British MPs Opposed to Caravan Testing

We could make the case that UK caravan owners do not mind spending a little money on towing lessons every year if they believe it’s necessary to brush up on their skills. However, beginning this autumn, it appears as though they might be paying a little more for the privilege of owning a caravan, thanks to a proposal to require annual MOT testing.

Although current European regulations require cars to be tested every year, caravans are exempt. At the start of the caravan season owners can simply pull their units out of storage, hook them to their cars, and drive away. Some officials think that’s a bad idea. They are proposing an annual MOT requirement for caravans similar to what already exists for cars.

In reporting on the potential changes, Rochdale Online suggests the move could affect nearly 20,000 families across the country. British MPs are fighting against the regulatory changes, saying they are unnecessary given the limited use of caravans. However, there are plenty of others who endorse the plan.

Some say an MOT test is a good idea given the fact that caravans sit in storage for months at a time without any use. Putting them back on the road without an inspection could mean thousands of caravans with improperly functioning brakes, lights, etc. A simple MOT inspection would eliminate most of those problems.

If the inspection plan comes to fruition, it would apply to just about all caravans. Light trailers weighing less than 2000 kg would be exempted. Horseboxes and horsebox trailers would also not be affected.

The Importance of Trailer Towing Lessons

Regardless of how all of this pans out, the HGV Training Centre wants to remind caravan owners of the importance of annual trailer towing lessons. Towing a caravan is something that comes with a huge amount of responsibility. You owe it to yourself and other drivers on the road to brush up on your skills every year.

The good news is that we offer such training at very affordable prices. When you train with us, we will teach you how to successfully manoeuvre your caravan in and out of tight spaces with ease. We will also help you brush up on hooking and unhooking your caravan as well as doing a proper safety inspection before you head out on the road. Our goal is to make sure you are being as safe as possible whenever towing your caravan.

The HGV Training Centre offers towing lessons through more than 45 facilities around the UK. Our professional and highly trained staff are ready to assist you in learning to tow your caravan safely and efficiently.

For commercial drivers, we offer comprehensive training for HGVs, PCVs, horseboxes and horsebox trailers, heavy construction equipment, coaches, forklifts and more. Any commercial driver in need of training can find what he or she is looking for through the HGV Training Centre. We even work with fleet managers to offer company-wide training and CPC certification.