You’ve probably been wondering how to pass your B&E Trailer Test the first time around. We have all been there… we are driving along when suddenly, BAM! The tow vehicle falls on its side and you are forced to swerve to avoid hitting it.
On the other hand, a lot of people will not even start to think about this when they drive their car… but for us (at least I am) it is a serious matter. Driving lessons are really not for kids. You can be as good a driver as the next person, but if you have not been exposed to proper driving lessons, then you don’t have a clue what you are doing. That is why I recommend taking your driving test first time before taking any driving lessons.
What is the B&E Trailer Test? The B&E Trailer Test is a written examination given by the NHTSA to truckers that have had at least three years of driving experience. If you want to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL) or your motorcycle license (bike) all you need to do is take one of two tests – The B&E or the Tow Test. These are both approved by the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The B&E covers everything from how to stop and start a tow vehicle to how to use a hand brake and more. The Tow Test covers things like handling, braking, turning, backing, mowing, snow and ice and more. If you are wondering how long the B&E trailer is in a dry state, the answer is: not very long. A typical B&E trailer is only worth about 800kg man when empty, so you will not be able to tow much more than that. Ideally, you will not need any extra equipment for the tow.
Once you have completed the B&E trailer test, the next step is to show the NHTSA the location where you live (but you will need to provide your current address). You will also need to provide them with your driver’s license number and vehicle registration number. The reason why you are being asked to do this is to make sure that you are where you say you are – and not running a red light or other traffic violation. The next step is to get on the train with the trailer for a short distance and once you are sure you know how to operate the controls, the test is over.
On average, it takes one or two minutes for the B&E Trailer to reach the trucker’s house and another minute or two for the trucker to unlock and extend the tow rope. Once the B&E Trailer is parked, the owner has thirty-five minutes to respond to an emailed emergency message or call center. After that, you can contact emergency authorities either by phone or email. If the B&E Trailer is locked, you can call the trucker’s house to see if he or she can unlock the trailer from outside. If not, you will be directed to the nearest closed facility.