(I I notice that in some CM road tests the
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vehicle is being driven under trade plates. Is it permissible to use trade plates for this purpose and, as your driver is not an employee of the holder of the trade licence is he permitted to drive?
A Yes, it is permitted to use a vehicle under trade plates for road tests and the Commercial Motor driver may do so quite legitimately. Regulation 32(4) (d) of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 1971 allows a mechanically propelled vehicle to be used on a road by the holder of a trade licence for "its test or trial for the benefit of a person interested in promoting publicity in regard to it . . ."
Regulation 24 allows a person to use a vehicle displaying a trade plate on a public road with the consent of the holder of the trade licence.