tips for passing trailer test please!

[doodlebops]

I am now the proud owner of my first trailer.
I need to now pass my test so I'm not relying on others all the time, does anyone have any useful tips, links, advice for me? Are there any good guides that are worth buying?
I am a complete beginner- never towed anything before, tried googling but not sure where to start!
What happens during the test? What kind of things are you asked?
How did your test go? Did you pass first time?

[MayhemandMadness]

If you have a local landbased / agricultural colleges close by, try them as they usually offer courses for towing.

[doodlebops]

Scottish Borders, there are a couple of companies that do the full day/2 day courses with the test at the end, I'll look Into this more thoroughly. thanks everyone

[Mrsmorton]

Sorry, bit of a cross post there. Happy to recommend instructors if you say where you are.

[Mrsmorton]

I did mine 2 years ago. 2 days of tuition and test in the afternoon of second day. Couldn't recommend it enough.

They literally went through everything that I could possibly be tested on and I'd definitely have failed on the show me tell me if I'd been left to my own devices!!

Also the reversing test is weird, you get a minor for pulling forward...

I was very proud of myself for passing and now I'm a bit of a ninja at reversing into small spaces!!

Go for the tuition, you won't regret it.

[spydie]

I really can't remember but I think it's the same as a normal test (might be wrong!), but key is the reverse; you can correct a max of two times (each correction counts as a minor) and any more is a fail. You need to go somewhere that you can practice over and over as the back of the trailer has to end up in a small box!

There is also an emergency stop manoeuvre. You have to unhitche the trailer, drive and park next to it, then drive back and hitch back up again. No one can help you, but a decent instructor will give you tips (mine did, happy to share!).

Tell me questions were things like how should you load a trailer, and I think I had to show where the oil was in the engine...

Re instructor, you need someone that you are happy with tbh, and like their teaching style. If anyone local can recommend someone, even better (where are you?). I did two full days, if I'm honest it was knackering and I was mentally dead at the end of it (test was a couple of days later). I'd recommend breaking it up a bit more than I did, maybe lessons and a day or half day right before the test. They scrutinise everything, your driving needs to be pretty spot on.

[doodlebops]

How many minors are you allowed? What where your show me/tell me questions? I've had a quick google for lessons, there's not much choice In my area, should I go for a Independant/local individual offering tuition or the big flashy company?

[spydie]

Definitely take lessons, you'll be throwing good money down the drain otherwise!

They are looking for an accomplished and solid driver; you won't get away with nervous mistakes like you would on your driving test. I passed first time with two minors (one for correcting the reversing manoeuvre).

[frostyfingers]

Just found this that gives you an idea of what's involved. Luckily I'm ancient and don't need to do one!
www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/car-trailer-practical-test

[frostyfingers]

My advice would be to bite the bullet and look for an approved training centre - google or ask friends for a recommendation.