Practical Driving Test in UK / Vehicle Loading Category

Practical Driving Test in UK / Vehicle Loading Category

Topics include: 

• Towing - understanding the affects of towing a trailer and the relevant regulations.
  
• Stability - understanding how to correctly load vehicles, trailers and caravans and how towing can affect vehicle stability and safety. 

Questions concern vehicle stability and towing regulations. 

When towing a trailer or caravan on a motorway:

• Do not exceed 60 mph.
  
• Do not use the right-hand lane unless directed to do so.
  
• To stop a trailer or caravan from snaking you should ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. 

Facts To Know 

• It is advised you inflate your tyres to a higher pressure than normal when carrying a heavy load, or when driving fast for long distances.
  
• A heavy vehicle load, on a roof rack or in the car, will reduce stability and affect steering and handling.
  
• The driver is always responsible for making sure the vehicle isn't overloaded.
  
• Any load must be securely fastened.
  
• To improve handling when towing a caravan fit a stabiliser to the towbar.
  
• When towing a caravan never allow passengers to travel in it.
  
• Using a roof rack will increase fuel consumption.
  
• A child passenger under the age of three, should be seated in a child seat.
  
• Animals should be restrained so that they can't interfere with the driver. 

Towing A Trailer

• Before towing a trailer check your vehicles handbook to learn the maximum noseweight of your vehicle's tow ball.
  
• The weight of a trailer should be no more than 85% of the car that is pulling it.
  
• A breakaway cable is a safety device fitted to a trailer.
  
• When loading a trailer spread the load evenly.
  
• It is against the law to have a load that is sticking out in a dangerous way.
  
• If you park a vehicle with a trailer overnight it must have lights