B+E test could be scrapped

 ... Surely that would confuse the whole towing issue.

I thought it was already confused .... We now have the ridiculous situation of a new/newer driver that can tow a 1749kg trailer with a 1750kg car but isn't allowed to tow that same trailer with something more suitable like a 2tonne plus 4x4 But that same new/newer driver can pass his/her test & get behind the wheel of a 200mph supercar the same day. And IIRC the rules changed again after Jan 97/98 🤷‍♂️

I can't find anything to suggest they're going to be scrapped but it maybe that they're going to to suspend doing the tests & prioritising tests for would be HGV drivers ..... apparently there's a shortage of HGV drivers

Can anyone remember what the rational was for changing the system in 1997? I assume that scraping the test would just take us back to the pre 1997 rules? Could one argue that it is a bit strange that a 35 year old can tow less than an 85 year old without doing another test?

It's difficult, without more precise information, but is it just a suspension of the trailer tests for a temporary period or is it permanent? 

David

I understand that HGV drivers under 70 are re-tested [checked] every three years and those over 70 every year.  Could it be that those re-tests are being delayed and putting many off the road?  If so it may be that examiners are being instructed to concentrate on those.  Also, I'm fairly confident that most examiners are not qualified to test HGV drivers.  

Aren't these test medical rather than driving?

I gather it is nothing more than a suggestion, myself I cannot see it having much of an impact if it went ahead. Just how many are taking B+E tests?

peedee

It does seem the proposal is to do away with them

LINK to telegraph article

Interesting the IAM has weighed in against the idea without citing any evidence for their view!

You could well be right about the medical side but I thought they also had to cover some form of competency / on going learning thing as well.  Could be wrong .

I still can't see how the suggestion is going to help much as the majority of examiners still don't have the qualifications to carry out HGV tests.

I'm not surprised about the IAM response.  We have an I AM "expert" in the family .  

Not sure about scrapping B+E tests as there are enough idiots out there without adding  untrained ones to pool .

With regard to instruction and tests we must have something local because there are lots of vehicles towing with L plates. Literally saw one on our way out today, horsebox towing and training, not seen that before but various trainers - logos on gives them away 😉 generally a box trailer being towed. I presume some must be on tests.

DIL did hers, for taking trailers from farm to farm when not connected by fields, son has yet to do his. I know of a friends daughter who is mad keen go get a horse and she will need to get training to tow. That's how they're keeping her waiting 😉