1 st MIDSOMER NORTON SCOUTS-Guidance on the Safe Operation of Minibuses. Contents

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1 Contents 1. Introduction 2. Administration 3. Vehicle Permits 4. Driving License Requirements 5. Vetting Drivers and Escorts 6. Journey and Driving Times 7. Second Drivers 8. Consumption of Alcohol or Drugs by the Driver 9. Communication - Mobile Telephones 10. Health of Drivers 11. Planning Journeys 12. Passenger Details 13. Insurance. 14. Roadworthiness of the Minibus 15. Seat Belts 16. Loading of the Minibus 17. Towing of Trailers 18. Speed Limits 19. Emergency Equipment 20. Actions In The Event Of An Accident 21. Overseas Travel 22. Documentation 23. References Appendix 1: Minibus Driving License Requirements. Appendix 2: Vehicle Checklist. Appendix 3: Towing Trailers Checklist. Appendix 4: Emergency Equipment. Appendix 5: Documentation. Appendix 6: Driving Licensing Requirements for Towing Trailers. Issue 1 1

2 1. INTRODUCTION These Local Rules apply to the use of Mini-Bus AD 52 VVA, and any other Mini-Bus which can carry no more than sixteen passengers, hired for the use of the 1 st Midsomer Norton Scout Group operating within the U.K. The Rules set standards which are designed to minimise the risk of accidents to passengers, ensure compliance with relevant legislation. The rules also address procedures which shall ensure that the Min-Bus is maintained to the correct standard. 2. ADMINISTRATION The GSL is responsible for implementing these Rules. The GSL may delegate specific duties relating to the 'day-to-day' management of minibuses to other members of the Group but cannot delegate responsibility. All drivers must have read this document and have signed in the Minibus Drivers Register held by the GSL, to say that they will comply with these guidelines, and any other relevant legislation which may impact on their use of the vehicle(s), 3. VEHICLE PERMITS The minibus must have a Section 19 (Transport Act 1985) Permit (see Appendix 1), Issued by the Scout Association. If the minibus is to be used for 'Hire and Reward' a full PSV Operators License will be required. The term 'Hire and Reward' is defined as: 'Any sort of payment which gives the person the right to be carried on a vehicle regardless of whether a profit is made or not'. Note: This definition includes payment in cash or kind and the interpretation of 'Hire and Reward' can be wide ranging. The Regulations state that, if the minibus is used by a non-profit organisation, where services are not available to the public and not for 'Hire and Reward', a Section 19 (Transport Act 1985) Permit may be required instead of a full PSV Operators License. Under a Section 19 Permit, fees may be charged for the upkeep of the minibus, but not to make a profit. 4. DRIVING LICENCE REQUIREMENTS The driving license requirements for driving a minibus can be found at appendix 1. Issue 1 2

3 The GSL may put additional restrictions on drivers of minibuses at his discretion, for example, requiring that all drivers, must have two years driving experience before they can drive a minibus, unless they have a Category D1 driving license. A list of all minibus drivers approved by the GSL should be held by the Mini-Bus Coordinator. NOTE: All license endorsements and convictions for motoring offences must be reported to the Minibus Coordinator. 5. VETTING DRIVERS AND ESCORTS The GSL may take into account whether drivers or escorts have one to one contact with children, the level and nature of their supervision and the length and duration of their contact. If it is deemed necessary, the GSL may consider conducting a CRB check of the relevant driver. Any such check must be with the consent of the person concerned. 6. JOURNEY AND DRIVING TIMES Tiredness of the driver has often been a significant factor in minibus accidents. The recommended maximum periods for driving a minibus are:- Recommended Limits for Driving Only Recommended Limits for Driving Plus Other Work 2 Hours (or UK Legal Limits Maximum time driving without a break from 2 Hours (or 5.5 Hours driving and or other activities. sooner if tired) sooner if tired) Minimum length of break 15 Minutes ** 15 Minutes ** 30 Minutes Maximum length of working day Hours 10 Hours 16 Hours Of which, spent driving 9 Hours 4 Hours 10 Hours Daily rest period 11 Hours 11 Hours 10 Hours Weekly Rest period 45 Hours 45 Hours Taking account of other work undertaken before starting a journey ** After 4.5 hours of driving, the accumulated length of breaks from driving should be at least 45 minutes. (Recommended limits derived from guidance produced by Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in their publication entitled: Minibus Safety - A Code of Practice ) These recommendations apply to journeys within the United Kingdom only. There are different rules for driving minibuses in other countries. (see Section 15 on Overseas Travel). Issue 1 3

