4. Tractor and specialist vehicle driving tests (categories F, G, H and K)
Guidance for driving examiners carrying out tractor and specialist vehicle driving tests (categories F, G, H and K).
The examiner should take DVSA10 forms, an iPad, Traffic signs-DT5, Highway Code Questions and paper contingencies for the test. In the case of tractor and specialist vehicle tests, the official tape must also be carried.
As per the car test.
Examiners must conduct these driving tests on foot, they are not permitted to ride in or on the vehicle.
A suitable location for the test should be arranged with the candidate through the tractor and specialist vehicle tests team within Deployment and the relevant DTC.
The test must be conducted on-road at a location where the examiner can see the candidate making left and right turns. Exceptionally, the manoeuvre(s) (only) can be carried out off-road if there is the possibility of the vehicle damaging the road, but if the vehicle cannot be driven normally on-road, it is not suitable for test.
The Regulations require the candidate to demonstrate competence to drive the vehicle without danger to other road users and, where possible, be observed to drive on roads outside built-up areas and, if necessary, on urban roads.
Additionally, the Regulations require the candidate to act correctly and promptly on all signals given by traffic signs and traffic controllers, take appropriate action on signs given by other road users, and demonstrate appropriate signals in a clear and unmistakable manner. In the case of a vehicle with left-hand drive or a disabled candidate for whom it is impracticable or undesirable to give signals by arm, there is no requirement to give signals that cannot be given by mechanical means.
Regardless of the transmission configuration of the vehicle presented for test, driving licences for categories K, F, G & H are not restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission. Therefore, when completing the Digital Test Report for categories K, F, G & H, the automatic box should not be marked because it will cause a conflict with DVLA’s system and delay the licence being issued.
The usual driving test preliminaries of licence checks, identification, eyesight, etc., should be carried out.
Examiners must ensure they have an approved tape measure with them in case of an eyesight failure.
Two Safety Check Questions should then be asked.
The candidate is then directed where to go, with the examiner walking to various vantage points to observe the candidate.
The normal rules of assessment should be applied.
Examiners who are not familiar with conducting tests of this type should seek guidance from their LDTM.
The route number for a tractor and specialist vehicle tests is 88. The standard category ‘B’ test duration should be adhered to.
The candidate will not have taken a theory test, so at the end of the practical drive, the examiner should ask five questions on the Highway Code and other motoring matters and a sixth question comprising six traffic signs from the DT5. As these types of vehicles are not allowed to drive on motorways, questions should not be asked on this subject.
All the requirements of the test must be carried out:
- read in good daylight (with the aid of corrective lenses if worn) a registration mark fixed to a motor vehicle and containing letters and figures 79 millimetres high and 50 millimetres wide, at a distance of:
- 12.3 metres for category K
- 20 metres for categories F, G & H
- answer vehicle safety check questions
- start the engine of the vehicle
- move away straight ahead and at an angle
- overtake, meet and cross the path of other vehicles and take an appropriate course
- turn right-hand and left-hand corners correctly
- stop the vehicle in an emergency and normally, and in the latter case, bring it to rest at an appropriate part of the road
- answer Highway Code questions
Additional requirements for categories F & G
Carry out a manoeuvre involving the use of reverse gear—usually a left-hand reverse (except in a case where the vehicle is not fitted with a means of reversing).
Additional requirements for category H
Drive the vehicle backwards and cause it to face in the opposite direction by means of its tracks.
Minimum Test Vehicle (MTV) requirements and minimum age for categories F, G, H & K:
All vehicles presented for test must be legally roadworthy and covered by insurance for use on test by the candidate.
Not all vehicles in categories F, G, H & K are fitted with indicators & stop lamps; such vehicles are suitable for test, provided the candidate can give signals by arm.
Agricultural tractors - category F:
- have two or more axles
- are constructed for use as a tractor for work off the road in connection with agriculture or forestry
To drive tractors on public roads, you must be at least 16 years old.
At 16, you are restricted to a tractor that is no more than 2.45 metres wide and only driving on the road when travelling to and from a driving test appointment until you’ve passed your category F driving test.
At 17 years old, you can drive any tractor, and you can drive unaccompanied on the road displaying L plates, or D plates in Wales.
Road rollers - category G:
Before you can apply for a provisional licence for a category G, you must hold a full category B driving licence.
At 17 years old, you can drive a road roller:
- with metal rollers
- weighing less than 11.96 tonnes unladen
- which isn’t steam-propelled
At 21 years old, you can drive other road rollers:
- which have pneumatic, resilient, or elastic tyres
- that weigh more than 11.96 tonnes unladen
- that are steam-propelled.
Track-laying vehicles steered by means of their tracks - category H:
Before you can apply for a provisional licence for a category H, you must hold a full category B driving licence.
At 17, you can drive track-laying vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes MAM.
At 21, you can drive track-laying vehicles over 7.5 tonnes MAM.
If the candidate’s view is so restricted that they cannot make their own decisions about emerging at a junction, etc., and need the assistance of a third party (e.g., tank commander), then the vehicle is unsuitable for the purposes of a driving test.
Quad-tracks (or four-tracks) steer by means of articulating their body with hydraulic rams and do not steer by means of their tracks. Therefore, if they are constructed for use as a tractor for work off the road in connection with agriculture or forestry for driving licence and test purposes, they are category ‘F’.
A mowing machine or pedestrian-controlled vehicle - category K:
This is a specialist, ride-on, grass-cutting vehicle with permanent cutting equipment. You must be 16 years old to drive one of these vehicles.
A pedestrian-controlled vehicle is a powered vehicle where the operator walks with the vehicle and does not ride on it. This vehicle is not treated as a motor vehicle, and the operator does not need a driving licence.