Driving on public roads
To drive an agricultural tractor on the road, you need a category F licence. Category B (car) licence holders will automatically have the category F entitlement.
If you intend to drive a tracklaying vehicle, including tractors, on the public road a category H entitlement is required. Find out more here.
The weight limit for an agricultural tractor and trailer combination is 31 tonnes. The trailer itself is limited to 18.29 tonnes (including any load imposed on the tractor through the hitch). Drivers must ensure that their vehicle is not overweight.
Some vehicles may be too wide to travel on rural roads and may result in drivers damaging the edge of the carriageway, such as grass verges, or even getting their vehicle stuck. It is important to plan your route carefully and not to proceed if the road is unsuitable for your vehicle.
Overloading your trailer, even if you are only travelling a short distance on a quiet road, is dangerous.
If you’re driving on a public road, you must ensure that your vehicle is safe to use and you comply with the law.
