The rules on B+E driving licence change. If you passed your car driving test from 1st January 1997, then you can tow a caravan up to 3,500kg. No longer is an additional driving test required.
HUGE CHANGES FOR B+E DRIVING LICENCE TOWING LAWS
Have you always wanted to buy a caravan but the towing rules held you back?
Was it the hassle of having to take an additional driving test to be able to tow a caravan that put you off?
Or maybe you already have a small lightweight caravan but you couldn’t upgrade to a large caravan due to the towing laws.
Well, from today it changes. If you passed your car driving test from 1st January 1997 you’re now allowed to drive a trailer up to 3,500kg.
You are not affected by the changes if you passed your car driving test before 1st January 1997.
WHAT WERE THE RULES BEFORE?
Licences issued: 1st January 1997 to 18th January 2013
If you passed your car driving test from 1st January 1997 to 18th January 2013, you were allowed to drive either of the following:
- A car or van up to 3,500kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM (up to 4,250kg in total)
- A trailer over 750kg MAM, as long as it is no more than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle (up to 3,500kg in total)
You had to pass a car and trailer driving test if you wanted to tow anything heavier.
Licences issued from 19th January 2013
If you passed your car driving test from 19 January 2013, you were allowed to drive either of the following:
- A car or van up to 3,500kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM (up to 4,250kg in total)
- A trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg
You had to pass a car and trailer driving test if you wanted to tow anything heavier.
WHAT DOES THE CHANGE MEAN?
It means that you no longer need to have a test to be able to tow heavy caravans. With most caravans weighing no more than 2,500kg it means that you can tow any caravan!
But please not that even though your licence allows you to tow a caravan up to 3,500kg it doesn’t mean your car can. So please check your cars towing limits before opting for a new caravan.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU NEED TO DO?
No… will update your driving licence record to show that you’re allowed to tow trailers. You’ll get Cat B+E added to your driving licence when you get a new photocard driving licence.
This will be done automatically.
For more information check the Direct Gov website
So what are you waiting for? Take a look at the our range of caravans today or check your cars towing capabilities.
