This will allow drivers with a certain type of licence to continue to use a car to tow trailers.

The announcement of the commitment of the Minister for Transport to allow those farmers who have held a driver’s licence since 1989 to have a trailer towing +E category added to their B licence, is seen as sensible and practical on a number of counts.

Experience

It values experience and allows those drivers to have their licence reflect their skills. Post 1989 applies typically to many farmers who are over 40 years of age, typically, the more active farmers.

This will still mean a trailer test requirement for many thousands of farmers across Ireland who need to pull trailers as part of their daily farming activity.

The IFA president said that the Minister has now agreed, with the Road Safety Authority (RSA), that drivers who can prove they were entitled to tow trailers prior to 1989, will be able to continue to do so without undergoing a test.

The proof required can be obtained from the appropriate Motor Tax Office where records are retained.

The RSA is willing to accept a sworn affidavit where proof is not available.

But it still means that younger farmers will have to undergo what is a far from simple or consistent trailer driving test.