The following problem

flappist · 28-03-2010, 05:45 PM

This weekend I went for a wander to a function in Crows Nest and as it is "caravan season" on the New England Hwy there were lots of them.

One tried to kill me and another car on the way down and one tried to wipe out a whole line of traffic on the way back.

Both times it appeared that the driver "forgot" they had a trailer.

A loony with 3 motorbikes on a trailer being towed by an ancient commodore was convinced, I am sure, that the trailer had IRS and didn't seem to notice it bouncing around crossing the centre line several times.

So the question.....

Should there be a "trailer endorsement" or category on a driver's license required before a driver can tow a trailer and if so how should it be brought in?

**DJM83** · 28-03-2010, 05:50 PM

If you wish to tow a trailer IMO i think there should be a test. So the person wishing to tow a trailer has the basic knowledge on how to drive with one and also secure a load should be incorporated into it aswell. That said a lot of people have passed their licence test but still cannot drive

b2tf · 28-03-2010, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

Should there be a "trailer endorsement" or category on a driver's license required before a driver can tow a trailer and if so how should it be brought in?

Yes 100% absolutely and it should require a specific test where the driver is required to demonstrate that they can control a trailer/caravan just like you are required to show you can control a car to get your licence in the first place.

There should also be a law allowing all those with the stupid nicknames like "Col and Cheryl - UHF 44" etc on the back of their vans to be shot on site. Double barrel shot for those with "grey nomad", "aging disgracefully" or "spending the kids inheritance" stickers on them.

4Vman · 28-03-2010, 05:53 PM

Trailer towing endorsement? ABSOLUTELY.....

Bucknaked · 28-03-2010, 05:59 PM

: people are already bitching about paying more at the pump, increased rego and state goverments revenue raising. Sure why not. Another reason to contribute more to the goverment coffers.

BOSHOG · 28-03-2010, 05:59 PM

people currently on the road getting the license automatically doesnt fix the problem straight away, maybe in 10-20yrs once they all go to the big trailer park in the sky itll help

castellan · 28-03-2010, 06:07 PM

Yes.
Over a certain weight.
With a advance driver course.
I see so many cars that are not set up the right way to tow a van.

mik · 28-03-2010, 06:26 PM

this is a pet hate of mine, a caravan or tandem with a car on it is far more dangerouse than an average semi imo, yet a car towing has basiccly zero training , you can`t drive a manual car if you have an auto licence yet you can put a dirty great traler /van/boat on and go for your life WTF? how about at the time of licenceing an extra box is ticked for the option of towing,and at the very least an hour video of what to expect and the dangers of towing and a bit about setup, questions and answers after to get certification, it`s not much but its something at least.

**Tucool** · 28-03-2010, 06:38 PM

Hi Flappy

I believe anybody wanting to use a trailer of any description should have an endorsement to do so, it's frightening to see people who have never so much have driven outside the metro area to suddenly be on the open road with a huge caravan and have no idea of speed , cross winds, etc... and they generally take out the innocent with them!!! a pet hate of mine grrr

**TUF_302** · 28-03-2010, 06:40 PM

The first thing they need to fix is all the un-roadworthy traliers you see on the road, cant remember how many i've seen with tail lights that are faulty, and some of the older timber ones that are rotting should be taken off the road, they are a big hazard, there doesn't seem to be much policing on what condition some people keep there trailers in,

Once that was sorted i think there should be a test for anything over a standard 6x4 box trailer, the problem is of course even if you train people to tow, some people just wont be able to, alot of people struggle with a car, let alone one with some attached to it lol!

sarrge2001 · 28-03-2010, 06:54 PM

But if you make people sit for a test, that will remove half the fun watching them use a boat ramp.....

That notwithstanding, yes, trailer endorsement......

