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Learning
to Drive a Tractor
If you are wanting
to become a Tractor Driver this page has all the practicing rules and licence
categories you need on your licence.
Learning
to drive a tractor or specialist vehicle
You should try to find someone who can teach you how to operate your Tractor.
An Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) is approved by the Driving Standards Agency
(DSA) to teach learner drivers for payment. You might be able to use an ADI if
you’re learning to drive a vehicle in category B1 with:
controls similar to a car
two front seats
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For other vehicles
you should find someone who:
is an experienced driver of the type of vehicle you wish to drive
can explain clearly and simply the skills you must learn
is patient and tactful
builds your confidence
If your employer needs you to take a test in a specialist vehicle, suitable instruction
may be arranged for you.
Rules on practising
When you practise on public roads your vehicle must display L plates, or D plates
in Wales. Your practice vehicle must be properly insured for you to drive. It
can be useful if your instructor is also insured, so that he or she can give you
a practical demonstration of the skills you need to learn. Always make sure your
vehicle is roadworthy before using it on the road.
To practise driving a tractor on the road you must be at least 17 years old. If
you are 16 you can drive a tractor on the road:
when driving to or returning from your driving test appointment
when you have passed your driving tests
If your specialist vehicle does not have space for two people on board, your instructor:
may have to walk alongside you calling out advice
needs to keep out of your way but be close enough to see what you’re doing
Theory
test for specialist vehicles
All new drivers will be tested on their knowledge of The Highway Code. Whether
you need to take a theory test will depend upon which category of test you’re
taking.
Category B1 - Three or four wheeled light vehicles
Before you can book a practical B1 driving test you will have to pass a theory
test. If you already have a full car licence you may not have to pass a theory
test.
Categories F, G, H, K - all other specialist vehicles
You will not have to take a theory test for any of the vehicles in these categories,
but you will still need to:
understand and follow the rules and advice given in the Highway Code
have a sound understanding of how your vehicle works and its limitations
Your examiner will test your knowledge by:
asking you questions on The Highway Code and other road safety matters
asking you to identify some road signs
watching how you put your knowledge into practice during your practical
test
Tractor
Driver Licence Categories
| Categories
|
Class
of Vehicle |
|
B
|
Motor vehicles
not exceeding 3500kg M.A.M. and not exceeding 8 passenger seats (+ driver) towing
trailer:
- - not exceeding
750kg MA.M (4250kg tot) , OR
- - trailer
ex 750kg M.A.M. if max authorised combination weight does not exceed 3.5 tonnes
and trailer M.A.M. does not exceed unladen weight of motor vehicle **
Holders of full licence
before 1/1/97 retain entitlement to B+E, C1, C1+E (8.25 tonnes), D1 (not for hire
or reward), and D1+E (not for hire or reward)
** Exemption - to tow damaged or defective vehicle from position
where is likely to represent road safety hazard or obstruction to other road users
so far as is reasonably necessary providing no consideration received for driving
the vehicle - Regulation 7(7).
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B+E
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Cat B + trailers
exceeding 750 kg M.A.M.
New drivers must hold Cat B licence and take a separate test
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B1
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3 or 4 wheel
motor vehicles not exceeding 550 kg unladen (Quadricycles)
If they exceed 550kg they fall into Cat B
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F
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Agricultural
or forestry Tractor except Cat H vehicles.
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H
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Tracked Vehicle
which is steered by its tracks.
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K
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Mower or Pedestrian
controlled vehicles
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More
on Licence Categories
Tractor Driver Licence Categories Requirements
|
Categories |
Other Full Entitlements |
Provisional Entitlement |
Minimum Age Requirements Section 101 Road Traffic Act 1988 |
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B
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F,
K, P*
* From 1/2/2001 new full cat B licence holders require basic training (CBT) before
riding a moped Cat P
B1 and B1 (invalid carriages) - these sub-categories are included with
a full Cat B licence although they are not shown on the licence
|
A,
B+E,
G, H
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17yrs
(16 yrs - person in receipt of disability living allowance at the higher rate
providing no trailer is drawn.) |
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B+E
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(See
above)
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None
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17
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B1
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K,
P
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A,
B, F
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17
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F
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K
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B,
P
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17
16 yrs if proceeding to, taking, returning from or having passed a Cat F test
and vehicle is wheeled, vehicle + trailer not exceeding 2.45 metre width, trailer
is two wheeled or close coupled (840 millimetres) 4 wheel
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G
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None
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H
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Age
depends on which class of vehicle it falls into:
- Invalid carriage
- 16yrs
- Moped - 16yrs
- Motor bicycle
- 17yrs
- Agricultural or
forestry tractor - 17yrs
- Small Vehicle
- 3.5t max gross wt, not exceeding 8 passengers + driver - 17 yrs
- Medium-sized Goods
Vehicle - 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes, goods not exceeding 8 passengers + driver -
18 yrs
- Other Motor Vehicle
- 21 yrs
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H,
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None
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G
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K
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None
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L
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None
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More
on Licence Requirements
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