What You Need to Know about the Trailer Licence

With summer nearly upon us, more Britons will be taking to the roads with trailers, caravans and boats in tow. This is certainly the time of year when more people like to get out and about to enjoy our warmer summer weather. Before you go, though, you might want to take some time to learn about the UK trailer licence and how it applies to you.

The first thing to know is that trailer licence requirements are complicated thanks to numerous changes over the last several decades. Whether you need an additional entitlement depends on what you intend to tow and in which year you obtained your car licence. Without going into details, a simple explanation is as follows:

• Car licences earned prior to 1 January 1997 – Drivers in this category are allowed to tow larger trailers and caravans up to a combined MAM of 8,250 kg.

• Car licences earned between 1 January 1997 and 18 January 2013 – Drivers in this category can tow heavier trailers than 750 kg, but the combined MAM of both the trailer and tow vehicle cannot exceed 3,500 kg.

• Car licences earned after 18 January 2013 – Drivers in this category cannot tow trailers any heavier than 750 kg. In addition, the combined MAM cannot exceed 3500 kg.

If you have any questions about your eligibility to tow without getting a trailer licence, you can always contact the DVLA for more details. We can also answer your questions if you are planning to sign up for towing classes with us. The HGV Training Centre offers lessons at more than four dozen facilities across the United Kingdom.

Matching Trailers with Tow Vehicles

The next thing you should know about towing a trailer is the importance of matching your tow vehicle with the trailer you will be pulling. Regulations limit width, length, and weight in order to make sure all drivers are safe. For example, the longest trailer you can tow with the vehicle weighing up to 3,500 kg is 7 metres. Anything larger than that would require a Category C licence.

Towing equipment must also meet certain safety standards according to regulations. For instance, your tow bar must be approved for both the tow vehicle and the trailer. Tow bars are designed for specific models and makes; they usually feature a label with details about the cars they are intended for.

You will also need towing mirrors and if your trailer is heavier than 750 kg, a working trailer brake system. If you do need to get a trailer licence in order to tow, rest assured you will be tested on all of this. Testers will want to know that you understand how to match your equipment for maximum safety.

For more information about the towing classes we offer at the HGV Training Centre, feel free to contact us at any time. We can help you get your trailer licence more quickly and affordably than you think.