Category B+E Licence (Car and Trailer)

Although the law has changed, we would still advise training before driving a car and trailer for the first time. JLD are able to offer short courses that are tailored to teaching people to tow safely on the road, reverse and uncouple/recouple the trailer. This would benefit people who tow caravans, horse boxes, small trailers used to transport cars and people who use trailers to maneuver building and garden supplies/machinery. JLD are able to offer a certification to prove you have had training.

From 16th December the car and trailer towing law changed; if you passed your car driving test from 1 January 1997, you’re now allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM whereas previously you would have needed to take a test for this.

Check your car’s handbook to find out its gross train weight (GTW). This is the total allowable weight of the car plus the trailer plus the load.

DVLA will update your driving licence record to show that you’re allowed to tow trailers. You do not need to contact DVLA for this to happen. It will be done automatically. You’ll get category BE added to your driving licence when you next apply to get a new driving licence.

If you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997, you are not affected by the change.

Driving a car and trailer for the first time:

It’s best to take training from a driving instructor if you want to start driving a car and trailer.

The ‘National standard for driving cars and light vans’ tells you about the skills, knowledge and understanding you need to tow a trailer or caravan.

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