The C1+E practical driving test is conducted by a DVSA examiner and assesses your ability to safely drive a C1 vehicle with a qualifying trailer attached. Understanding exactly what happens on test day will help you prepare effectively and approach the test with confidence.
Before the Test Begins
You will need to bring your driving licence (both parts if you have a paper counterpart) and your theory test pass certificate (if applicable). The examiner will check your documents and ask you to sign a declaration confirming that your vehicle and trailer are insured and roadworthy.
The examiner will also ask you two "show me, tell me" vehicle safety questions — one answered while stationary (tell me) and one demonstrated while driving (show me). These cover items such as checking tyre pressures, fluid levels, and lights.
The Reversing Exercise
The reversing exercise is usually the first assessed element after the vehicle safety questions. For C1+E, this typically involves an offset reverse — reversing the vehicle and trailer into a defined bay or space at an angle — or a parallel park with the trailer. The examiner is assessing:
- Accurate steering control when reversing with the trailer.
- Effective use of mirrors throughout the manoeuvre.
- Appropriate observations — including getting out of the vehicle to check the trailer position if necessary.
- Completing the manoeuvre without striking cones or markers.
You are permitted to take shunts (pull forward and re-approach) during the reversing exercise, but excessive shunts or loss of control will result in faults being recorded.
Coupling and Uncoupling
The examiner may ask you to demonstrate safe coupling and uncoupling of the trailer. This involves:
- Positioning the vehicle correctly to couple the trailer.
- Attaching the trailer coupling, safety chains, and electrical connections.
- Checking trailer lights and brakes are functioning.
- Demonstrating safe uncoupling and securing the trailer.
The Road Drive
The road drive lasts approximately 40 minutes and covers a range of road types including dual carriageways, roundabouts, junctions, and rural roads. The examiner is assessing:
- Road positioning with the trailer — particularly on roundabouts and tight junctions.
- Mirror use — checking mirrors frequently and acting on what you see.
- Speed management — maintaining appropriate speed for the road and conditions, accounting for the increased stopping distance of the outfit.
- Anticipation and planning — reading the road ahead and responding smoothly.
- Lane discipline — staying in the correct lane and signalling correctly.
Independent Driving
For part of the road drive, you will be asked to drive independently — following road signs or a sat-nav without direction from the examiner. This section lasts approximately 20 minutes and assesses your ability to navigate safely while maintaining vehicle control.
Fault Categories
| Fault Type | Description | Effect on Test |
|---|---|---|
| Minor (driver fault) | A small error that does not create immediate danger | Up to 15 allowed; 16+ = fail |
| Serious fault | A potentially dangerous error | One = immediate fail |
| Dangerous fault | An error that creates actual danger | One = immediate fail |
After the Test
At the end of the test, the examiner will tell you whether you have passed or failed and explain any faults recorded on the DL25 form. If you pass, the DVSA will notify the DVLA and your licence will be updated to show the C1E entitlement.
Prepare for Your C1+E Test with GS Driver Training
Our instructors at GS Driver Training will ensure you are fully prepared for every element of the C1+E practical test. View our C1+E course details or call 01252 447808 to book your training.
