What does the DVSA B+E Trailer test involve?
The examiner will check your driving licence and sign the dsa form:
The eyesight check
You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of:
20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate
Vehicle safety questions: ‘show me, tell me’
You’ll be asked 5 vehicle safety questions. These are also known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.
The examiner will ask you ‘show me’ questions, where you’ll have to show them how you’d carry out a vehicle safety check.
You’ll also be asked ‘tell me’ questions, where you’ll have to explain to the examiner how you’d carry out the check.
Reversing exercise
You’ll have to show that you can manoeuvre your car and trailer in a restricted space and stop at a certain point, remembering the three key elements, observation, control, and accuracy. (See reverse training video page)
Driving ability
You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions. If possible, these should include:
dual-carriageways
one-way systems
motorways
You’ll also be asked to do around 10 minutes of independent driving.
Uphill start
Downhill start
Moving off at an angle
Crossing and encountering other road users
Uncoupling and re-coupling
During the test, you’ll be asked to uncouple and couple your car and trailer.
End of test.