New trailer and caravan towing rules introduced

Published 20 December 2021

New rules allowing drivers who passed their test from 1 January 1997 to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM (maximum authorised max) have finally been introduced.

Previously, car drivers who passed their test from that date needed to take an additional car and trailer driving test to tow heavier trailers.

Drivers have been in limbo since September when the rule change was first announced.

It was expected to take effect on 15 November but was then delayed for a month, until 16 December.

Driving Licence 2

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will be updating driving licence records to reflect the change and drivers will get category BE added to their licence when they get a new photocard.

It is not necessary for drivers to contact the DVLA for this to happen, it will be done automatically.

Those who passed their driving test before 1 January 1997 are not affected by the rule change.

The DVLA is advising drivers to take training from a driving instructor if they want to start driving a car and trailer.

However, about a third (32 per cent) of respondents to the Government's consultation on the rule change said that they didn't think drivers would continue to want to take some training if a test was not required.

Driving (6)

What happens about existing car and trailer driving test bookings?

Car and trailer driving tests have now stopped.

The DVLA said that it has automatically cancelled and refunded individual drivers who had a test booked.

If the test was booked through a driving instructor the DVLA advises drivers to talk to their instructor about what happens next.

The DVLA said that drivers cannot get a refund or compensation for any training which they've taken to help them prepare to take the test.

Drivers who previously passed a car and trailer driving test will also not be refunded.

What are the towing rules for driving licences issued before 1 January 1997?

Drivers who passed their test before 1 January 1997 are usually allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg maximum authorised mass (MAM).

They are also allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.

You can use the DVLA's online service to check your driving licence information.

What safety checks do I need to do before towing a trailer or caravan?

You could be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving, and get three penalty points for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition so it's important to carry out safety checks before you tow a trailer or caravan.

You should check the tow ball and connections, wheels and tyres, lights and indicators, and the load and weight limit.

Full guidance is available from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency here.

How do I drive safely when towing a trailer or caravan?

Make sure you follow the speed limits for towing caravans or trailers:

	Built-up areas mph	Single carriageways mph	Dual carriageways mph	Motorways mph
Cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles when towing caravans or trailers	30	50	60	60

If the trailer starts to snake or swerve it's a sign that either you're driving too fast or the trailer is loaded incorrectly. You should ease off the accelerator and reduce your speed gently.

When driving on a bend don't brake harshly as it will make the trailer unstable.

You should also reduce your speed gradually when approaching a hazard.

When driving on a motorway with three or more lanes, you must not drive in the right-hand lane.

Comments

Phil Hirst on 23 December 2021

Pre-1997 drivers renewing their licences at 70 had to pass a medical and eyesight test to retain the C1 D1 classification they got when they passed their tests. This could not be done online and required two forms to be filled in and signed by an optician and doctor.

Is this still true?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

John Nee on 23 December 2021

Surely it should read you must not drive in the outside lane?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

on 23 December 2021

You should drive in the left hand shouldn't you? unless overtaking.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Vivien Barber on 23 December 2021

Definitely the left lane!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

technispark on 23 December 2021

Pre-1997 drivers renewing their licences at 70 had to pass a medical and eyesight test to retain the C1 D1 classification they got when they passed their tests. This could not be done online and required two forms to be filled in and signed by an optician and doctor. Is this still true?

Yes it appears so. I am just about to post off my application a few weeks before my 70th. It has cost a lot of money to get a private medical done as my GP does not do them on the NHS.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link