Jason[98.EL] · 28-03-2010, 07:10 PM

I say yes

I have seen so many people that have no idea how to tow a trailer as much as i hate to say it butsome of my family have no clue and it scares the living poo out of me sometimes as they have no idea about the controll of the extra weight behind them

I had a mate write off his eb the other day due to a trailer and he is a truck driver so it just shows how hard it is to tow even if you have the experience

Jason

RG · 28-03-2010, 07:14 PM

Yes, definitely.

First bloody thing on the test should be reversing. The amount of attempts some people take is just stupid.

If you can;t do it, don't go to the bloody tip and try there.

plumby · 28-03-2010, 07:16 PM

yeah i have to agree. i tow a trailer for work n there are a lot of other drivers who have no idea on how to control one. i also think if u make electric brakes mandatory on trailers it make it that little bit safer for other road users.

LightingBA · 28-03-2010, 07:31 PM

Definitely, everyone should have to do a test to tow a trailer and/or a caravan, the amount of people who cant seem to drive a car with a trailer/caravan attached is astounding.
On a side note when i got my p plates my dad made me learn to drive with a trailer because he deemed it a necessary skill.

Yellow_Festiva · 28-03-2010, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RG

Yes, definitely.

First bloody thing on the test should be reversing. The amount of attempts some people take is just stupid.

If you can;t do it, don't go to the bloody tip and try there.

Took the words right out of my mouth. This is one of the things many simply cannot do!

Each year our school has various visiting groups with a trailer, usually on the back of a Falcon wagon. Watching them try and reverse the trailer to the hall doors to unload gear is hard.... I have had to step in and do it for them several times.

Then, once done, they had no clue on how to apply the brakes, drop down the jockey and unhitch / re-hitch the rig.

So, yes. I think there should be a ticket / extra component to your licence if you want to tow anything over a certain length or weight.

Jim Goose · 28-03-2010, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

This weekend I went for a wander to a function in Crows Nest and as it is "caravan season" on the New England Hwy there were lots of them.

One tried to kill me and another car on the way down and one tried to wipe out a whole line of traffic on the way back.

Both times it appeared that the driver "forgot" they had a trailer.

A loony with 3 motorbikes on a trailer being towed by an ancient commodore was convinced, I am sure, that the trailer had IRS and didn't seem to notice it bouncing around crossing the centre line several times.

So the question.....

Should there be a "trailer endorsement" or category on a driver's license required before a driver can tow a trailer and if so how should it be brought in?

OMG YES!!! I think for once everyone agrees here!!!

The military driving licence is very ******** and each and every trailer type is endoresed on their licences. 2 ton, 5 ton, 10ton, dual axle, single axle, articulated etc..

I went to the dump once and this poor woman there had no clue how to reverse a trailer, but at least she had the sence to ask me to do it for her.

A large majority of trailers i see on the road are so dangerous its not funny.
Most appear over loaded, have bald flat tyres, lights which dont work or a smashed off completely and riddled with rust!!!!

A lot of people dont even bother to cover their loads.

The amount of times i have seen people forget they have a trailer attached to their vehicle is incredible... then again the sad driver behavour overall is pretty pathetic too.

Auslandau · 28-03-2010, 08:44 PM

Always agreed and could never understand why there isn't a test or licence ...... there is for everything else!!!

Been to many caravan parks and watching some muppets reversing their vans is VERY entertaining ...... of course license them, even if it teaches them to know what MAX Gross capacity is, that a caravan weighs alot and can be very dangerous. There should also be higher fines for bad trailers, bad loads and bad towing.

Also cars should be inspected to match larger caravans and boats with a RWC issued matching the car to the caravan (A belongs to B) ..... making sure the basics are working like electric breaks, wheel bearings on trailers and mirrors you can see out of being the major checks ...... very simple stuff!

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jason71 · 28-03-2010, 08:49 PM

Yep.

The amount of people that can't reverse with a trailer is ridiculous, should be able to do that a the least.

**MR_LON** · 28-03-2010, 09:00 PM

yes there should be extra steps on the licence to be able to tow a trailer/caravan of any size & everyone who wants to tow should have to do a test. further more every trailer should have to be registered & as many people only use a trailer a couple of times a year the test should be a yearly thing done when re-registering the trailer.

