“There is a slight BE test backlog which the RSA (Road Safety Authority) is working hard to reduce weekly,” a spokesperson for the body has confirmed to That’s Farming.
The editor of this online farming publication, Catherina Cunnane, submitted a request for information in relation to BE tests to the agency’s press office this week.
A category B+E licence allows a combination of drawing a vehicle in category B and a trailer where the MAM of the trailer is not greater than 3,500kgs.
A spokesperson confirmed that “there are 535 customers currently waiting on a category BE test”,
“2,034 customers have been offered a test but have not booked as of January 20th, 2023.”
According to the spokesperson, 3,010 BE tests took place in 2022. Meanwhile, the body revealed to us, the average number of driving tests that have taken place in BE over the past four years is 2,815.
BE lessons and your test
For those who do not hold a full licence for towing a BE-type trailer, such as a general duty trailer, a livestock trailer or a horsebox, they will need to pass a practical driving test.
There are a number of key areas that you need to cover before attempting a practical driving test.
Once you have obtained your learner permit for your BE licence, in some cases, which make require you to complete a theory test, continue to familiarise yourself with the rules of the road booklet, as on the day of your practical driving test, the examiner will quiz your knowledge on this.
The RSA (Road Safety Authority) strongly recommends that you seek professional tuition from an Approved Driving Instructor, also known as an ADI, before your practical driving test.
An ADI will prepare you for your test by providing best-practice advice in relation to towing a trailer, covering safe towing, coupling, uncoupling, reversing, parks and manoeuvring.
Readers should note that before you obtain your full BE licence, at all times, when you are behind the wheel with a trailer, you must be supervised by an experienced BE licence holder.
As the RSA stresses, practice is “key”, so build up your practice towing your trailer on different types of roads in various conditions gradually.
Begin by carrying out vehicle checks, including coupling and uncoupling your trailer correctly and securing loads.
Then, advance your patience to towing an empty trailer before transporting a partially loaded trailer and then a full load.
It is important that you always drive at a speed that is appropriate for your driving experience and traffic and road conditions.
It is important to remember that the maximum speed for towing a trailer is 80km/hour unless a lower speed limit sign indicates otherwise.
