If you’re going to be towing a caravan or vehicle, it’s essential that you are aware of any limitations your driving license may have on the weights you can tow.
If you are in possession of a full car licence, you can tow trailers of up to 750kg, or heavier trailers provided the total vehicle and trailer weight does not exceed 3500kg.
Licences issued from 1 January 1997
Legal restrictions vary depending on whether you passed your driving test before or after January 1997. If you passed after this date, you are permitted to drive a vehicle weighing up to 3,500kg, and can tow a trailer weighing up to 750kg MAM (maximum authorised mass).
You are able to tow a trailer over 750kg only if the vehicle you are driving is of a low enough weight that the total combined MAM of both the trailer and the vehicle is 3,500kg or less.
Licences issued before 1 January 1997
Those who passed their driving test before January 1997 generally have greater freedom with towing vehicles.
You are permitted to tow any trailer provided the total MAM of the trailer and vehicle does not exceed 8,250kg. This comes under the B+E Category entitlement on your driving license, which is automatically included if you passed your test before 1997.
Category B+E
If you were issued your license after 1997, and want to tow a trailer weighing more than 750kg, you will need to take an additional driving test to add the B+E category to your driving license. It is recommended that you receive professional tuition before attempting this challenging test.
When you have the right license to tow a trailer, the next step is to get the right towbar for your vehicle. At Towbar2U, our mobile fitting service means our experienced team can come to you, fitting your towbar at the most convenient time to suit you.
With a wide selection of towbars to choose from, we’ll provide all the relevant information to ensure you have the right equipment for your needs. Simply contact our team today to find out more, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
