Posted on 21/07/2021 09:09
I've just seen a headline on the online version of The Telegraph stating the government is thinking of scrapping the B+E test so examiners can be freed up to take HGV tests to try and lighten the shortage of lorry drivers. Surely that would confuse the whole towing issue.
I couldn't read the article because it faded out as it was a subscription issue. Anyone else have further news.
Posted on 26/08/2021 14:43
Yes I've got much better things to spend that sort of money on.. that's several good holidays on CAMC sites for starters!
I guess my gripe is just aimed at the current towing laws full stop! Sorry for the rant, but I'm from the younger generation and admit to having a real bee in my bonnet at not having the same towing entitlements, when I'm at no more or a less a risk really than someone who took their driving test a year before me.
As i have said before, I can tow my current outfit with or without the test, Its just a shame that if I wanted to (in my mind) make it an even 'safer' outfit by say purchasing a slightly heavier car, then I have to pay to take a test - for doing exactly the same thing as I'm currently already doing!
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Posted on 26/08/2021 14:43 by MHGYes I've got much better things to spend that sort of money on.. that's several good holidays on CAMC sites for starters!
I guess my gripe is just aimed at the current towing laws full stop! Sorry for the rant, but I'm from the younger generation and admit to having a real bee in my bonnet at not having the same towing entitlements, when I'm at no more or a less a risk really than someone who took their driving test a year before me.
As i have said before, I can tow my current outfit with or without the test, Its just a shame that if I wanted to (in my mind) make it an even 'safer' outfit by say purchasing a slightly heavier car, then I have to pay to take a test - for doing exactly the same thing as I'm currently already doing!
Posted on 26/08/2021 14:57
I’m afraid that's life. Driving licence regs have changed many times over the years. Some of us are lucky enough to have 'grandfather's rights' to certain things but not to others. You're of the generation caught in the B+E change whilst some of us older ones found ourselves needing HGV tests.
While I completely understand your logic, I think I'd still take the test to give myself freedom of choice unless the scrapping of it becomes a certainty.
Posted on 26/08/2021 13:53 by TinwheelerThe first point is debatable. I took it as it's OK he can still tow without taking the test. Otherwise, why say "and what's worse…"?
The second point is simply your own wild speculation.
Anything else you want to quibble about?😬
Posted on 26/08/2021 14:43 by MHGYes I've got much better things to spend that sort of money on.. that's several good holidays on CAMC sites for starters!
I guess my gripe is just aimed at the current towing laws full stop! Sorry for the rant, but I'm from the younger generation and admit to having a real bee in my bonnet at not having the same towing entitlements, when I'm at no more or a less a risk really than someone who took their driving test a year before me.
As i have said before, I can tow my current outfit with or without the test, Its just a shame that if I wanted to (in my mind) make it an even 'safer' outfit by say purchasing a slightly heavier car, then I have to pay to take a test - for doing exactly the same thing as I'm currently already doing!
Posted on 26/08/2021 15:27 by Tinwheeler"I'm sure I could find something else that you could argue with me"
You got that the wrong way around.🙄
Posted on 21/07/2021 09:09 by harrybI've just seen a headline on the online version of The Telegraph stating the government is thinking of scrapping the B+E test so examiners can be freed up to take HGV tests to try and lighten the shortage of lorry drivers. Surely that would confuse the whole towing issue.
I couldn't read the article because it faded out as it was a subscription issue. Anyone else have further news.
Posted on 27/08/2021 09:48
I am not convinced that the BE requirement is actually effective in improving road safety at all. For many years, the standard licence included BE entitlement. Was there statistical evidence to show accidents were happening because of untrained car+trailer drivers? I doubt it! I think it was simply over-regulation by government (UK and/or EU).
Do all trailer towers actually have a BE licence? No! I have twice come across those who claim ignorance of such a law.
If the test requirement was dropped, and BE appeared on the standard licence, would there be carnage on our roads because of it? I doubt it!
No doubt there would be an outcry from those who did the test under the old law? For sure!
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Posted on 27/08/2021 09:48 by obbernockleI am not convinced that the BE requirement is actually effective in improving road safety at all. For many years, the standard licence included BE entitlement. Was there statistical evidence to show accidents were happening because of untrained car+trailer drivers? I doubt it! I think it was simply over-regulation by government (UK and/or EU).
Do all trailer towers actually have a BE licence? No! I have twice come across those who claim ignorance of such a law.
If the test requirement was dropped, and BE appeared on the standard licence, would there be carnage on our roads because of it? I doubt it!
No doubt there would be an outcry from those who did the test under the old law? For sure!
harryb
Caravanner from Nottinghamshire