Europe brings new 7.5t tests
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by Nicky Clarke • New drivers of vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes will have to meet tougher licensing requirements by July 1996, in order to comply with EU law.
Directive 911439 means that from 1 July 1996, before a drawbar combination can be driven, new drivers must first pass their car test and then a new lorry test in a rigid vehicle of 10 tonnes, up to 7m long and capable of driving 80km/h, which gives them their C licence.
The Directive also means that: • new drivers wanting to operate vehicles up to 7.5t must take and pass their Cl test on a goods vehicle of 4L minimum capable of speeds up to 80km/h.
• new drivers wanting to drive vehicles of between 3.5t and 7.5t pulling a trailer for which a Cl+ E licence is required, must pass a test on a Cl category vehicle pulling a trailer of 2 tonnes with a combined length of at least 8m.
• new drivers wanting Cl and Cl + E licences must also comply with the more stringent health standards as currently required by those wanting to gain a full WV licence.
• anyone who gains a Cl + E licence after the 1996 date, is entitled to drive a vehicle up to 12 tonnes maximum authorised mass, providing they are at least 21 years of age.
However, the DVLA is proposing to keep the 18 yr old minimum age for those driving vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes on a Cl + E licence. Once they are 21, they will be allowed to qualify automatically to drive vehicles up to 12 tonnes.