Training a new generation of tractor drivers.

Agricultural journalist, smallholder and editor of Ford & Fordson Tractors Magazine, Jane Brooks, joins us for her regular look at the world of machinery.

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We are all too aware that farming is one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK, in fact Agriculture, Forestry and Commercial Fishing are second only to the Construction industry where you look at the statistics.

The HSE have stated that less than half of reportable injuries to workers across all industry sectors are reported each year, but the level for agriculture, forestry and fishing is much lower.

Surveys suggest that only 16% of series injuries (that should be reported by law) to agricultural workers are reported, that there are as many of 10,000 unreported injuries in the industry each year.

In 2023/24 there were 23 fatalities in the agricultural industry, in fact agriculture has the highest fatality rate at 8.32 per 100,000 workers, 20 times higher than the all industry rate.

Sadly, this number would actually be 50% higher if on road fatalities with agricultural vehicles were added into the statistics.

One reason for this is that just anyone can drive a tractor on the road at the age of 17 if they have passed the basic car test. There is no requirement to take any form of tractor test unless you are only 16 and wish to drive a tractor on the road.

An unaccompanied 16 year old can drive a tractor on the highway to and from a test, providing they have a provisional category F licence and the tractor is insured. Additionally, a 16 year is not permitted to practice on the road prior to taking their test.

At the age of 16 someone with a category F licence is limited to driving a tractor with a maximum width of 2.45m, this restriction also applies to the width of a trailer which can either be a two wheeler or four wheel close coupled (with axle centre no more than 840mm apart.)

GAP IN GAINING TRACTOR DRIVING EXPERIENCE