4 N.B. It is vital that, if a driver feels tired, he/she should stop at the nearest appropriate stopping point. 7. SECOND DRIVERS If the planned length of journey requires it, an additional driver shall be carried for the journey. This will allow drivers to have an appropriate rest period. 8. CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS BY A DRIVER The consumption of alcohol or drugs during, or in the period before, any journey, is strictly forbidden. As the effects of alcohol consumption may significantly impair driving ability up to 8 hours after the last drink, no driver is permitted to commence driving until at least 8 hours after consuming alcohol. Certain medications can also severely impair driving ability, particularly medications that have sedative properties. It is therefore vital that a driver reads the relevant Guidance Leaflet or Pharmacists instructions of any medication (prescribed or non-prescribed) which may be required to be taken by the driver. 9. COMMUNICATIONS - MOBILE TELEPHONES It is recommended that a mobile telephone should be taken on all journeys using minibuses. This is to obtain help in an emergency and to communicate any problems with the minibus coordinator or nominated person. NOTE: Mobile telephones must not be used by the driver when the minibus is in motion. 10. HEALTH OF DRIVERS All drivers are required to inform the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in Swansea of any disability which might affect their fitness to drive any vehicle. Any driver with such a disability, also intending to drive a minibus should inform the GSL Note: Under new legislation, no insulin-dependent drivers may drive a minibus or similar vehicle over 3.5 tonnes. Drivers where diabetes is treated with tablets, or by diet, are unaffected by the new legislation Drivers are also required to judge on a journey basis whether, due to a temporary impairment, they are capable of driving. Where drivers believe they are not capable of Issue 1 4

5 driving (e.g. due to severe headaches, migraine, flu etc.), they should stop driving until they have sufficiently recovered. 11. PLANNING JOURNEYS All journeys should be carefully planned before the trip. This includes identifying the route to be taken and if traffic jams can be foreseen, then identifying alternative an route(s). The planning should also include details of where breaks in the journey will occur and also if necessary identify appropriate rest periods for the driver (e.g. overnight stops). The most likely times for drivers to feel tired are: Long monotonous roads; between 2.00 and 6.00am Between 2.00 and 4.00pm (after eating) After having less sleep than normal; After taking medicines that may cause drowsiness. 12. PASSENGER DETAILS Where it is reasonably practicable to do so, a list of all the names of the passengers, with a contact address, should be left in the Mini-Bus Key box at the Scout Hall or if at Camp, with the Camp Leader, before a journey begins. The names of all those traveling on the journey should be held by the driver or escort. This register should be used to ensure that nobody is left behind. The driver should request any passenger with a medical condition that may need treatment on journey to notify him. The driver cannot demand passengers divulge this medical information they may only request it. 13. Insurance Fully Comprehensive Insurance Cover is the minimum level required for Minibuses owned or hired by the Group. 14. ROADWORTHINESS OF THE MINIBUS Issue 1 5

