Drivers warned they could be fined ahead of changes to towing regulations

Drivers have been warned they could receive a heavy fine and be banned from driving if they tow a caravan or trailer without the right licence, despite plans to scrap the towing test

In order to free up space at test centres for those looking to get their lorry licences, the DVSA is set to change towing regulations for drivers who passed their test after 1 January, 1997.

The move will have a big impact on caravanners, who currently have to pass a test before they can pull a caravan over a certain weight. When the rules change, all drivers will be able to tow a trailer or caravan weighing up to 3,500kg without an additional test.

What this means

Car and trailer driving tests are being stopped before the law changes. You can no longer book or take a car and trailer driving test from 20 September, 2021. Changes to licence regulations will allow all drivers to tow a trailer or caravan weighing up to 3,500kg. This will basically mean that category BE is added to all driving licence records. The DVSA has confirmed that the government laid the legislation in Parliament for the change to car and trailer testing on 16 September, with aims for the changes to take effect in November, although this does depend on parliamentary processes.

But until the law changes later in autumn 2021, you must continue to follow the current rules about what you’re allowed to tow based on when you passed your car driving test.

If you plan to tow a heavier trailer you will need to display L-plates and be supervised by a driver over the age of 21 who has had a car and trailer (BE) licence for three years or more or passed their test before 1 January, 1997.

A UK Government spokesman said,

What is the law now?

Currently, only drivers who passed their car test before 1997 can tow heavier trailers; anyone after this date has been limited to 3,500kg combined car and trailer weight (gross train weight or GTW), unless the trailer weighs less than 750kg, in which instance the GTW is 4,250kg.

When will the changes take effect?

No date has currently been confirmed for this change in law; however, you can register for updates.

However, while the law is set to change, we would always recommend carrying out a towing course if you have not had previous towing training.

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