Farmers who take tracked vehicles on the road have been warned that they must have a Category H (tracked vehicle) driving licence and have taken a tracklayer test.

The warning comes from PC Paul Fisk, a partnership and community engagement officer in the Essex Police Casualty Reduction Section.

He points out that while most farmers and their staff have the right licence, some are unaware that they are breaking the law. Buyers of new tracked tractors are invariably told about the requirement at the time of purchase, but farmers buying second-hand may not be aware of it.

“If they don’t have one, the driver and owner may leave themselves vulnerable to prosecution,” says PC Fisk. “It can result in the seizure of the vehicle and any equipment attached to it at the time. If the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in a fatality, the driver could get locked up.”

The Category H designation applies to tractors that steer by slowing one track and speeding up the other, for example Caterpillar Challengers and John Deere tracked tractors. Case Quadtracs aren’t affected as they have bend-in-the-middle articulated steering.

Those taking the test have to already possess a car licence and be over 21. They can practise on the road with a passenger who has his or her Category H licence before taking the test as a provisional driver.

The examiner usually comes to the farm or to a dealer’s premises and sits in the tractor’s passenger seat during the test. Tests can be booked via the Driving Standards Authority.

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