'Laden testing' rules for driving test vehicles
There are 'laden testing' rules for vehicles used in practical driving tests in various categories. These vehicles must now carry a minimum weight when being used for the driving test.
Vehicles affected
The rules affect vehicles in the categories in the table below:
| Vehicle category | Vehicle description |
|---|---|
| B + E | car and trailer |
| C1 + E | medium sized goods vehicle and trailer |
| C | large goods vehicle |
| C + E | large goods vehicle and trailer |
| D1 + E | minibus and trailer |
| D + E | bus or coach and trailer |
Requirements
Vehicles used in these categories of tests must have a load as shown in the table below.
| Vehicle category | Vehicle or trailer affected | Minimum real weight | Minimum load requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Vehicle | 10,000kg | 5 x 1,000 litre IBCs |
| C + E 'drawbar' vehicle | Towing lorry and trailer | 10,000kg for lorry and 5,000kg for trailer | 5 x 1,000 litre IBCs (lorry) and 3 x 1,000 litre IBCs (trailer) |
| C + E articulated lorry | Semi-trailer | 15,000kg | 8 x 1,000 litre IBCs |
| B + E, C1 + E, D1 + E and D + E | Trailers | 800kg | 600kg of aggregates or 1 IBC of 1,000kg or 600kg capacity when filled with water |
Rules about the load
Bagged aggregates like sand, stone chippings, gravel or any other recycled material packages (but not toxic materials) must be in sealed bags. The bags must:
- all weigh the same
- be at least 10kg
- have the weight clearly stamped on them
Water must be in Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) which are made from semi-transparent moulded plastic, usually reinforced with a wire framework. The examiner may need to inspect an IBC used as ‘load’ for the test so it’s important that they can visually check it has the right water level.
You cannot use any other type of load.
The load must be secured appropriately onto the vehicle or trailer.
When you start the test you will be asked to sign a declaration stating that the vehicle you are using fully meets the laden testing requirements and that the load being carried is properly secured.
Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM)
MAM refers to the gross weight or plated weight of the vehicle and means the overall weight of the vehicle allowed on the road. Therefore, when fully loaded the vehicle cannot weigh more than its plated MAM.
If you add the weight of the vehicle plus the weight of the minimum load together (as required for the test) and it weighs more than the plated Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), the vehicle is not roadworthy and cannot be taken on the test.
Real Total Mass (RTM)
RTM is the actual weight of the vehicle and load when presented for test. This must not be more than the plated MAM of the vehicle.
It is critical that you check the real/actual weights for your vehicle against the manufacturer’s plate.
Training for your test
You can use a laden vehicle, provided by your training school, while you are training.
Your instructor can be available at the start of the test to answer any questions about the load.
If your trainer wants a supervising examiner to assess the suitability and security of the load being assessed they can make arrangements to have the vehicle checked during the two weeks before the test:
- telephone supervising examiners on 028 9054 1820 or 028 9054 1818
What happens at the test
Random checks will be made by the examiner or the supervising examiner to make sure loads have been positioned and secured properly and meet the Real Total Mass (RTM) requirement.
If the examiner or the supervising examiner thinks that your vehicle does not comply they will bring it to your attention. You will be given a period of grace to make the vehicle meet the RTM requirement, but if this cannot be done the test will be cancelled and you may lose your fee.
If the vehicle does not meet the rules or if you refuse to sign the declaration the test will not go ahead and you may lose your test fee.