Rules at 17

[john.n]

I was told a few days ago that I can drive my dexta on the road on L plates on a provisional licence
I have been seeing if there is any truth to this and only found the following information:
"When you practise driving on public roads your vehicle must display L plates, or D plates in Wales. Your vehicle must be properly insured for you to drive. 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 your specialist vehicle does not have space for two people on board, your instructor may have to walk alongside you calling out advice"
Quoted from: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Dr ... /DG_182839

The use of the term "may" suggests that an instructor is optional

many thanks.

[Brian]

Unless things have changed in the last few years, you could drive a tractor on the road at 16 after you had passed a tractor test. The only restriction was the implement size. I trained many 16 year olds to pass a test. You coukl drive on the road at 16 if you were traveling to and from a test.

You could drive a tractor on the road at 17, on "L" plates with no restrictions, but you had to take a test after holding the licence for around a year. Previously I knew people who had driven all their working lives on "L" plates.

Its daft saying you should have supervision. How can anyone supervise on a tractor built for one? He would have to run fairly fast on the road.

[john.n]

phoned the NFU and they said i couldnt drive on the road unless going to the test. not sure if this just meant im not insured to do so?

thanks for the reply Brian.

[Dandy Dave]

Reminds Me of the laws they had in the early days of motoring. One such law said that you had to have a man with a lantern walk ahead of the automobile to warn people that it was coming. Dandy Dave!

[Gavin]

I always thought you used to be able to drive a tractor at 16 on L plates provided it did not have a trailed implement attached although fixed implements were allowed.

[john.n]

Im going to play it safe, and wiat a couple of months til I pass the car test. not worth getting a ban for x-number of years.
More of a general question though, would i be able to tow a trailer on the road behind my Dexta? (not that i would have one in front)

Regards,
John

[Tim W]

it's always been 16 for a tractor, you can take your full test at 16 as well.
Probably tells you on a driving license.

from the government direct site:


Category Description Minimum age

F Agricultural tractors 17*

*Age 16 for tractors less than 2.45 metres wide, it must only pull trailers less than 2.45 metres wide with two wheels, or four close-coupled.


the NFU are wrong - wouldnt be the first time! call them back and ask to speak to a surpervisor/manager,
or try a different company

Tim