6 Any minibuses owned or hired by the Group must be regularly maintained and kept in a roadworthy condition. Before starting a journey a driver of the Group minibus (or a hired minibus) should perform certain checks on the minibus and then make a written record of the results. A sample checklist is given in Appendix 2. If, during the inspection, any item which is likely to affect roadworthiness or the safety of passenger or other third parties is found, then it should be reported immediately to the minibus coordinator. The minibus should not be used until the fault has been repaired. The Minibus coordinator shall ensure that the vehicle is maintained in accordance with the Manufacturers Guidelines, and that a valid Insurance Certificate, Road Fund License, and MoT Test Certificate are available at all times. All vehicle check forms shall be placed in the minibus key box on completion of a journey. It is essential that any alterations to a minibus are performed by an approved organisation and that the company providing insurance cover has been notified. 15. SEAT BELTS Seat belts must be worn at all times and it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that this is done LOADING OF THE MINIBUS The total weight of travelers and luggage must not exceed the maximum weight limits specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle. Luggage may shift during a journey and should therefore be safely secured. The use of roof racks should comply with the guidance provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle. N.B. Drivers should be aware that storage of luggage on a roof rack will alter the centre of gravity of the minibus and will therefore make it less stable. Appropriate reductions in speed should be made. 17. TOWING OF TRAILERS Towing a trailer can make emergency evacuation of a minibus difficult. If a trailer has to be towed behind a minibus, and the minibus only has a rear exit, no passengers may be carried except in the seating immediately next to the driver. If there is a side entrance to the minibus, as well as an emergency exit at the rear, passengers may be carried in the minibus whilst it is towing a trailer. Issue 1 6

7 When towing a trailer, drivers should be cautious about the vehicle speed. Vehicle/trailer combinations can become unstable even at speeds below the legal maximum, particularly when being passed by fast moving large vehicles, in windy conditions or when maneuvering. The trailer & vehicle should be checked every two hours. Issue 1 7

8 Before towing a trailer specific checks should be made (see Appendix 3). 18. SPEED LIMITS For minibuses, not towing a trailer, the speed limits are:- Motorways m.p.h. Dual Carriageways m.p.h. Other roads where a lower limit is not sign posted m.p.h. For minibuses, towing a trailer, the speed limits are:- Motorways... Dual Carriageways... Other roads where a lower limit is not sign posted m.p.h. 60 m.p.h. 50 m.p.h. 19. EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT The minibus must have at least a one foam fire extinguisher which has a minimum fire rating of 8A or 21B and a first aid kit that complies with the relevant regulations (see Appendix 4). It is recommended that the operator of the minibus should have other appropriate equipment that may be required in an emergency (see Appendix 4). 20. ACTIONS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT If the vehicle is involved in an accident:- 1. Kake sure all passengers are safe and, if necessary, summon the relevant emergency services; 2. Obtain the registration number(s) and insurance details of any other vehicles involved; 3. Take the name(s) and address(es) of any witness(es) and the number/base station of any police officer who attends the accident; 4. Write down all the details of the accident in a precise manner; 5. Report the details of the accident to the Group Scout Leader and minibus coordinator. If you are involved in an accident you are legally required: 1. To stop at the site of the accident; 2. To give your own and the vehicle owner's address and the registration number of the vehicle to anyone having reasonable grounds for requiring them; Issue 1 8

9 3. If a person is injured, to report the accident to the police as soon as practicable (within 24 hours); 4. If a person is injured, to produce your driving license and insurance certificate to the police when reporting the accident or, if this is not possible, at least within seven days to a Police Station you select. NOTE: All accidents or dangerous occurrences should be reported to the Minibus Coordinator. 21. OVERSEAS TRAVEL Traveling in a minibus overseas may involve different transport regulations from the United Kingdom and different insurance requirements. Transport regulations for overseas trips can be obtained from the Department of Transport (International Office). The insurance requirements can be obtained from the Groups Insurer or from the operator hiring the minibus. All the necessary requirements must be met before the journey starts. 22. DOCUMENTATION When driving a minibus, drivers should always carry appropriate documentation (see Appendix 5). 23. REFERENCES Minibus Safety - A Code of Practice. Published by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). (Mar 2002). Passenger Transport Provided by Voluntary Groups Under the Section 19 or 22 Permit System - Guide for Operators (PSV 385). Published by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) (Dec 2004). Driving a Minibus in Great Britain (INF 28). Published by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) (Jun 2005). Driving Licensing Requirements for Towing Trailers in Great Britain (INF 30) Published by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) (Nov 2003). Issue 1 9

