Test Vehicle Requirements for Car and Trailer Tests

Summary

Preparing for your driving test involves more than just studying theory; your test vehicle must meet specific criteria. This article outlines the requirements for cars, motorcycles, and car-trailer combinations, ensuring you are fully equipped for your driving examination. From weight limits to necessary fittings, we cover all the details to help you pass your test with flying colors.

Vehicle Requirements for Car Tests

General Requirements

Vehicles presented for the driving test must adhere to the following specifications:

• Weight and Speed: The vehicle must be a four-wheeled vehicle with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500 kilograms (kg). It should be capable of reaching a speed of at least 100 kilometers per hour (km/h) or 62.5 miles per hour (mph).
• Safety Features: The car or van must be equipped with:
  • A seatbelt for the examiner.
  • A passenger head restraint, which does not need to be adjustable but must be an integral part of the seat. Slip-on type head restraints are not permitted.
  • An interior mirror for the examiner's use.
  • L-plates displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle, ensuring they do not obstruct the driver’s or examiner’s view.
  • A speedometer that measures speed in both miles per hour and kilometers per hour.
• Roadworthiness: The vehicle must be legal and roadworthy, with no warning lights (e.g., airbag warning light) showing.

Category B1 Vehicles

For motor-powered tricycles or quadricycles, the requirements are as follows:

• Weight and Speed: The vehicle must have an unladen weight of no more than 550 kg and be capable of reaching at least 60 km/h (37.25 mph).

Vehicle Requirements for Car and Trailer Tests (Category B + E)

General Requirements

For car and trailer combinations, the following criteria must be met:

• Vehicle and Trailer: The car or van must be a category B vehicle towing a suitably braked, unladen trailer with a minimum MAM of one tonne. The examiner may request evidence of the trailer's MAM, such as the manufacturer’s plate.
• Braking and Coupling: All vehicle combinations must operate on appropriate brakes and utilize a coupling arrangement suitable for the weight.

Additional Standards

From April 1, 2006, irrespective of the vehicle's registration date, the following additional standards apply:

• Mirrors: Externally mounted, nearside, and offside mirrors for use by the examiner or any person supervising the test must be fitted.
• Cargo Compartment: For category B+E vehicles first used on or after October 1, 2003, the trailer's cargo compartment must consist of a closed box body that is at least as wide and as high as the towing vehicle. The closed box body may be slightly less wide than the towing vehicle, provided that the view to the rear is only possible by using the external rear-view mirrors.

Interesting Statistics

• According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the pass rate for the practical driving test in the UK was 46.4% in 2020-2021. Source: DVSA
• The number of people taking the car and trailer test (Category B+E) has been steadily increasing, with over 30,000 tests conducted annually. Source: DVSA

Conclusion

Ensuring your test vehicle meets the required standards is crucial for a successful driving test. From weight limits to necessary fittings, understanding these requirements can make the difference between passing and failing. For more detailed information, you can visit the DVSA official website.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can confidently approach your driving test, knowing that your vehicle meets all necessary criteria.