4Vman · 28-03-2010, 09:03 PM

Spend a day at a boat ramp for giggles... it will highlight the problem with the lack of skills most people have when it comes to using a trailer....

Romulus · 28-03-2010, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RG

Yes, definitely.

First bloody thing on the test should be reversing. The amount of attempts some people take is just stupid.

If you can;t do it, don't go to the bloody tip and try there.

Agreed 100%. Too many muppets towing trailers who've no idea. Reversing should be the first test carried out. If you fail you have to wait a year before re-applying for the test

:

Kryton · 28-03-2010, 09:10 PM

If your automatically entitled to a Manual car license, without having to do any further training, tests or anything other than holding an Automatic car license for the term of your P plates, what chance do you think there ever will be to introduce something like this?

GTP owner · 28-03-2010, 09:33 PM

I am going to go against the grain and say no. Just because you can pass the drivers licence does not mean you drive, so why would passing yet another test prove you can tow a trailer? It would be another over-regulated system with checks and balances to make sure the government fleeced you for all you are worth, but no actual requirements to show you know how to
a. control a trailer sway
b. reverse around a corner
c. be couteous to other road users
d. maintain the trailer, including tyres
e understand that just because your box trailer can fit 2 scoops of bluemetal does not mean it was rated to carry that amount

**GasoLane** · 28-03-2010, 09:46 PM

Ah, I see Geoffrey Robertson QC is back.

A timely poll Tony, check this out, specifically from post 2928

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...&page=98&pp=30

No prizes for guessing what I voted.

GTP owner · 28-03-2010, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasOLane

Ah, I see Geoffrey Robertson QC is back.

A timely poll Tony, check this out, specifically from post 2928

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...&page=98&pp=30

No prizes for guessing what I voted.

Bit cryptic there.

**GasoLane** · 28-03-2010, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTP owner

Bit cryptic there.

Which part?

Hemicuda · 28-03-2010, 11:20 PM

Yes, i agree. Basic skills should be taught, esp how to make sure that your trailer is securely hitched.
A good start though would be a law mandating that if 3 or more cars are behind you on a single lane highway, you must pull over when safe to let the traffic pass.
It is very inconsiderate making others do 40 or 50 under the speed limit behind a diesel 4WD towing a boat or van whilst attempting to climb hills.

morak001 · 29-03-2010, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hemicuda

Yes, i agree. Basic skills should be taught, esp how to make sure that your trailer is securely hitched.

Yes I Agree, also with GTP Owner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hemicuda

A good start though would be a law mandating that if 3 or more cars are behind you on a single lane highway, you must pull over when safe to let the traffic pass.
It is very inconsiderate making others do 40 or 50 under the speed limit behind a diesel 4WD towing a boat or van whilst attempting to climb hills.

These rules already exist? obstructing/holding up traffic? something like that existed when I did my license in SA.
I don't believe more rules are the answer, just need people to follow the existing rules with a bit of courtesy.

If rules were the answer people wouldn't speed, DUI or fail to give etc.

Jim Goose · 29-03-2010, 12:04 AM

Quote:

These rules already exist? obstructing/holding up traffic? something like that existed when I did my license in SA.
I don't believe more rules are the answer, just need people to follow the existing rules with a bit of courtesy.

Yes actually they do exsist, its called obstructing traffic.
If your on a freeway doing 50kmh the police can book you for it.
(not that it happens much here! Being booked i mean)

View Poll Results: Should a "trailer license" become mandatory
No	18	16.22%
Yes but only for trailers bigger than "garden trailers"	51	45.95%
Yes but only on new licenses, incumbents get it automatically	3	2.70%
Yes, everyone gets it automatically but must do a test before initial issue or renewal	17	15.32%
Yes for those who own a registered trailer but test required for everyone else and for renewals	18	16.22%
Trailers (especially bloody caravans) should be banned	4	3.60%
Voters: 111. You may not vote on this poll