10 Appendix 1 Contents Minibus Driving License requirements DVLA Leaflet INF28 1. Car licences held before 1 January Drivers who do not have minibus entitlement (category D1) 4 3. Minibus and community bus permits 6 This fact sheet explains the licensing position of drivers of minibuses not used for hire or reward. It also explains the position for holders of Minibus and community bus permits. 1. Car licences held before 1 January 1997 If you had entitlement to drive cars prior to 1 January 1997 shown as group A (B for automatics) on an old style licence or as category B and D1 not for hire or reward on a new style licence you can drive a minibus provided: You are 21 or over, the minibus has a maximum of 17 seats including the driver s and is not being used for hire or reward. To drive a minibus which has 9 or more passenger seats for hire or reward you will normally need passenger carrying vehicle entitlement (PCV) (category D1 or D). To obtain this you must meet higher medical standards and take a further driving test. Hire or reward encompasses any payment in cash or kind by (or on behalf of) passengers which gives them a right to be carried. However, if you drive a minibus for an organisation under the Minibus or community bus permit scheme, you will NOT need a category D1 or D licence even if a charge is made to passengers see section 3 overleaf for further details. New rules from 1 January 1998 Your minibus entitlement will remain valid in the UK and on temporary visits abroad until your licence is next renewed. When this happens your minibus entitlement (D1 and D1+E not for hire or reward) can only be issued if you make a special application which will involve meeting higher medical standards. If your minibus entitlement is renewed you will normally be granted a D1 and D1 + E licence for 3 years which will allow you to drive minibuses, not for hire or reward, in the UK and on temporary visits to other EC/EEA countries. See below for more details about driving abroad. If your minibus entitlement is not renewed, categories D1 and D1 + E will no longer appear on your licence. However if you are aged under 70 years, you may still be able to drive minibuses in certain circumstances. The rules explained in section 2 overleaf will also apply to you. Issue 1 10

11 Drivers whose licences are due for renewal will receive advice about these new procedures with their renewal reminder letter. DVLA s Fact Sheet Renewing your car driving licence provides information about the medical standards. Medically restricted licences In general, car licences have to be renewed when drivers reach the age of 70 but younger drivers with restricted medical licences will also be affected by the new rules when their licences are first renewed. If you have a medically restricted licence you should note that you can still drive non-commercial minibuses on a voluntary basis without being subject to the higher health standards until you reach the age of 70. The rules explained in section 2 overleaf also apply to you. Will licences be accepted abroad? All entitlements on British licences will continue to be accepted at face value during temporary visits to other EC/EEA countries. But please note that under permit (see section 3) minibuses used for hire or reward cannot be driven outside the United Kingdom unless the driver has passed a test for category D1 or D. Drivers who become permanently resident in another EC/EEA country may find that their entitlement to drive D1/D1+E (not for hire or reward) minibuses may not be acceptable. Advice should be sought from the licensing authority of the new country with the exception of Northern Ireland which will accept all GB entitlements. 2. Drivers who do not have minibus entitlement (category D1) If your car licence does not allow you to drive minibuses, there are certain circumstances where you may still be able to do so. You may drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats provided: i) you drive on behalf of a non commercial body for social purposes but not for hire or reward (unless operating under a permit); ii) you are aged 21 or over; iii) you have held a car (category B) licence for at least 2 years; iv) you are providing your service on a voluntary basis; and v) the minibus maximum weight is not more than 3.5 tonnes excluding any specialist equipment for the carriage of disabled passengers. Minibuses up to 4.25 tonnes will be permitted in certain circumstances (see below); When driving a minibus under these conditions you may not receive any payment or consideration for doing so other than out of pocket expenses or tow any size trailer; you may only drive minibuses in this country. Drivers aged 70 or over will need to make a special application which involves meeting higher medical standards. Maximum authorised mass and specialist equipment The maximum weight of a vehicle that may be used on the road is known as the maximum authorised mass (mam). It may also be described as the gross vehicle weight or permissible maximum weight. This is normally shown on a plate fitted to the vehicle. Issue 1 11

