before the test. I also practiced with a trailer in between lessons. The hardest part of the test for me was overcoming all the bad habits I had picked up over the years, coasting, observation, etc. If you have done your car test recently you will probably find doing the trailer test easier.

TL:DR
Car & Trailer test is similar to car only test. Specific trailer needed for test. No lessons are required but will probably be needed. Likely to cost approx. €400 in total.

If I have left anything important out please feel free to add it.

Silvera

Excellent summary of the B+E Test / Licence requirements.

It is worth pointing out that if a driver instead decides to take the C+E (Truck and Trailer Test) you automatically get category B+E without the 3500kg towing restriction being added to your full licence.

I initially considered doing the B+E test but decided to go the 'whole hog' and take the C+E test instead (passed first time, July 2014) using a rigid + trailer combination - http://www.aclearsteerdriving.com/?page_id=46
It obviously costs more than B+E lessons/test (c.€1500 vs c.€400) and so would not suit everybody seeking to add the trailer category to their licence.

However, it is worth serious consideration as you automatically get several extra categories added to your licence upon passing the (C+E) test, namely - C+E, C1+E, B+E (unrestricted), and in my case D1+E (as I already had D1 on my full licence).

yourpics

Silvera wrote: »

Excellent summary of the B+E Test / Licence requirements.

It is worth pointing out that if a driver instead decides to take the C+E (Truck and Trailer Test) you automatically get category B+E without the 3500kg towing restriction being added to your full licence.

I initially considered doing the B+E test but decided to go the 'whole hog' and take the C+E test instead (passed first time, July 2014) using a rigid + trailer combination - http://www.aclearsteerdriving.com/?page_id=46
It obviously costs more than B+E lessons/test (c.€1500 vs c.€400) and so would not suit everybody seeking to add the trailer category to their licence.

However, it is worth serious consideration as you automatically get several extra categories added to your licence upon passing the (C+E) test, namely - C+E, C1+E, B+E (unrestricted), and in my case D1+E (as I already had D1 on my full licence).

Very useful info Silvera, I was not aware that you could get an unrestricted B+E Category this way, another bonus! Hoping to do my C+E next year!

currins_02

Excellent summary

Few things to add. For the BE test the trailer must have a Design Gross Vehicle Weight (aka: Maximum Allowable Mass) of 1,400kg AND be loaded to a real total mass of at least 800kg by use of the 30no 4" solid concrete blocks. A common issue is people turning up for tests with the blocks and everything looking tickety-boo till tester checks weight plate and DGVW of trailer is less than 1,400kg - test abandoned full stop.

Then regarding the "restriction" to 3,500kg. Technically this always existed and continues to do so. Regulations, Legislation and Technical Standards divide trailers into 4 categories (01, 02, 03 & 04). An 01 trailer is any trailer up to a DGVW/MAM of 750kg, An 02 trailer is any trailer of DGVW/MAM between 750kg and 3,500kg, 03 is a drawbar trailer over 3,500kg DGVW and 04 is a "semi trailer" i.e. towed on a "fifth wheel" as opposed to a drawbar - standard artic trailer. 03 and 04 trailers have additional requirments like needing ABS, airbrakes, road worthiness testing etc. 02 need brakes, plating (subject to date of manufacture) etc and 01 may need plating (subject to date of manufacture) but do not require brakes normally. All may be subject to needing type approval depending on date of manufacture. Sorry to get long winded but legally you may ONLY tow a category 01 or 02 trailer on a category B vehicle (i.e. what an EB licence covers). As an 02 is capped at 3,500kg DGVW the "restriction" as referred to has always been there and continues to remain unchanged, they are just making it clear now that this is the absolute maximum. A category B vehicle would not have airbrake lines or an ABS connection available for a category 03 trailer for instance so legally not allowed to tow it.

