CATEGORY 1 HORSEBOXES

With the advent of new legislation and driving tests from 1997 onwards, the word Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) takes on a slightly different meaning to that previously thought. Anybody who has passed a test since 1997 can only drive a vehicle of no more than three and a half tonnes GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) unless they have taken a further HGV test, class 3 license that enables them to drive a vehicle up to but not exceeding seven and a half tonnes GVW. Anything in excess of three and a half tonnes is now considered by the vehicle inspectorate as a HGV and is subject to an annual plating procedure, but because of the stupidities of our own legal system you can drive that on a car license even though it is classed as HGV.

But from seven and a half tonnes GVW onwards a further test is necessary i.e. a class 2 license. The advent of which opens up a whole new world as far as horseboxes are concerned. If you effectively need to transport more than 2 giants with a super quality albeit not extensive living, sadly you need a heavy goods vehicle which essentially runs into 3 ranges, the first which extends between eight tonnes to circa fifteen tonnes is rather like a grown up version of a seven and a half tonner. Basically the same cab, obviously bigger chassis and running gear to carry the extra weight but mounted on a sort of in between wheel and tyre ie 19.5 inch. This gives the weight carrying capacity without the giant size feet of the HGV.