You don’t need a special licence to tow a small to medium sized caravan or trailer in most cases, but there are certain regulations you need to be aware of.
If you have passed your driving test on or after 1 January 1997
The standard driving licence issued from 1 January 1997 includes the category B entitlement to tow small trailers weighing no more than 750kg, or a trailer over 750kg as long as the combined weight of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg.
The weights refer to the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of the caravan, which you will find listed in your caravan’s handbook. MAM is the limit of how much the caravan can weigh when it’s loaded.
To legally drive a larger car and caravan combination, you will need to pass an additional driving test to add the B+E category to your licence. If you wish to do this, it is advisable to have some tuition beforehand to give you the best chance of passing. Details about courses and training organisations can be found through the Driving and Vehicles Standards Agency.
If you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997
The standard UK driving licence before 1 January 1997 includes B+E category automatically, so you are legally allowed to drive a car and caravan combination of up to 8,250kg MAM in most cases, but double check that your licence has this category. You are also permitted to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.
If you want to tow something heavier, you would have to carry out the following; apply for a provisional licence for a medium-sized lorry and trailer (category C2+E); pass the lorry theory test; pass the C2+E driving test.
It is always worth double checking the situation of the Government website if you are preparing to tow a vehicle, and the rules and regulations do change from time to time.
If you need boat towing services in the UK, please get in touch today.