New rules from autumn 2021 could allow you to tow a trailer or caravan with no additional test
21 September 2021
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and Department for Transport (DfT) have announced new rules for towing a trailer or caravan which will be implemented from autumn 2021.
The most significant change will be for drivers who passed their car driving test from 1 January 1997 onwards, who will be allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM without taking any additional tests.
In the announcement, published on September 10 2021, it was said that the DVLA will update your driving licence record to show that you’re allowed to tow trailers. You’ll get category BE added to your driving licence when you get a new photocard driving licence.
You do not need to contact DVLA for this to happen. It will be done automatically.
The new rules will depend on when drivers passed their driving test. Full guidance on the government website says:
Licences issued before 1 January 1997
You will not be affected by the changes if you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997.
You’re usually allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). View your driving licence information to check.
Licences issued from 1 January 1997 to 18 January 2013
If you passed your car driving test from 1 January 1997 to 18 January 2013, you can currently drive either of the following:
- a car or van up to 3,500kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM (up to 4,250kg in total)
- a trailer over 750kg MAM, as long as it is no more than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle (up to 3,500kg in total)
You’ve had to pass a car and trailer driving test if you want to tow anything heavier.
Licences issued from 19 January 2013
If you passed your car driving test from 19 January 2013, you can currently drive either of the following:
- a car or van up to 3,500kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM (up to 4,250kg in total)
- a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg
You’ve had to pass a car and trailer driving test if you want to tow anything heavier.
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