Steam engine driving tests

Will you be allowed to drive your steam engine after 2013?

Sorry to say that the little diesel roller that we use for driving tests is out of action temporarily. The valve stems and valve guides are too worn for the engine to run satisfactorily and no ready made spares are available. We are getting new valves manufactured, but this will take several months. Please come back to us to follow progress, or ring John G for an update.

In a recent parliamentary written answer it was revealed that drivers of all steam vehicles will need to have a Category C (HGV) or Category G (road roller) license from 2013.

It looks like NTET is trying to get some exemptions, and there may be some 'grandfather rights' for some categories. However you already need a Category G license to legally take a steam roller on the road and on most showgrounds and that same license will cover you for all other steam vehicles.

We took (and passed) our Category G roller test on our own Wallis & Steevens Advance (1924) steam roller several years ago, and have since helped several other drivers get through their Cat G tests using either our steam or our diesel roller.

TWO EASY OPTIONS TO GET YOUR LICENSE

With our experience and equipment it is easy to get through the test and stay legal. Contact us first to book a slot, then contact the DSA to book your actual test. We suggest you book the test for 2.30pm on what will be your final day with us.

For full support and any further info, call John G on 07793 745776 NOW

Price and availability

Ring John G on 07793 745776 with your target date - allow at least 6-8 weeks lead time to get your test date. Here is some idea of our roller test preparation. We recommend a 2 day course, with your test on the afternoon of the second day. You need to have a full UK driving licence (either car or LGV), be at least 21 years old (for steam) / 17 years old (for diesel). You need to prepare yourself for the standard highway code questions. When you decide to go ahead then first book your test. You can apply online or by phone on 0300 200 1122 at any time between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday. The driving test centre for written applications is:

DSA
PO BOX 381
M50 3UW

Choose 'test type = other', 'test category = G - road roller'. Request that the examiner meet you at 'Daisy Meadow Car Park, Heybridge Basin, Maldon' and ask for a 2.30pm test.

At the end of the category G test, you'll be asked five questions on the Highway Code and other motoring matters. You'll then be asked a sixth question on six different traffic signs. You can remind yourself by reading the current Highway code . You should also check the list of road signs to make sure you know them all

Your preparation and your test can be taken on a diesel roller or a real steam roller. Experienced car/lorry drivers will probably be more at home on the diesel roller, as it has the same basic controls as a normal manual vehicle.

As soon as you get your date let us know so we can reserve the roller for those 2 days.

Option 1 - Steam

For experienced steam engine drivers this will be the most attractive option. We provide a package deal that includes use of the Wallis & Steevens Advance 8 ton steam roller for two days, all fuel and other consumables for the engine, guidance on engine handling for the test and familiarisation with the engine, firing and general steam engine care instruction. You will need to book your own test but we can give you guidance. If you are less experienced with steam, but keen to learn, we can provide an extra day for you to become totally familiar with all aspects of driving and handling the engine. Lunch both days included. All supervision and guidance by experienced roller drivers. Total £840 for 2 days or £1140 for 3 days

Option 2 - Diesel

You get the same license, and take the same test, whether you take it on a steam roller or a diesel roller. If you are a competent car driver, but without much steam experience, you can take the test on our Wallis & Steevens Advance diesel roller. The controls on this are much more car-like and provide an easy introduction to rollers, and a simple route to pass your Cat G test. We can provide a package deal that includes use of the Wallis & Steevens Advance diesel roller for two days, all fuel and other consumables for the engine, guidance on engine handling for the test and familiarisation with the engine. Lunch both days included. All supervision and guidance by experienced roller drivers. Total £730.

We can also point you to various types of local B & B or hotel. When you decide to go ahead, please send your cheque payable to John Giles, to:

Essex Steam
Devonia
Goldhanger Road
Maldon
Essex
CM9 4QU

Rob recently took (and passed) his Group G (roller) test with us, choosing the diesel option. Here are a few pictures taken over the 2 days. You can click on the pictures for a larger view.