Category F and who can drive a tractor

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain what category F covers and what it does not.
• You can state the minimum age for category F and the limits that apply at 16.
• You can describe how a 16-year-old gets a provisional tractor licence and when they may use it on the road.
• You can explain why a full car licence already includes category F.
• You can outline what happens on a tractor driving test.

What you need to know and understand

• Category F covers agricultural tractors. You can hold it from age 16, with restrictions until you are 17.
• At 16 you may only drive tractors less than 2.45 metres wide, towing trailers less than 2.45 metres wide with 2 wheels, or 4 wheels close-coupled (set close together).
• From 17 the 16-year-old width limits no longer apply, as long as you hold the entitlement.
• Passing the category B car test gives you category F automatically, plus category K (ride-on mowers and pedestrian-controlled vehicles).
• A 16-year-old with provisional category F cannot practise on the road; the only exception is driving to or from the practical test.
• You do not need a licence to drive a tractor off the public road, such as in a private field, although age limits still apply.
• Non-tractor agricultural vehicles need category B and the driver must be 21 or over.
• Tracked vehicles need category H, and road rollers need category G.

Two ages to remember: 16 and 17

At 16 you can get a provisional licence that includes tractors, but you cannot practise on public roads until you are 17. The one exception is driving to and from your practical tractor test. Once you pass at 16, you can drive on the road, but only within the 2.45 metre width limits for both the tractor and any trailer.

At 17 the width limits fall away. A 17-year-old learner can practise on the road with L plates (L or D plates in Wales), as long as the tractor is insured and roadworthy.

• Tractor under 2.45 metres wide: allowed at 16 once you have passed.
• Trailer under 2.45 metres wide with 2 wheels, or 4 close-coupled wheels: allowed at 16.
• Anything wider, or a different trailer type: wait until you are 17.

Supervision while you learn

If the tractor has a passenger seat, a qualified driver must sit with you while you practise. You are not allowed to remove the seat to get around this rule. Many tractors only have one proper seat, so the person helping you may need to walk alongside and give advice instead. A driving instructor can only sit with you if the vehicle has car-like controls and two front seats.

What the tractor test involves

The tractor test is different from the car test. The examiner gives you instructions at the roadside and watches you drive left and right circuits, then turn the tractor using forward and reverse gears. For very slow vehicles the examiner may walk nearby.

1. Bring a valid photocard licence, or an old-style paper licence plus a valid passport.
2. Read a number plate for the eyesight check.
3. Drive the circuits and carry out the turn the examiner asks for.
4. Answer 5 questions on the Highway Code and other motoring matters.
5. Identify 6 traffic signs.

If you already drive a car

A full car licence includes category F, so you do not need a separate tractor test. That does not mean you have the skills: tractors are heavy, slow, often wide, and behave very differently when towing. Get proper training from an experienced operator before taking one on the road.

Common mistakes

• Practising on the road at 16. Until you are 17, the only road use allowed on a provisional licence is getting to and from your test.
• Forgetting the trailer counts too. At 16 the trailer must also be under 2.45 metres wide and have 2 wheels or 4 close-coupled wheels.
• Taking the passenger seat out so you can drive alone. This is not allowed.
• Assuming a car licence makes you competent. It gives the entitlement, not the experience; get trained first.
• Driving a non-tractor farm machine at 18 on a car licence. These need category B and a driver aged 21 or over.

Test yourself: Category F and who can drive a tractor

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Category B Explained
• UK Drink Drive Limits
• Learning to Drive in Northern Ireland