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Can I Drive My Compact Tractor on the Road? (UK Guide 2025)

Everything you need to know about road registration, licensing, MOT rules, and what Siromer can organise for you.

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For many smallholders, equestrians and land-based contractors, questions about road legality come up the moment you buy a compact tractor. Whether you’re moving between paddocks, running down a country lane to a neighbour’s field, or heading to a job, you need to know you’re safe and legal.


Below is a clear, UK-specific guide answering the three big questions:

  1. What do I need to register my tractor for the road?

  2. Does my compact tractor need an MOT?

  3. What size tractor can I drive on a car licence?


1. What Is Required to Drive Your Tractor on the Road?


To take any tractor on a public road in the UK, you need three things:


✔ Road Registration (Number Plate)

Your tractor must be registered with the DVLA and display a number plate. Siromer can handle this process for you - we deal with the DVLA paperwork, supply the forms and certificates needed, and organise your number plate so you don’t have the hassle.

Registration typically requires:

  • V55/4 or V55/5 form

  • Proof of purchase

  • Dating certificate / Certificate of Conformity

  • Valid insurance details

  • Payment of the registration fee

Because Siromer handles this regularly, the process is smoother and quicker for you.


✔ Agricultural Insurance

This is usually cheaper than car insurance. At minimum, you need third-party cover. Many smallholder policies already include “agricultural vehicle” cover - but you must check.


✔ Basic Road Equipment

To be road legal, a tractor must have:

  • Working front and rear lights

  • Brake lights

  • Reflectors

  • Flashing orange beacon (if you will travel under 25mph or on dual carriageways)

  • A clean, visible number plate

  • Properly inflated tyres and working brakes


Compact tractors like the Siromer Tornado, 304, 404, MK40, MK50 and J80 all meet these requirements when supplied for road use.


2. Does My Tractor Need an MOT?

No - agricultural tractors do not require an MOT.

This surprises a lot of people, but the law is clear: Tractors classed as Agricultural Machines are exempt from MOT testing. You are, however, legally responsible for ensuring the machine is in safe working order, including:

  • Brakes

  • Steering

  • Lights

  • Tyres

  • Warning beacon


This is one reason many customers ask Siromer for a pre-delivery inspection, even if they’re buying flatpack. Knowing everything is in good working order gives you peace of mind.


3. What Size Tractor Can I Drive With a Normal Car Licence?

In the UK, anyone with a standard Category B car licence can drive a tractor on the road, as long as:

  • It is used for agriculture, horticulture, or forestry

  • You are driving to and from land you own or work on, or between jobsites if you are a contractor

  • The tractor does not exceed 2.45 metres wide (most Siromer models are well under this)


Compact tractors are perfect for this, because they’re:

  • Narrower than full-size farm tractors

  • More manoeuvrable

  • Easier for new operators to handle


Examples of Siromer tractors that can be driven on a normal car licence:

  • Tornado 26.5HP

  • Lightning 35HP

  • 304 (30HP)

  • MK40 (40HP)

  • MK50 / J80 (slightly larger but still within width limits)


If you were driving an enormous commercial tractor weighing over 3.5 tonnes, you’d need additional licence categories, but compact tractors almost always fall well within car-licence boundaries.


What About Speed Limits?

Tractors in the UK must obey:

  • 20mph limit, unless the tractor is capable of higher road speeds

  • 40mph maximum for agricultural tractors (most compacts won’t reach this anyway)


If you tow a trailer:

  • Trailer must be braked if over 750kg

  • You must display the correct lighting at the rear

  • Load must be secure


Siromer Can Register Your Tractor for the Road

For Siromer owners, road registration is simple: we deal with the DVLA paperwork for you.


We can arrange:

  • Full DVLA application

  • Certificate of Conformity

  • Number plate and fixing

  • Advice on insurance

  • Guidance on lighting and safety equipment


This is ideal for:

  • Smallholders accessing multiple fields

  • Equestrian yards maintaining arena and paddock areas across a lane

  • Contractors travelling between customer sites

  • Anyone planning to tow a trailer or topper down a quiet road

You focus on using your tractor - we’ll sort the red tape.


In Summary

Q: Can I drive my compact tractor on the road?

A: Yes. If it’s registered, insured, and has road-legal lights/reflectors.


Q: Do I need an MOT for my tractor?

A: No. Agricultural tractors are MOT exempt.


Q: What size tractor can I drive on a normal car licence? 

A: Almost all compact tractors, including the full Siromer range.


Q: Will Siromer register my tractor with the DVLA? 

A: Yes, we can handle the full registration process and organise your number plate.

 
 
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