Towing at 70 years old and beyond
The big 70 looms and I have just got my driving license renewal forms.
We currently use our motorhome (not far shy of 3500kg) to tow a trailer with our steam engine (as one does….) to rallies etc., making the train total mass about 4500 kg. This is well within the vehicle GTW limit. I currently hold B+E entitlement on my license, but DVLA say "if you wish to renew an entitlement for minibuses and/or medium sized vehicles (with a MAM weight of 3500 kg to 7500 kg) you must fill in an "Application for a lorry or bus licence (D2)" and you must provide a medical examination report (D4) filled in by a doctor or optician" Speaking to the doctor they want £135 and need the optician's report first (more money!)
Do I need all the medical stuff or not? Can I just go online and do the deed and keep my B+E license? Is there anybody out there that has recently gone through this process and can advise?
Thanks in advance,
Stan
Answers
-
An all up vehicle weight between 3500 and 7500 is outside of the B+E licence. Your MH is not over 3500 so you are within the scope of B+E and, providing you passed your test prior to 1-1-97, you will retain B+E on renewal and can tow whatever is legal for your MH to tow.
0 -
hit 'save comment' in error
0 -
Here is what the >government web site< says:
Category B - if you passed your test before 1 January 1997
You’re usually allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). View your driving licence information to check.
You’re also allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.
Category B - if you passed your test on or after 1 January 1997
You can drive vehicles up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) with up to 8 passenger seats.
You can tow a trailer that weighs up to 3,500kg MAM.
Right now, you only need to bother with the D2/D4 and medicals if your towing vehicle is over 3500Kgms but there are strong indications this may change in the not too distant future.
peedee
0 -
Thanks for the answers. I did a webchat with DVLA and after eventually getting through to a Mk1 human was adivsed that my BE entitlement will remain upon renewal (no medicals etc). That should allow me to drive my motorhome plus a substantial trailer. I took a screen grab of that, took a photo of my current license (both sides and the paper one), filled in the online forms and I am now hoping they get it right!
What I will lose is my entitlement to drive a vehicle over 3500 kg but under 7500 kg. Only done that once in the last 30 years, so that will be no big deal for me. Could be a big deal for owners of the bigger motorhomes (6 wheelers etc.).
I also found out along the way that there are companies offering medicals for the HGV categories at prices way lower than the £140 I was quoted by my local surgery. Worth a search if you do have to go down that route.
Thanks all,
Stan
0 -
It's good you’ve confirmed what we said with DVLA👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
0