12 There is no specified method of calculating the weight of specialist equipment such as tail lifts or wheelchair security fittings, but there is an allowance of 750kg for the extra equipment for minibuses which are intended for the carriage of passengers with disabilities or wheelchair users. This would cover minibuses with a mam of 4.25 tonnes and would be comparable with the weight threshold which new drivers of cars/light goods vehicles are permitted to drive. 3. Minibus and community bus permits Minibus and Community Bus Permits are issued to organisations concerned with education, religion, social welfare, recreation or other activities of benefit to the community. Further information is available in the booklet Passenger Transport Provided by Voluntary Groups available from Traffic Area Offices. Minibus Permits allow certain organisations to make a charge without having to comply with the full public service vehicle operator licensing requirements and without the need for their drivers to have PCV (category D1 or D) entitlement. The services must be provided for their own members or for groups of people whom the organisation serves. The service must not be provided to members of the general public and the charges made must be on a non-profit basis. Community bus permits are issued to bodies wishing to run a local bus service on a voluntary non-profit basis using unpaid volunteer drivers. Members of the general public can be carried in the minibus. Drivers who first held a licence to drive cars prior to 1 January 1997 will continue to be able to drive minibuses under the Permit Schemes provided their entitlement to drive minibuses (category D1 not for hire or reward) remains in force. Drivers who first held a licence to drive cars after 1 January 1997, and the drivers referred to above who have not renewed their minibus (D1 not for hire or reward) entitlement, may drive a permit minibus provided the conditions at section 2 above are met. The permit arrangements apply only in the UK you cannot take a permit minibus abroad if it is used for hire or reward unless you hold either PCV D1 or D entitlement. Holders of category B entitlement may not tow a trailer when driving a minibus under a permit This information supersedes that contained in previous fact sheets issued by DVLA. It is not intended to be a definitive statement of the law but provides details of changes. Other fact sheets deal with news about trailers, minimum test vehicle requirements and motorcycles. These are available by ringing , and can also be found on the Direct.gov website: If you are in doubt about your licensing position after reading this leaflet you can telephone Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's Customer Enquiries whose staff will be able to help. The telephone number is The lines are open between 8.00am to 8.30pm Monday to Friday and 8.00am to 5.30pm on Saturday. You will be answered by an interactive VOICE system but will be able to speak to an operator during office hours. Some calls are monitored or recorded for quality purposes. Alternatively, our e- Issue 1 12

13 mail address is or fax from inside UK From abroad Minicom users should ring If you change your name, address or vehicle, please notify DVLA immediately. Failure to do this could cost you a 1,000 fine. This booklet only gives general information. It is not a statement of law. The information in this leaflet was correct at the time of printing. Please contact DVLA s Customer Enquiries for the latest information. Issue 1 13

14 Appendix 2 VEHICLE CHECKLIST Exterior Check Brake check (on moving vehicle) Oil level (once only at the start of the day) Coolant level (once only at the start of the day) Windscreen washer fluid level (once only during the day) Brake fluid (once only during the day) Windscreen and windows are clean and undamaged Wiper blades are clean and undamaged Lights including brake lights and indicators are clean and working Tyre pressures including the spare (and inner tyres and tyres on a trailer if applicable) Tyre tread including the spare tyre, inner tyre and tyres on trailer if applicable. There should be at least 2 mm of tread across the centre three quarters of the tyre. Any cuts and bulges in the tyres Doors open and close properly Trailer brake and indicator lights work properly (if towing) Roof rack or trailer is properly fitted and all luggage is securely held Damage or sharp edges. OK Interior Check Mirrors are correctly adjusted, clean, undamaged and unobstructed Position and function/purpose of all dashboard controls are known and understood Position of driving seat is adjusted so that all controls can be operated comfortably Check for pressure on brake pedal Wipers and washers are working properly Fuel level (and what type of fuel is used by vehicle) Seat belts are undamaged and working properly Location of wheel brace and jack are known to driver Location of fire extinguisher and first aid kit is known Location of relevant documentation (permit disc, insurance, current road tax, M.o.T. Certificate, emergency numbers and driving license) Luggage is securely stowed and aisles and exits are clear Damage or sharp edges OK Issue 1 14

