Extra test needed for tractor driving
Most farmers have yet to learn that an additional category has been added to the listings for qualifications on their driving licence but they will be confronted with it next time they come to renew their licence with the local authority.
In addition to the regular categories, category W has been added, which is described as the application to drive "work vehicles and land tractors, with or without a trailer attached".
Local authorities have confirmed that in certain circumstances it may be necessary to do a driving test on the tractor before a licence is given.
However, before every farmer in the country suffers mild cardiac failure with the thought of marching up to the local driving test centre with his tractor to undergo the driving test for his next driving licence, let's clarify that in practice there is likely to be very few instances of this happening In theory it is there as a requirement, but in practice it is unlikely to be widely necessary.
The local authorities explain that anyone holding a driving licence to drive a car, which comes under category B, is automatically qualified under category W to drive a tractor or other vehicle described as work vehicle.
The difference does arise for a young driver. The minimum age for a driving licence for a car is 17 years, but a driving licence for a tractor, category W can be obtained at 16 years and the normal procedures of driving test applies to the granting of the licence as a provisional licence subject to the requirement for a driving test.
