[tamelambfeeder99]

hi I am not sure on the rulings of passing the car test whether I will be able to drive a tractor with a trailer so I can do silage next year for a couple of local contractors?

[doganjo]

Tractor driving is specialised. I imagine you need a special driving licence.  I wouldn't even attempt to drive a tractor without tuition, and I've been driving for over 50 years!

This should help - https://www.gov.uk/learning-to-drive-a-tractor-or-specialist-vehicle/driving-tests-for-tractors-and-specialist-vehicles

[bloomer]

depends when you passed, if you are an older fart well, took test before about 2000 you should be fine on your licence its category F, not sure if its an auto include on newer licences or not...


yes annie that means you can drive a tractor on the public highway if you choose to...


having said all that and being someone who is prepared to drive any vehicle with a wheel on each corner, i think id want some tuition before taking a big tractor out on a road...

[doganjo]

I have actually driven one    - on our croft - in a 6 acre field with a topper attached  - wouldn't have had the courage to go on the road though. 

[henchard]

https://www.gov.uk/learning-to-drive-a-tractor-or-specialist-vehicle


According to the above if you pass a car test (cat B) youll get entitlement to drive a tractor automatically. The bigger problem is the experience that you will need doing such things as reversing large trailers etc. Or driving on steep land etc.

[Backinwellies]

Your car licence includes tractor driving on the road ... however there are restrictions on trailers .... not difficult to google .... http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@motor/documents/digitalasset/dg_067672.pdf

Remember it is YOUR driving licence you risk if you tow a trailer for someone else!

[OhLaLa]

I drive our tractor for haymaking. Not especially difficult (depends on the job), but are large powerful machines. Also depends on the terrain, luckily ours is flat, 'undulating' I don't like.


Maybe you could have a word with the contractors, they should have the answers to your questions. Ask if you could do an accompanied test drive (off road) to see how you take to it (some tractors, like ours, have a second smaller seat in the cab).