Can I use a category B1 vehicle to take a category B driving test in?

Question

I already have a full DVLA licence for category B1 (a car weighing less than 550kg) which was automatically obtained when I passed a motocycle test years ago. I want to pass a test to drive a category B (i.e a normal car). As I already have full entitlement to drive a category B1 I am planning to get a category B1 car to practice driving in as this will save the need to have a qualifyed driver sitting beside me. I am not sure wheather I be able to take a cat B test in a cat B1 car if it meets the minimum specifications required?

Answer 1

Twisted_Ace is spot on, Cat B provisional is needed and the test must be taken in a Cat B vehicle.

Answer 2

Short answer, no.

You have a motorcycle licence.  This does not act as a provisional for a car licence.  This is why the weight limit for the quads, trikes and micro-cars that you can drive on Category A, is set at 550kg.

The law states, that in order to learn to drive any four-wheeler over 550kg, you MUST have provisional entitlement for Category B and you MUST be accompanied by a qualified driver.

Answer 3

I guess it depends on what the B1 vehicle is like as to whether it would be suitable for B test - but there is no harm in you getting one to practice in though - good idea!

Basically it needs to have four wheels and be capable of at least 62.5 mph (100km/h) - the max weight of 3.5tonnes won't affect it!! http://www.direct.gov.uk/motoring

If you're in ANY doubt, go to http://www.dsa.gov.uk and search for your nearest test centre for car test (cat B) and go down and speak to someone about it :)