Additional Driving Tests You Might Have to Take

Drivers have been reminded of extra tests which need to be completed before taking to the roads in certain vehicles.

Motoring experts from LeaseVan.co.uk have explained what happens in tests including those for tractors and motorcycles.

The pass plus course helps newly qualified drivers to keep up good habits and become safer on different types of roads, including rural roads and motorways.

Other tests, such as trailer or tractor tests are needed in order to drive specific vehicles on public roads.

A spokesperson from LeaseVan.co.uk said: “It’s often thought that once you have taken your car driving test then you are covered for all other vehicles but this isn’t the case.

“Ensuring that you have the right driving licence for the vehicle will help avoid any fines, or even being stripped of all current licences – so it’s worth the short time it takes to check.

“You simply need to look at the back of your driving licence and it will have marked which category vehicles you can legally drive, along with the date in which you will need to renew these licences.”

1. Pass Plus

Pass plus is a great way for newly passed drivers to help reduce the price of their car insurance. The practical training course takes at least 6 hours to focus on six different modules which cover driving in town, in all weathers, on rural roads, at night, on dual carriageways and on motorways. Unlike the regular driving test there is no test at the end, instead drivers are assessed throughout the course.

1. Motorcycle and Moped tests

In order to be able to undertake a practical motorcycle or moped test you must have passed the theory test, regardless of whether you own a car licence or not. Once you have passed this then you must also go on and pass your practical test – which comes in two parts.

“Module 1 test” is an off-road riding test, with “module 2 test’ being an on-road riding test. These can be completed back-to-back or on separate days. If you do not pass module 1 you cannot complete the on-road test.

1. Tractor or specialist vehicle test

Certain types of tractors can be driven by 16-year olds without a licence as long as they’re on private land. Find more information here. Everyone, however, needs a tractor or specialist vehicle test in order to drive these on public roads.

1. Car and trailer driving test

If you passed your test in 1996 or earlier, you can usually drive a vehicle and trailer combination of up to 8,250kg. If you passed your test in 1997 or later you can drive a car or van up to 3,600kg with a trailer of up to 750kg and tow a trailer over 750kg as long as the combined weight of the trailer and vehicle isn’t more than 3,500kg. The “B + E” test is purely practical, and you will be asked to couple and uncouple your trailer, as well as being asked to manoeuvre and drive the car and trailer on the roads.