15 Appendix 3 TOWING TRAILERS Before towing a trailer, checks should be carried out to ensure that: the vehicle being used is appropriate for this use. the gross weight of the vehicle, plus the trailer, is within the vehicle gross weight limit; that the kerbside weight of the towing vehicle is clearly marked on the front of the nearside of the vehicle the downward force from the loaded trailer on the towing ball is within the limits imposed by the towing vehicle manufacturer; the axle loads of the towing vehicle are not exceeded; that a breakaway chain is in use, which will activate the handbrake should the coupling break. the unladen weight of the trailer and tyre pressures are clearly marked on the trailer; that the gross weight (trailer plus maximum load to be carried) is clearly marked on the front of the trailer; that the trailer handbrake/over-run brake functions properly; that the trailer lights function properly; that the load is securely lashed to the trailer body or frame; that there is suitable marking of any rear overhang greater than 1 metre by using a 'Long Vehicle' sign or other approved method or approved light in the hours of darkness. Issue 1 15

16 Appendix 4 First-Aid Kit EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT 10 Antiseptic wipes (foil packed); 1 Conforming disposable bandage (not less than 7.5cm wide); 2 Triangular bandages; 1 Packet of 24 assorted adhesive dressings; 3 large sterile un-medicated ambulance dressings (not less than 15 x 20 cm); 2 Sterile eye pads with attachments; 12 Assorted safety pins; 1 pair of rustproof blunt-end scissors; Disposable gloves; Mouth mask for resuscitation. Fire Extinguisher At least one foam fire extinguisher which has a minimum fire rating of 8A or 21B. Other Equipment Pen and paper; Mobile phone, phone card or money for the telephone; Webbing cutter; High visibility coat. Emergency warning triangle or a flashing beacon (not fitted to the vehicle); A working torch (and spare batteries). Issue 1 16

17 Appendix 5 DOCUMENTATION The following documentation must be available to the driver during the journey: Up to date road tax disc; If appropriate, a relevant Permit disc; Driver s license; A copy of the Certificate of Insurance. List of passengers names and contact phone numbers. Contact address and telephone numbers for a nominated person. Motoring breakdown policy; Vehicle checklist before the journey and after the journey; Organisation s internal instructions and contact details (This Document) Appropriate documentation if traveling overseas. Issue 1 17

18 Appendix 6 INF30 Driving Licensing Requirements for Towing Trailers in Great Britain Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) Throughout this leaflet reference is made to the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of vehicles and trailers. This should be taken to mean the permissible maximum weight, also known as the gross vehicle weight. Car Licences Held Before 1 January 1997 All drivers who passed a car test before 1 January 1997 retain their existing entitlement to tow trailers until their licence expires. This means they are generally entitled to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8.25 tonnes MAM. They also have entitlement to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM. Drivers who hold subcategory C1+E limited to 8.25 tonnes MAM, may apply for provisional entitlement to the new subcategory C1+E, in order to take and pass the test which will increase their combined vehicle and trailer entitlement to 12 tonnes MAM. It is not necessary to gain subcategory C1 entitlement first but drivers have to meet higher medical standards, and pass both the category C theory test and the subcategory C1+E practical test. Large Goods Vehicle and Passenger Carrying Vehicle Licences Held Before 1 January 1997 Since 1 January 1997 all drivers who hold category C or D entitlement have been limited trailers up to 750kg MAM; Category C+E or D+E must be held in order to tow trailers in excess of this. Car Driving Licence First Obtained Since 1 January 1997 Drivers who passed a car test on or after 1 January 1997 are required to pass an additional driving test in order to gain entitlement to category B+E and all larger vehicles. In addition to the new driving tests, drivers of vehicles which fall within subcategories C1, C1+E, D1 and D1+E also have to meet higher medical standards. Category B Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes MAM and with up to 8 passenger seats. Category B vehicles may be coupled with a trailer up to 750kg MAM (allowing a combined weight up to 4.25 tonnes MAM) OR a trailer over 750kg MAM provided the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle, and the combination does not exceed 3.5 tonnes MAM. For example: (i) a vehicle with an unladen weight of 1.25 tonnes and a MAM of 2 tonnes coupled with a trailer with a MAM of 1.25 tonnes could be driven by the holder of a category B entitlement. Issue 1 18

