Q&A: Licence to drive

Q: Does my normal driving licence automatically allow me to drive a lorry or trailer?

Motoring journalist John Henderson replies: Drivers who gained their full licence before 1 January 1997 may drive a laden weight up to 71⁄2 tonnes.

Those who passed their test after this date may only drive a laden weight up to 31⁄2 tonnes. To tow above this, you must hold a category C1 licence, which all persons passing the test before 1997 will have.

Drivers from 1997 onwards need to pass an additional test.

For further details, visit: www.ntta.co.uk