Then it should always be borne in mind that the 3,500kg is in many ways a notional legal maximum, it is never permissable to exceed either the Design Gross Combination Weight (aka Design Gross Train Weight) nor is it legally permissable to exceed the manufacturers maximum rated towing capacity (can be calculated from manufacturers weight plate affixed to vehicle or is normally printed in owners handbook and is usually rated on towbar plate too). I was involved in a recent case of a person driving a leading brand of commercial vehicle who was towing a trailer (DGVW of trailer was plated at 3,500kg), real mass of trailer at time was approximately 2,300kg, Gross Train Weight was not exceeded but manufacturers rated towing capacity was 1,400kg. Involved in a minor to medium accident (no injuries but significant damage (to 3 separate vehicles and infrastructure) plus serious traffic disruption. Insurance company has walked away from the accident as rated towing capacity was exceeded by almost 1 tonne (or approx 65% as they like to say) and authorities are awaiting direction from DPP whether to prosecute for driving with no insurance and driving an overloaded vehicle.

An EB licence is not at any time unrestricted. You are always governed by the trailer class plus the manufacturers guidelines in terms of Gross Train Weight and Rated Towing Capacity.

Silvera

Interesting post currins_02!

Why is B+E listed as "unrestricted" on older driving licences, and for holders of category C+E?

As a matter of interest, what type of commercial vehicle has a towing capacity of only 1400kg? Small jeep or van? (Afaik, a VW Passat has that sort of towing capacity)

btb

There is a limit to BE licence of 7000kg combined, see link, legality has a lot to do with capacity of towing vehicle and laden weight of trailer.

http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Learner%20Drivers/Third%20Directive/Link%208.pdf

btw B7 Passat 2.0TDI has towing capacity of 2t if memory serves me right.

Silvera

It's also interesting to note that some jeep + trailer combinations necessitate the holding of a C1 licence. I have a UK 'Trailer Towing' handbook which states that a LR Defender LWB, with certain horseboxes attached, requires the driver to hold a C1 licence.

Silvera

btb wrote: »

There is a limit to BE licence of 7000kg combined, see link, legality has a lot to do with capacity of towing vehicle and laden weight of trailer.

http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Learner%20Drivers/Third%20Directive/Link%208.pdf

btw B7 Passat 2.0TDI has towing capacity of 2t if memory serves me right.

The link above states the following -

"A car with a towing capacity of 2000kg can draw a trailer with a plated MAM of 3500kg PROVIDED the combination of the weight of the trailer and any load does not exceed the towing capacity of the car e.g. 2,000kg".

I'm confused?! Would such a combination not be rejected by an insurance company in the event of a claim? i.e. the driver is towing a trailer which - potentially - can exceed his vehicle's towing capacity.

btb

Open to correction as brain not functioning at moment,
UK is different, with regards to license and Defender, used to need C1 and tacho.
Insurance, know that with HGV's after accident, vehicle is weighed, so unless that happens with EB combo, no way of being sure that in compliance with law.

Was always of opinion that you needed EC1 if you went over 3500kg, until I found link mentioned last year. Also that if trailer was 3500kg max weight, then vehicle needed to have 3500kg towing capacity.
Have had EC license many years so never really took any notice.

Nash Bridges

It is a very interesting point to make regarding towing capacities, based on this website (http://www.uktow.com/towing%20capacity.asp) I listed some of the common vehicles used by builders, farmers and horsey folk below.

Toyota Landcrusier 3.0 D4D - 2800kg
Toyota Hilux 2.5 D-4D - 1000kg
Mitsubishi Pajero 2.5 TD Classic Short - 2800kg
Land Rover Range Rover 3.0 TD6 HSE - 3500kg

Only very large 4x4's such as full size Range Rovers and Landcruiser Amazon have the full 3500kg allowable towing capacity of a BE Licence. Popular Irish Models such as Landcruiser and Pajero are limited to 2800kg and Pick up trucks have surprisingly low towing capacities such as 1000kg for a Hilux.