19 This is because the MAM of the combination does not exceed 3.5 tonnes and also the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle. Whereas the same vehicle with an unladen weight of 1.25 tonnes and a MAM of 2 tonnes when coupled with a trailer with a MAM of 1.5 tonnes would fall within category B+E. This is because although the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is within the 3.5 tonnes MAM limit, the MAM of the trailer is more than the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle. Vehicle manufacturers normally recommend a maximum weight of trailer appropriate to their vehicle. Details can usually be found in the vehicle s handbook or obtained from car dealerships. The size of trailer recommended for an average family car with an unladen weight of around 1 tonne would be well within the new category B threshold. As for towing caravans, existing general guidance recommends that the laden weight of the caravan does not exceed 85% of the unladen weight of the car. In the majority of cases, caravans and small trailers towed by cars should be within the new category B threshold. Note An exemption exists that allows a full category B licence holder (other than category B1 or B1 invalid carriages) to drive a vehicle of a class included in category B + E where a) the trailer consists of a vehicle which is damaged or defective and is likely to represent a road safety hazard or obstruction to other road users, b) the vehicle is driven only so far as is reasonably necessary in the circumstances to remove the hazard or obstruction, and c) he receives no consideration for driving the vehicle. By passing a category B test National Categories F (tractor), K (pedestrian controlled vehicle) and P (moped) continue to be added automatically. Category B+E Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes MAM towing trailers over 750kg MAM Category B+E allows vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes MAM to be combined with trailers in excess of 750kg MAM. In order to gain this entitlement new category B licence holders have to pass a further practical test for category B+E. There is no category B+E theory test. For driver licensing purposes there are no vehicle/trailer weight ratio limits for category B+E. Subcategory C1 Medium sized goods vehicles tonnes MAM Subcategory C1 vehicles may be coupled with a trailer up to 750kg MAM allowing a combination of up to 8.25 tonnes MAM. But unlike category B, the 750kg MAM trailer weight limit is an absolute limit. In order to gain this entitlement category B licence holders have to meet higher medical standards and pass both theory and practical tests for subcategory C1. Issue 1 19

20 Subcategory C1+E Medium sized goods vehicles tonnes MAM plus trailer over 750kg MAM Subcategory C1+E allows vehicles to be combined with a trailer of over 750kg MAM provided the combination does not exceed 12 tonnes MAM and the laden weight of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle. In order to gain this entitlement category B licence holders have to pass further tests subcategory C1 (theory and practical) followed by C1+E practical. There is no subcategory C1+E theory test. It will not be possible to go directly from category B to subcategory C1+E. Note Because EC Regulations limit drivers aged under 21 years to driving vehicles or combinations which weigh no more than 7.5 tonnes MAM, drivers under the age of 21 are not allowed to drive subcategory C1+E vehicles up to 12 tonnes MAM. But 18 year old drivers are allowed to take a test for subcategory C1+E which will allow trailers in excess of 750kg MAM to be towed. Entitlement is limited to a combination weight of 7.5 tonnes MAM until the driver reaches 21 years, at which time the balance of 12 tonnes MAM entitlement automatically becomes effective. Subcategory D1 Passenger carrying vehicles 9 16 passenger seats Subcategory D1 vehicles may be coupled with a trailer up to 750kg MAM. There is no upper weight limit for subcategory D1 vehicles. In order to gain this entitlement category B licence holders have to meet higher medical standards and pass both theory and practical tests for subcategory D1. Subcategory D1+E Passenger carrying vehicles 9-16 passenger seats with trailer above 750kg MAM. Subcategory D1+E vehicles may be combined with trailers over 750kg provided the combination does not exceed 12 tonnes MAM and the laden weight of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle. The trailer must not be used for the carriage of passengers. In order to gain this entitlement category B licence holders have to pass further tests subcategory D1 (theory and practical) followed by D1+E practical. There is no subcategory D1+E theory test. It is not possible to go directly from category B subcategory to D1+E. Category C Large goods vehicles above 3.5 tonnes MAM Category C vehicles may be combined with trailers up to 750kg MAM. The Directive does not impose an upper weight limit threshold for category C vehicles and the national limits will apply. In order to gain this entitlement category B licence holders have to pass theory and practical tests for category C. (It is not necessary to gain subcategory C1 entitlement first.) Issue 1 20

