Tractor Driving Tests

What the test requires

Read the number plate at a minimum distance of 20.5m.

If you fail the eyesight test then you will have failed the driving test.

You need to make sure it's safe to start and drive your vehicle. The examiner will watch to see that you check and adjust your seat and mirrors (if you have them). Make sure it's safe to start the engine and that you follow the correct procedures. You need to check:

you can reach and operate the main driving controls
the brakes are applied
drive or gear selector is in neutral
hand throttle, accelerator or engine starting controls are properly set
make sure the cab doors are closed

You should show your examiner that you understand the functions of all the controls. You should use them:

    - smoothly
    - correctly
    - safely
    - at the right time

The main controls are:

    - accelerator or throttle
    - clutch
    - footbrake or main brake
    - handbrake
    - steering
    - gears

Accelerator
Use a foot operator instead of a hand throttle or 'cruise control' for on-road driving. Hand throttles are normally for off road work.

Footbrake
If your tractor has a split left and right braking system, use the pedals locked together. Even like this, your tractor may 'pull' to one side or the other slightly, especially if you have been working off-road using the independent brakes.

Gears
Make sure you're in the right gear range and use two-wheel drive instead of four.

Steering
Keep both hands on the steering wheel unless you're operating another control.

Faults to avoid:

Accelerator
    - accelerating fiercely leading to a loss of control
    - making the vehicle surge or lurch by using the accelerator harshly

Footbrake
    - braking harshly except in an emergency

Handbrake
    - applying the handbrake before the vehicle has stopped moving
    - moving off with the handbrake on

Steering
    - don't turn too early when steering around a corner. If you do, you risk cutting the corner when turning right and putting other drivers at risk or striking the kerb when turning left
    - don't turn too late. You could put other road users and pedestrians at risk by swinging wide on left turns or overshooting on right turns

You should understand the functions of the following:
    - lights
    - indicators
    - windscreen wipers
    - heater

Moving off
Make sure that you:
    - check to make sure its safe - check all mirrors and over BOTH shoulders before moving away
    - signal if necessary
    - don't make other road users change speed or direction to avoid you

Rear observation
Mirrors on some tractors may be affected by vibration. If your vehicle is affected, you'll have to turn to look behind.

Check behind before:
    - moving off
    - signalling
    - changing direction or position
    - passing parked cars or obstructions
    - turning to the left or right
    - increasing speed
    - slowing down or stopping

Giving signals
When travelling slowly early signals help other road users in good time. However, giving signals too early could mislead other road users.

Emergency stop
Large chunky tyres fitted to tractors can give limited grip, be prepared to take immediate correcting action if you over brake and skid.

Reversing into a side road
You may be asked to reverse into a side road without a kerb. Don't let the wheels go onto the grass.

Large tractor wheels smooth out small bumps, so you may not feel the kerb if you hit or mount it. The front of a tractor can swing a long way out when reversing so before turning LOOK ALL around for passing traffic and stop if necessary.

Junctions
You may sit a long way from the front of your vehicle. At junctions you may need to creep slowly forwards, looking both ways until you can see it's safe to emerge.

When meeting and passing other vehicles use the height of your vehicle to get a good look ahead. Don't try and squeeze through a tight gap. If you need to wait, don't get too close to the obstruction. Engine covers or bodyworks may make it difficult to judge how much clearance you have.