MSA Newslink November 2021

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News: B+E Testing How Newslink has covered the B+E trailer trainer row since our August issue As extensively covered in the past three issues of Newslink, the government’s decision to scrap B+E testing continues to dismay road safety professionals. However, MSA GB and NASP have been working hard behind the scenes to create a new voluntary system, along with colleagues from the National Trailer and Towing Association. We have the latest news on the next four pages B+E: What’s the next step? The government’s decision to scrap B+E trailer testing, to allow DVSA examiners to focus on LGVs as part of plans to tackle the shortage of lorry drivers, will become law of November 15. From this date all car drivers will be allowed to tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg without the need for an additional licence; in other words, from the moment they pass their L-test. The guidance on GOV.UK has been updated: click the panel. Click here for new rules As a consequence of this decision, NASP is working closely with the National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) to develop an engaging and accessible training and assessment framework which we are asking DVSA and DfT to consider as a new accredited scheme. The aim of the NTTA/NASP scheme is to provide a training route which will not be costly and onerous for trainers to deliver (and their customers to undertake) and will result in recognised certification, and more importantly help drivers develop safe towing skills There are a number of questions B+E trailer and towing instructors will have, and we have tried to answer them here. We also have information on other parties’ involvement in this story as we press to maintain safe towing. 08 Is B+E still going to be shown on the driving licence? B+E may still be shown on licences issued prior to the start of the new legislation but as an implied right of Category B. When are the changes coming into effect? Assuming the change of regulations goes through Parliament smoothly, from November 15. The DVSA has already ceased the operation of the B+E practical test. This currently means that anyone wishing to tow a combination greater than 3,500 kg will have to display ‘L’ plates (‘D’ plates in Wales) and be accompanied by a person who is over 21 and held B+E (or higher +E category) for three years. The maximum mass of the combination of category B prime mover and trailer must not exceed 7,000 kg. This is the law until the new legislation comes into effect. However, it is accepted that the B+E ‘‘ The test may have been removed by the Government but trainers now have the ability to adapt training to cover clients’ needs ‘‘ threshold is for a combination of 7,500 kg, but a combination must not include a trailer that is heavier than the towing vehicle, therefore the 7,500 kg combination should not be encouraged. Does this mean that there will be no test for B+E? The DVSA stopped all B+E tests on the September 20. The Secretary of State for Transport is encouraging professional training in towing to continue regardless in order to enhance road safety. If any assessment, will it be mandatory? The DfT’s current thinking is it will be voluntary, as will all training. Will any new assessment act as licence acquisition for B+E? Any B+E vocational assessment will not be placed as a licence acquisition. All training will be voluntary How are the licence holders that passed their driving test prior to 1997 affected by these changes? Licence holders who still have implied rights prior to 1st January 1997, may tow a category B vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250 kg unaccompanied and without ‘L’ plates and will be able to continue to do so after the new law comes into effect. I have a B+E business and I am not an NEWSLINK n NOVEMBER 2021
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com Approved Driving Instructor. What am I supposed to do with all my equipment now that the DVSA has stopped the trailer test? Much of the towing clientele is business orientated and these businesses have Health and Safety criteria to meet, such as being able to prove that an employee is competent at manoeuvring a combination in any situation. Even though there is no DVSA test, a non-ADI is still able to train in this sector. The test may have been removed by the Government, but for all trainers this is an exciting time as we have the ability to adapt training to cover each individual’s needs and requirements by keeping a baseline training and listening to our clients’ needs. We are now able to work far more closely with our customers and offer far more support to them, plus the ability for instructors to up-skill to provide a more comprehensive and attractive service for clients. This is in your hands, to promote what you can offer as a service to your current customers & prospective new clients. More on B+E testing: see page 10 NEWSLINK n NOVEMBER 2021 09
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Page 30 and 31: News L-test changes: it was ever th
Page 32 and 33: Area focus ‘When’s my test?’
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