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Q I am about to apply for a Class 2 hgv
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driving test and would like to know if I can take lessons and the test in a recovery vehicle which is not registered and therefore runs on trade plates?
If I pass the test, can I drive rigid vehicles with automatic transmission?
A It is not permissible to take lessons in
a recovery vehicle under trade plates for the purpose of entering for the heavy goods vehicle driving test or to take the test in such a vehicle.
So far as recovery vehicles are concerned, trade plates are issued under Part V of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 1971. Section 28(a) of the regulations states, briefly, that a motor trader can make application for trade plates to be issued for all recovery vehicles kept by him for the purpose of dealing with disabled vehicles in the course of his business.
Section 35 deals with the purposes, for which a vehicle displaying trade plates may be used. Sub-paragraph (3) limits the use of recovery vehicles to dealing with disabled vehicles in the course of business and subparagraph (4)(1) amplifies this to proceeding to and returning from a place where assistance is to be or has been rendered to a disabled vehicle and for carrying or towing a disabled vehicle from where it has broken down or other such place to a place for repair, storage or breaking up.
Moreover, Section 40 defines the passengers who can be carried on a vehicle displaying trade plates. Learner drivers are not among these, neither is the hgv driving test included in the permitted uses of such vehicles.
If you pass the test, however, and obtain a Class 2 licence, this entitles you to drive rigid vehicles with automatic transmission as well as those with manual gearboxes.