There are variances within each model but in general quite a lot of towing vehicles used in Ireland are not rated to tow the full 3500kg. I can see how it would be quite easy to get caught out as per the example by currins_02 in post #4 above.

challengemaster

Nash Bridges wrote: »

Unless you passed your car (B) test recently you will need to do a theory test. This allows you to apply for a (BE) learner permit in person at one of the new NDLS licencing centres

Just wondering where you found this out? Because it contradicts whats on the NDLS website

Where you hold a full licence but are now applying for a learner permit in a different category, you must submit:
A fully completed NDLS "Application Form for a Learner Permit D201"
The appropriate fee €35
Your current full licence. If this has been lost / stolen or damaged please ensure the Garda Declaration on page 2 of the Driving Licence application form is completed
Theory Test certificate if required. This must be issued within two years of the date of application
CPC Certificate of Professional Competency (if applicable) (Link)
A completed NDLS Medical report form if required in your case For further details on when a medical report is required please click here.
Documentation to verify your PPSN
Evidence of address is required where there has been any change in your address since your last application.

How do I obtain a car and trailer licence?
You must hold a current full driving licence in the category B (car).
You must first pass a driver theory test in the category BW (if not already passed to obtain a category B licence)
Apply for a learner Permit in category BE in an NDLS centre.
After passing a driving test in the car/jeep and trailer you can then apply for the category BE to be added to your full driving licence.

Nash Bridges

challengemaster wrote: »

Just wondering where you found this out? Because it contradicts whats on the NDLS website

The theory test was not in existence when I passed my car driving test 14 years ago, so I never had to do the theory test. Based on what is quoted in your post it seems that anyone who has had to do a theory test already will not need to do it again.

So yeah, unless you count "recently" as since 2001 the op is a bit misleading. I can't seem to edit the OP so hopefully this post will do.

Silvera

Nash Bridges wrote: »

The theory test was not in existence when I passed my car driving test 14 years ago, so I never had to do the theory test. Based on what is quoted in your post it seems that anyone who has had to do a theory test already will not need to do it again.

If only that were the case!
I passed my C test in 2003 and applied for my EC provisional/permit. I didnt use my EC permit and it expired after 2 years. In 2013 I went to apply for another EC permit and was informed that I would have to re-sit my C Theory Test as my permit 'had expired over 5 years'.

I argued the point with an RSA manager over the phone, even pointing to the 'Rules of the Road where it states 'when you pass a theory test you do not have to re-sit that test again' (or words to that effect). All to no avail, I had no choice but to re-sit the C theory test! (I subsequently passed my C+E test in July 2014, first time).

currins_02

Silvera wrote: »

Interesting post currins_02!

Why is B+E listed as "unrestricted" on older driving licences, and for holders of category C+E?

As a matter of interest, what type of commercial vehicle has a towing capacity of only 1400kg? Small jeep or van? (Afaik, a VW Passat has that sort of towing capacity)

Hi Silvera,

I don't want to name specifics but it is a short wheel base panel van of 2,800kg GVW (same van is VERY popular and is available in medium & long wheel base too with various roof heights and up to 4,300kg GVW)

As you reference a Passat, staying with VW, some models of Caddy can only tow a trailer of approx 1,300kg according to the manufacturer while a 1.6TDi Golf can tow just over 1,400kg.

I contacted VW while doing a large report on this last year and was told that if you need to put a large capacity trailer behind a VW van then you have too small a van as they are designed to carry loads in them as opposed to behind them. I was also told from a manufacturers point of view the main concern is what the vehicle can stop as opposed to what it can pull. This is often based on the effectiveness of brakes in the worst case scenario (i.e. empty drawing vehicle with fully laden trailer). As such the ULW is a big difference. I suspect that this is why some cars are specified with higher capacities than some vans (as many large hatch to saloon cars would have a higher ULW than many panel vans - in the van the lower the ULW the higher the payload so they make them as light as possible).

With reference to tthe restrictions (as an RSA ADI and someone who has compiled a major report on this issue and delivered training on same) my belief is that all newly acquired category EB licence now have the note regarding limited to a trailer of GVW 3,500kg or less. That is regardless of whether that licence was obtained via an EB or EC test (I am right this second holding a colleagues licence who passed EC in October and EB has the note on it). That is irrelevant as far as I am concerned as could only every tow category 01 or 02 trailers on a category B vehicle and 02 trailers can never be more than 3,500kg GVW. Secondly it does not override the manufacturers stated capacity and there are surprisingly few category B vehicles which are rated to tow 3,500kg.

currins_02

Silvera wrote: »

It's also interesting to note that some jeep + trailer combinations necessitate the holding of a C1 licence. I have a UK 'Trailer Towing' handbook which states that a LR Defender LWB, with certain horseboxes attached, requires the driver to hold a C1 licence.

