Agricultural Tractor Training

Complete beginners: 3 days

Some experience: 2 days + assessment

Experienced Worker Test: 1 day (test only). If you're unsure which applies, we offer a free practical assessment to advise the best route.

No. Complete beginners are welcome on the 3-day course. If you've got experience (farming or construction), we can shorten the training (2 days) or advise whether you're ready for the Experienced Worker Test.

Driving licence (Category F): Allows driving agricultural tractors on public roads

CPCS A33: Qualifies you to operate agricultural tractors on construction sites, including use of attachments, implements, and site-specific hazards

For construction work, you typically need both—a driving licence for road travel and A33 for site operation.

Yes. The CPCS Red Card is valid for site work as soon as you receive it. It's recognised across UK construction and civil engineering sites.

However, you must upgrade to Blue Card (via NVQ Level 2) within the two-year validity period.

You need to complete NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations while working on site. This typically takes 6-12 months and is assessed based on your real-world competence, not another exam.

The process:

1. Pass A33 and get Red Card (valid 2 years)
2. Work on site, logging hours and building portfolio
3. Complete NVQ Level 2 with assessor (6-12 months)
4. Apply to CPCS for Blue Card (valid 5 years, renewable)

We can connect you to NVQ providers and help you explore funding options (CITB grants, Apprenticeship Levy, etc.).

The EWT is a one-day test-only route for people with significant recent experience on agricultural tractors on construction sites. You need to be confident you can pass both theory and practical tests without training.

Be realistic: If you're borderline, it's smarter to do 2-3 days of training and go in prepared. Fail the EWT and you'll have to start over with full training.

We offer a free practical assessment to help you decide if you're EWT-ready.

A33 training covers tractors with common construction attachments:

• Front loaders and buckets
• Rear-mounted backhoes
• Trailers and tipping implements
• Mowers and vegetation clearance equipment
• Forks and material handling attachments
• PTO-driven implements (augers, spreaders)

You'll learn attachment safety, coupling/uncoupling, and operational techniques.

First, we'll debrief you on what went wrong. Then we'll discuss the best way to get you retested—whether that's more practice, another day of training, or just booking a retest.

Common issues are unsafe attachment coupling, poor loader control, and PTO safety errors. Failing isn't the end of the world, but it's better to go in properly prepared first time.

PTO (Power Take-Off): A rotating shaft that transfers engine power to rear-mounted implements like mowers, augers, or spreaders.

Safety critical:

• PTO shafts rotate at high speed and can cause severe entanglement injuries or fatalities
• Always use guards and shields
• Never adjust implements with PTO engaged
• Disengage PTO before dismounting

PTO safety is a core part of A33 training and is heavily tested.

Yes, but with caution. Tractors have a higher centre of gravity than tracked plant, increasing rollover risk.

Safe slope operation:

• Lower attachments (buckets, loaders) when on slopes
• Drive up and down slopes, not across
• Avoid sharp turns on gradients
• Check manufacturer's maximum slope rating
• Use 4WD and differential lock where fitted

ROPS (Rollover Protection) and seatbelts are mandatory on construction sites. This is covered in training.

A33 is a construction industry qualification. While it demonstrates competence in tractor operation, farms typically don't require CPCS certification.

However, A33 shows you've been trained to a high standard, which can be valuable for farm employers or agricultural businesses working on construction-related projects.

Yes. A33 training includes safe trailer coupling, load securing, and towing techniques on construction sites.

Key requirements:

• Ensure trailer brakes and lights are functional
• Check coupling/hitch security
• Distribute load correctly for stability
• Drive at safe speeds for loaded trailers

For road towing, you'll also need the appropriate driving licence category.

Construction sites require:

• ROPS (Rollover Protection Structure): Cab or frame to protect operator
• Seatbelts: Mandatory when ROPS is fitted
• Lights and beacons: For visibility in all conditions
• Fire extinguisher: Accessible and in-date
• Guarding: PTO shafts, belts, and moving parts must be guarded

Your training covers pre-use safety checks and legal requirements.

Two years. Within that time, you need to complete your NVQ Level 2 and upgrade to a Blue Card. If you don't, your Red Card expires and you'll need to retest.

Funding options depend on your employment status:

• Employers: CITB grants may be available (if levy-paying), or use Apprenticeship Levy for NVQ costs
• Self-employed: Typically self-funded, but it's an investment in your qualification and earning potential

We can discuss options when you enquire. For NVQ costs specifically, there's often more funding available—talk to us about connecting with providers.

Maximum 2:1, and we often run 1:1 where possible. That means you're not sharing an instructor with a big group—you get proper supervision and plenty of time operating the tractor.