Caravan Shows Mark Start of New Season

With the official winter season not yet upon us, most people are not even thinking about the start of the 2014 caravan season. However, the season starts with the first shows scheduled for January and February of next year. One such show, hosted by Manchester Event City, is scheduled to take place January 23-26.

A spokesperson from the Caravan & Motorhome Show told Caravan Times that he is expecting great things from the 2014 event. He remarked how active caravan owners are, saying they take an average of nine holidays every year. Most relish the opportunity to visit new places while still being able to enjoy all the comforts of the caravan.

The caravan lifestyle is one that is growing slowly but surely in the UK. As such, we are seeing more and more caravans on the road every spring and summer. Some of the nation’s most popular parks are even staying open late into November or December to accommodate enthusiastic caravanners. So just as this year’s season is ending, the 2014 season is gearing up to start.

The Manchester show is just one of a large number that will occur between January and May of next year. If you are thinking of purchasing your first caravan, you might want to visit a show near you. You might also want to start thinking about taking a caravan-towing course with a company like the HGV Training Centre.

UK License Requirements

Before you head out to a show, it is a good idea to see where you stand. If you passed your driving test prior to January 1, 1997, you should be able to drive a heavier vehicle/caravan combination without a new licence. That said, a caravan-towing course is still a wise idea if you have never done it before.

If you passed your test after the 1997 cut-off date, you’ll be limited to a trailer of up to 750 kg and a tow vehicle of up to 3,500 kg. If you intend to go any heavier, you will need to pass the test to earn a B+E licence. We recommend you do not attempt to take the test without first taking a training course. The test is very challenging, and for good reason.

When attempting to earn your B+E licence, you’ll be able to get right to practical skills training without having to first pass a theory test. The rationale behind this lies in the fact that you have already demonstrated your knowledge of theory by passing the test for your car licence. There is no need to repeat it. As for practical skills training, it consists of the following:

• the proper way to hook and unhook a trailer
• conducting a proper safety check
• driving procedures, including speed, mirror use, caravan control and manoeuvring.

After you complete the practical skills training, you’ll be able to sign up end take the test at a certified testing facility. The HGV Training Centre is not certified to offer testing, but we will send a trainer with you on that day.