As far as I am concerned a myth propagated falsly by many unofficial sources. I have checked this extensively (because it is a commonly held belief) with enforcement and regulatory bodies in ROI, NI and mainland UK and none claim to have ever held that position.

Now, I suspect, the root of the myth in the fact that category C1 vehicles need a tachograph (with limited exceptions). Now any combination (so drawing vehicle and trailer combined) of GVW over 3,500kg potentially needs a tacho under tacho regs (barring covered by an exmeption). As far as I see not enforced in ROI mainly as many category B drawing vehicles are technically unsuitable for fitting of tacho equipment. That said the LR Defender is suitable and there have been many cases of enforcement against Defender drivers around tachos when trailers were connected in the UK. As such I think (and purely my opinion) that this has become twisted somewhere into needing a C1 licence but I can confidently say I cannot find an official body who endorse that position (trailer groups, horsey groups, farming groups, construction groups are not official in this regard)

Silvera

Thanks for the updates curriuns_02...interesting stuff!

I passed my C+E test in July 2014 and subsequently obtained my updated full licence in August 2014. Beside the B+E category it has a code which translates to '3500kg restrictions does not apply'. Are you saying this has now changed? That it was an error by the RSA?

I agree, and am aware, that the manufacturers specified GVW and/or GTW must not be exceeded in all cases.

As a matter of interest, have you ever come across a Defender (or similar vehicle) in Ireland with a tacho fitted?

Re category B vehicles - some Range Rovers have trailer capacity listed as 3501kg?!

currins_02

To be honest Silvera I haven't a clue. The processing, manufacture and issue of licences is now done by the NDLS (an off shoot of the RSA granted) but mistakes and inconsistancies across offices are still commonplace. I can assure you there is neither restriction code nor stated restriction on my colleagues licence barring the "101" code indicating the need for medical on his "commercial" categories - C, C1, EC, EC1. My argument all along is that it is, as far as I am concerned, wholly irrelevant. You may only tow a trailer up to the manufacturers stated towing capacity and you may only tow a category 01 or 02 trailer on a category B drawing vehicle, whichever case is the lower. None of that has been changed or altered. Given that 02 trailers are up to a maximum of 3,500kg the point is mute as far as I am concerned. The application or or stating of this "new" restriction is merely highlighting what has always been the case.

The only defender I ever saw physically with a Tacho fitted was a UK reg one being used by a machinery distributer at the National Ploughing Champioships a few years back (was in Kilkenny), it was pre July 06 so had an analogue tacho fitted on passenger side on bottom of dash in footwell almost. I have in my possession an extensive article from Plant & Machinery magazine (UK based) around the whole towing thing from licencing through to tachos and it includes pictures of a tacho fitted in a Defender. Not aware of a single case in Ireland. I do know personnaly of one Irish business man who had his Landcruiser and trailer impounded outside Ayr in Scotland for not fitment of a tacho, when he went looking to get it sorted (as travels to Scotland with trailer on business once a fortnight), it was found that the vehicle was not suitable for fitting of a digital tacho (2009 reg so post the June/July 06 watershed for analogue). He got a letter from main dealer confirming this. He is caught in a catch 22, can't technically fit digital but legally can't fit analogue! He is carrying the letter and continuing since but as far as I am aware has simply not been stopped since. To get the vehicle back originally he had to pay a fine and they only released it on a recovery lorry (trailer on back, jeep driving behind!).

I hadn't come across that with the Range Rover but it is both interesting and pointless. As a category 03 trailer (drawbar trailer over 3,500kg GVW) requires air brakes, ABS (based on date of manufacture) susie, annual road worthiness test and is legally barred from being towed on a category B vehicle (which don't have air brake systems, don't have ancillary ABS connections etc) the 1kg acheives nothing. There will probably be some reasoning but in reality it acheives nothing obvious at ground level.