Q:  Who does this scheme apply to and what animals is it related to?

A:  This scheme applies to farmers hauling their own stock as well as professional hauliers.  The animals covered under the testing will be cattle, sheep and pigs. 

Q: I have heard that some people have had to take a separate driving test in order to haul a livestock trailer. Who does this apply to?

A: If you took your driving test after 1/1/1997 you need to have taken and passed a further Trailer Towing Test in order to haul a trailer.  Once you have passed the test your driving licence should be updated to show the code BE.  If you passed your driving test before this date you are not required to have taken the Trailer Towing Test. 

Q:  Do i need to sign up for this scheme if i transport animals less than 65km (40 miles)?

A:  From 5th January 2008, only transporters of livestock on a journey of over 65km (40 miles) will need to hold a Certificate of Competence issued by an independent body.  It is important to note that the 65km (40 miles) is the actual distance travelled and not distance as the crow flies.

Q: When I transport my livestock does the journey length apply to the total journey or just the part of the journey when I have livestock on board?

A: The journey length of 65km (40 miles) applies only to the distance when you are actually transporting livestock. For example, returning home empty is not included as part of the 65km (40 miles) journey length.

Q – There are quite a few of us who move stock about our farms and to markets.  Do we all need to take a test?

A – Yes. Everyone who moves livestock over 65km (40 miles) will have to take and pass the test.

Q:  Why do I have to sit a test when I have transporting livestock for years?

A:  Council Regulation (EC) 1/2005 states that from 5th January 2008 transporters of livestock on journeys over 65km will need to hold a Certificate of Competence.  Therefore we have to comply with this as it is a legal requirement.

Q:  Where will these tests take place?

A:  Drivers will be able to enrol to take the short multiple choice test at a range of livestock centres and other suitable venues across Scotland from November 2007.  For those drivers who are likely to be making journeys of over 8 hours the practical assessment will be arranged to take place at another convenient time. 

Q:  Do i have to take this test yearly?

A:  No, this is a one-off test and the Certificate of Competence is like a driving licence, and is valid for life.

Q:  What test do i need to take if i transport animals over 8 hours?

A:  Those drivers hauling livestock on a journey of over 8 hours are required to take the Long Journey Test.  Please contact the office via one of these methods found here .

q:  Where does the responsibility for checking compliance with these new regulations lie?

A:  This lies with the Local Authorities and includes checking the vehicles, livestock and paperwork.

Q:  what degree of difficiulty is involved with these tests?

A:   Experienced livestock farmers and drivers should not be daunted by the thought of being assessed.  They will only have to answer questions on what they have been doing for many years.  The testing process is designed for drivers to demonstrate that they know how to transport livestock.