Towing regulations

Throughout this section, reference is made to the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of vehicles and trailers. This should, in all cases, be taken to mean the maximum permissible weight – also known as the gross vehicle weight. You may not be planning to drive a vehicle, or a vehicle towing a trailer, at these maximum weights, but they’re key factors that determine driver licensing requirements.

If you passed your test before 1 January 1997

You’re generally allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8.25 tonnes.

If you passed your test on or after 1 January 1997

You may tow a trailer behind a category B* vehicle without taking a further test as long as the trailer doesn’t exceed 750 kg.

If the trailer you wish to tow exceeds 750 kg, you may tow it behind a category B vehicle provided that the vehicle and trailer combination doesn’t exceed 3.5 tonnes. If you wish to drive a category B vehicle towing a trailer that exceeds the limits given above, you’ll have to pass a practical category B+E test.

If you wish to drive a vehicle with a MAM exceeding 3.5 tonnes (for example, a motorhome or recreational vehicle), you’ll need to pass a category C or C1 test.

* A category B vehicle is a four-wheeled vehicle with a MAM not exceeding 3.5 tonnes which has no more than eight passenger seats (in addition to the driver’s seat).

Category B+E test

Details of the test and the minimum test vehicle and trailer requirements may be found in The Official DVSA Guide to Learning to Drive.

More detailed information about towing trailers can be found in DVLA factsheet INF30 ‘Requirements for towing trailers in Great Britain’. This also includes information about towing while driving a larger vehicle. DVLA factsheets are available free of charge at www.gov.uk or by telephoning 0300 790 6801.

In 2013, new European requirements came into force that change towing regulations. New car and light van drivers wanting to tow trailers will be able to tow a slightly larger trailer on a normal car driving licence.

Since 19 January 2013, drivers passing a category B (car and small vehicle) test have been allowed to tow

• small trailers weighing no more than 750 kg
• a trailer over 750 kg as long as the combined weight of the trailer and the towing vehicle is no more than 3500 kg MAM.

If you want to tow a trailer weighing more than 750 kg, when the combined weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer is more than 3500 kg, you’ll have to pass a further test to obtain B+E entitlement on your licence. You’ll then be able to tow trailers up to 3500 kg.

The combination

The vehicle handbook or the manufacturer’s agent will normally have information on

• the maximum permissible trailer mass that can be towed by your vehicle
• the maximum noseweight that should be applied to the tow ball.

You shouldn’t exceed either limit.

There are separate and also legal limits on the laden weight of unbraked trailers. Make sure that you know what the limits are for your vehicle.

As a general rule, even if the vehicle manufacturer’s limits are higher, it may be safer if the weight of the loaded trailer or caravan doesn’t exceed 85 per cent of the kerbside (empty) weight of the towing vehicle. This applies particularly if you’re not experienced at towing.

Remember that the overall length of the combination is generally double that of the normal family car.

Mirrors

You’ll need to fit exterior towing mirrors so that you have a clear view along both sides of the caravan or trailer.

Stabiliser

A good stabiliser fitted to the tow bar can make the combination safer to handle, but you’ll still be responsible for loading the combination correctly. A stabiliser won’t cure instability caused by a poor towing vehicle/trailer combination.

The stabiliser will give you added security in side winds, especially when large goods vehicles overtake you on the motorway.