Driving tests for towing a trailer to be scrapped


The government has decided to scrap the requirement for drivers to take an additional test to tow a trailer.

What are the current rules on towing a trailer?

At present, the law states that those who passed their driving test after 1 January 1997  can drive a car or van up to 3,500kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM (up to 4,250kg in total).

Alternatively, they can tow a trailer over 750kg MAM, as long as it does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle (up to 3,500kg in total)

Licenses issued from 19 January 2013 allowed for towing a trailer over 750kg MAM, as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg.

To tow anything heavier, drivers would need to pass a trailer test

Those who obtained a driving licence before January 1997 have been allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg (MAM), without a test.

What will the new trailer towing rules allow?

When the law changes in the autumn, drivers who have passed their test after 1 January 1997 will be allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM without taking an additional car and trailer driving test.

The DVLA will automatically update driving licence records to reflect the changes. When a driving licence is renewed, it will show the 'BE' category upon it.

There should be no need to contact the DVLA directly to gain the updated category.

The government has not set an exact date for the new rules to come into force. Until that date, drivers must abide by the current limitations on their driving licence. 

Comments

Popular Posts