A BREAKDOWN in the trailer testing regime is continuing to cause massive confusion, leaving those farmers and farmworkers seeking a trailer licence in limbo.

NFU Scotland was this week writing to the UK Government demanding that it address the mess created when its plans to change the trailer test requirements stalled at Westminster.

Read more: 'Oh no, you can’t tow’ – trailer test changes suspended

To increase HGV driving test capacity, the Government had intended to alter regulations from November 15, to allow for those who passed their driving test after January 1, 1997 to tow a trailer without passing a B+E category test first. But those plans failed to complete the required parliamentary process, and no date has been given as to when that is likely to happen.

This means that there is currently no procedure for those looking to take the trailer test to do so – and if you do not already hold the B+E category licence, you cannot tow.

New regulations are expected to be re-laid before Westminster shortly, but NFUS is calling for more urgency, and is urging those affected to contact their MP on the matter.

Union transport adviser, Jamie Smart, said: "We want the issue of licensing to tow a trailer sorted out now. Government must recognise the problems it has created for those who need to tow but do not have the +E qualification and cannot sit a test to get it.

Read more: Continue to be safe during trailer test changes

"They have been left in limbo. There is no indication of when and if an automatic entitlement system is going to be enacted so we need to know a timescale for when the changes to legislation are going to come into force.

"Additionally, many of the companies who previously offered trailer training are not offering any courses as they were expecting the new legislation to come into force.

"This is a mess that Government must address immediately."