New animal transporters' test

Louisa Gidney · Post by **Louisa Gidney** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 5:43 pm

I've finally got round to looking at the Defra info but my eyes glazed before I got to page 48. Has anyone actually taken the on-line test yet? If so, any feedback on it?
I'm planning to take a trailer load of sheep to Caithness later on this year, which will be more than an 8 hour journey. Without wading through all the bumf, does anyone know if there is any derogation for a one-off journey, or does one have to bite the bullet & go for the over 8 hours test too?
I've been playing ostrich over this but must really get myself motivated!

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 7:39 pm

I am in process of sorting myself out on this too. Looks like no derogations, and if you go for 8-12 hr within UK then it is a different test and the vehicle needs inspected and issued with plates as well - just the trailer not the towing unit.

Duncan

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 9:46 am

Is anything required to be done if you never travel more than so many miles, and if so, what is that lower limit?

Martin · Post by **Martin** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 9:50 am

I believe that Journeys under 45 miles do not require any test, it is only above that when a test is required.

Martin.

MAB · Post by **MAB** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:55 pm

I think you will find that you don't need the test if not part of a business. So hobby farmers get an advantage. Maybe worth buying stock in your own name and selling them to your business when you get them home!

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 9:00 pm

If the movement is part of any economic activity then the regs apply, with a few exceptions:-

"1.3 The Regulation does not apply to the transport of animals:
• Where the transport is not in connection with an economic activity; or
• Transport to or from veterinary practices or clinics under veterinary advice;
or
• When the animal is an individual animal, is accompanied by its owner or
other responsible person and is fit for the intended journey; or
• Where the animals are pet animals accompanied by their owner on a
journey.
N.B. only one of these conditions need to be fulfilled for transport to be
excluded."

It can be read in full on defra website, interesting to see that a single animal is exempt, so presumably I could take one animal to Melton Mowbray for example, and bring one back. Breeders an named as those to whom the regs apply so I think we need to watch what we are doing.

I have spoken to the gent responsible for vehicle inspecting in Edinburgh and he was reassuringly emphatic that they did not want to stop our sort of activities. for example whereas an articulated lorry would possibly require plumbed in water etc for long journeys for a small trailer a bucket would be sufficient, an a torch would constitute sufficient lighting.

Duncan

groubearfarm · Post by **groubearfarm** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:28 pm

The cost of the test seems to vary hugely, possibly depending on how much 'training' is involved. Bicton, our local college, is well over £100, I believe, however I have booked to do the test myself through the NFU for £30.00 plus VAT, but you have to be a full member to get the test at this cost. The NFU do 30 minutes of explaining what is entailed (they do not call it training!) and then the test. So far 298 out of 300 people have passed!

Fiona
Groubear Farm