21 Category C+E Large goods vehicles above 3.5 tonnes MAM towing trailer over 750kg MAM Category C+E vehicles may be combined with a trailer over 750kg MAM. The Directive does not impose an upper weight limit for category C+E and national limits apply. In order to gain this entitlement category B licence holders have to pass further tests category C (theory and practical) followed by C+E practical. There is no category C+E theory test. (It is not necessary to gain subcategory C1 or C1+E entitlement first.) Category D Passenger carrying vehicle with more than 8 seats Category D vehicles may be combined with a trailer up to 750kg MAM. The Directive does not impose an upper weight limit for category D vehicles and national limits apply. In order to gain this entitlement category B licence holders have to pass theory and practical tests for category D. (It is not necessary to gain subcategory D1 entitlement first.) Category D+E Passenger carrying vehicle with more than 8 seats with trailer over 750kg MAM Category D+E vehicles may be combined with a trailer over 750kg MAM. The Directive does not impose an upper weight limit for category D+E and national limits apply. In order to gain this entitlement category B licence holders have to pass further tests category D (theory and practical) followed by D+E practical. There is no category D+E theory test. (It is not necessary to gain subcategory D1 or D1+E entitlement first.) Upgrading Entitlement for Trailers In general, an additional driving test is required for each category or subcategory of entitlement. But there are certain exceptions to this where drivers have already passed one test which involves trailer entitlement for a larger or equivalent sized vehicle. This means that passing a test for subcategory C1+E or D1+E upgrades category B entitlement to B+E. A test passed for subcategory C1+E upgrades subcategory D1, if held, to D1+E. But a test pass for subcategory D1+E does not upgrade subcategory C1 to C1+E because the trailer size required for a subcategory D1+E test is smaller than that required for a subcategory C1+E test. Passing a test for category C+E upgrades category B entitlement to B+E and also confers entitlement to subcategory C1 and C1+E and, if category D or subcategory D1 is held, these are upgraded to category D+E or subcategory D1+E. A test passed for category D+E upgrades category B and subcategory D1 to category B+E and subcategory D1+E respectively. But it does not upgrade category C or subcategory C1 entitlements because the trailer size required for a category D+E test is smaller than that required for a category C+E or subcategory C1+E test. For details of driving tests please contact the Driving Standards Agency at the address and telephone number provided at the end of this fact sheet. Issue 1 21

22 Provisional Trailer Entitlement Since 1 January 1997 drivers are no longer able to sit a test in a heavy vehicle/trailer combination (e.g. category C+E or D+E) unless they have first passed a test and obtained a full licence in the corresponding rigid vehicle (e.g. category C or D). This means that although drivers may have been driving a vehicle and trailer combination legitimately, under L plates, they are not permitted to sit a trailer test using such a combination until a test has been passed in a rigid vehicle and a full licence obtained for that category. About This Leaflet This information supersedes that contained in previous leaflets issued by DVLA. It is not intended to be a definitive statement of law but provides details of recent changes. Further information on driver licensing issues may be obtained from DVLA's Customer Enquiries. The telephone number is and the lines are open between 8.00am to 8.30pm, Monday to Friday and 8.00am to 5.30pm on Saturday. You will be answered by an interactive VOICE system but will be able to speak to an operator during office hours. Some calls are monitored or recorded for quality purposes. Alternatively our address is drivers.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk or fax Minicom users should ring Further information on driving tests or minimum test vehicle requirements only, may be obtained from the: Customer Services Unit, Driving Standards Agency, Third Floor, Stanley House, 58 Talbot Street, Nottingham, NG1 5GU. The telephone number is /6 Issue 1 22