Test change
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I have been told that from 1 July 1996 new drivers will have to take a test for each vehicle or combination they want to drive. For a Cl +E test the trailer has to be at least 2,000kg and 8.0 metres long.
That would mean the motor vehicle, to stay within the 8,250kg combination limit, could not exceed 6,250kg plated gross weight and would stop us using our 7,490kg trucks for taking the test.
Is that what will happen ?
From 1July 1996, it is
planned that a person who passes a Category B test on or after that date must take further tests to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or with more than eight seats or to draw a trailer. It is expected that some light trailers will be excluded from the extra test requirement but the regulations have not been finalised so it is not possible to be certain which trailers will be affected.
Also on 1July the combination limit on a Category Cl+E vehicle will be increased to 12 tonnes. Consequently, a driver will be able to take a Cl+E test in a 7,490kg truck towing a 2,000kg trailer.
A point to note is that, according to DVLA's proposals, an existing licence holder will be restricted to 8.25 tonnes after 1 July unless a test is taken for the higher weight.
The test vehicle in Category Cl+E from 1 July will be a goods vehicle of at least 4.000kg plated gross weight capable of exceeding 80kin/h; drawing a trailer of at least ZOOOkg; and with a combination length of at least 8.0 metres. Note that the length applies to both vehicle and trailer together.