What can I drive with category BE

Category B+E
If you passed your test before January 1, 1997, you'll be able to drive a vehicle with a trailer over the usual combined limit of 3,500kg- up to 8,250kg. If you passed your test after this date, you'll have to take an additional test to tow weights over 3,500kg.
Simply googled DVLA website........hope it helps!
 
I passed my test in 1967 I have changed my license to a french one as I live there. But unfortunately I renewed my license once in UK in 1977 and that's the date which was put on my French license, so they think I passed my test then, I cannot prove when I passed my test as DVLA know nothing before 1977. On my new french license it says I can drive BE so was wondering what can I drive.
 
Look on back of licence, there is a list of groups with pictures, the ones you can legally drive have a start date and a finish date alongside them. :cycle:?
 
Sorry you posted your second answer whilst I was posting mine :think:
 
Chickie said:
I passed my test in 1967 I have changed my license to a french one as I live there. But unfortunately I renewed my license once in UK in 1977 and that's the date which was put on my French license, so they think I passed my test then, I cannot prove when I passed my test as DVLA know nothing before 1977. On my new french license it says I can drive BE so was wondering what can I drive.
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1977 is still before 1997 so Phod's reply is still the same.
 
Contact your local prefecture where you changed your licence, about 10/12 years ago the French goverment gave all camping car drivers an increase in the weight they could drive, I applied at the time (lived in the Charente) was told no as I had changed from UK licence to French one and it was for French only
 
You can tow ANY WEIGHT trailer up to the train weight of your van.
A 3500kg Ducato is usually 5500kg train weight so a trailer up to 2000kg is legal, but you need to look at the vans VIN plate to a confirm the train weight.

Train weight minus vans gross weight (3500kg) equals trailer weight.
 
Chickie said:
I passed my test in 1967 I have changed my license to a french one as I live there. But unfortunately I renewed my license once in UK in 1977 and that's the date which was put on my French license, so they think I passed my test then, I cannot prove when I passed my test as DVLA know nothing before 1977. On my new french license it says I can drive BE so was wondering what can I drive.
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But the French should still have changed it exactly as the UK one was with C1 & C1+E entitlement under grandfather's rights.
 
Gus-lopez yes you would think that but you have got to prove when you passed your test I can't. Pappajohn thanks so I can tow up to 2000kg. But I have not got a C1 category but have a BE. Sorry JJ it was you post got me thinking hope all goes well for you.
 
.....
gus-lopez said:
But the French should still have changed it exactly as the UK one was with C1 & C1+E entitlement under grandfather's rights.
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My initial thought was same but, with greatest respect to Chickie, may be 70+ and rights have lapsed. Don't know how that works in France right enough.
 
Chickie said:
Gus-lopez yes you would think that but you have got to prove when you passed your test I can't.
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Under EU law ,no you haven't the need to prove it nor can they ask .
They are required to exchange the licence exactly for what is/was on the existing licence from another member state. The only thing they can do is limit the C1 +E to a maximum train weight of 8250kgs same as the UK does.
If you have passed the test for C1 then it is 12,000kgs.
 
No I'm not 70 yet getting there?. My new license is valid until 2034 it is different in France.

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Chickie said:
But I have not got a C1 category but have a BE.
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C1 and B are licence categories which you can drive.
C1 = >7500kg
B = >3500kg

The E part only means you can tow a trailer heavier than the maximum weight allowed for the above two classes.as well.

C1E = 8250kg (any combination of towing vehicle and trailer weight providing train weight isn't exceeded)
BE = 8250kg (but the towing vehicle is restricted to 3500kg and train weight isn't exceeded)
C1 = 7500kg plus 750kg trailer
B. = any tow vehicle and trailer combination not exceeding 3500kg
 
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There is the added complication of actual trailer weight and or versus the plated weight, so be careful.

Trailer could for example be 1200kgs but if it's plated weight is actually 12t (the the total of trailer and whatever is being carried) it is the plated weight that matters so be careful....I know this is an extreme example but it's an example!
 
Having BE as pre '97 'grandfather rights' I can't understand why the Spanish authorities omitted the C1 & C1E category when you changed to a Spanish licence as they would have been shown as well.
Unless.....you were aged over 70 when you changed your licence in which case it would have expired.
It was a thought but see your only 68.
 
I don't know if it's the same in France, did you have a medical and a test on a computer to change your licence. ?
When I was 50, I lost my sight in one eye causing me to loose my hgv 1, but in the UK having one eye your entitlement is C1 7500kg. ?
When we changed our licence to Spanish I was prepared ? after speaking to people to loose my licence, ? if that's the rules then that's it. ?
Anyway had the medical and test and now have the B+E licence, that sounds like you have the same, ? I can drive 3500kg and tow a trailer up to 750kg total weight 4250kg ? that was lucky, but we have had a 3500kg motorhome since 2013.?
I kept my full motorcycle licence. ?

Janie went through the same medical and test, and her licence is the same as she had on the UK licence. ?

The only way you would not be entitled to the C1 would be failing the medical or test, or being 70. ? Bob.
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pappajohn said:
Having BE as pre '97 'grandfather rights' I can't understand why the Spanish authorities omitted the C1 & C1E category when you changed to a Spanish licence as they would have been shown as well.
Unless.....you were aged over 70 when you changed your licence in which case it would have expired.
It was a thought but see your only 68.
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That's because he swopped it for a French one.:giggler::giggler:
 
pappajohn said:
You need to read your posted quote text again.... It clearly states a trailer EXCEEDING 750kg
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? Your almost right John ?
I was going by what they told me at the medical, and was happy with that because I could drive our motorhome and don't tow a trailer. ?
But in Spain it might be in black and white but they make it up as they go along. ?
Did more research and the police site n332 have it clear and understandable. ?
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So in my case I could tow a trailer with a gross weight of 2500kg.
If I so wished. ? ? Bob .
Chickie ??

Oh good I can get another caravan.?
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