- DID YOU PASS YOUR DRIVING TEST AFTER 1996?
- NEED TO PULL A TRAILER?
- ...THEN YOU MAY NEED TO TAKE A TOWING TEST
As of the 1st January 1997, anyone passing their driving test that needs to tow over 750kg may need to take a further trailer test (B + E test). Those who do not hold this addition to their licence can face up to 6 points, £1000 fine and discretionary disqualification due to driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. Further to this, because they are not licensed to drive the vehicle they are uninsured which means the driver can also face up to 8 points and a £5000 fine, plus discretionary disqualification.
Failure to have an adequate licence is likely to invalidate insurance for loads carried; this includes horse healthcare, repair and replacement of valuable haulage and caravan contents.
If a driver is permitted to drive a vehicle he is not licensed for, then health and safety issues arise for which companies can be prosecuted for; which in the worst case scenario could be corporate man slaughter.
Driving licence rules and what you can tow
The rules on what you can tow are different depending on when you passed your driving test.
Licences issued from 19 January 2013
If you passed your car driving test (category B) from 19 January 2013:
- small trailers weighing no more than 750kg
- a trailer over 750kg, as long as the combined weight of the trailer and the towing car or van is no more than 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes) Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM)
MAM is the limit on how much the vehicle can weigh when it's loaded.
Licences issued from 1 January 1997
If you passed your driving test between 1 January 1997 and 18 January 2013, you can:
- drive a car or van up to 3,500kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM
- tow 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 you will need to take a car and trailer test.
Licences issued before 1 January 1997
These should have the car and trailer entitlement.
Instructor Information:
STEPHEN RAMSDEN
- DSA Approved Driving Instructor
- LGV Registered Instructor
- RoSPA Gold
- RoSPA Advanced Driver Training
- Pass Plus Registered
- SAFED Registered
I am a SAFED registered instructor for aggregate trucks, providing courses to help drivers the safety and fuel efficiency of their driving. This style of driving can be applied to any vehicle.
Steve Ramsden Driving and Towing Training offers tuition in
- Car ( cat B )
- Car + Trailer (including caravans) ( cat B + E )
- Pass Plus
- Refresher Courses
Car & Trailer
Prices are:
- £575 - 2 day course for those with a little experience
- £415 - 1 day course for those who are experienced
- £70 - 2 hour assessment
- £40 - hourly rate
These prices include use of my car and trailer and no vat is charged.
For those with no experience then it is advised that some tuition prior to the 2 day course is taken to become familiar with the reverse exercise.
Car
I have been a Driving Standards Agency approved instructor since the year 2000 and also a ROSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) diploma holder for advanced instruction since 2006.
I offer professional friendly instruction to all who want to learn to drive or even enhance their existing skills by taking advanced lessons or even learning how to drive in an ecofriendly way to improve MPG. The courses I offer cover drivers of all abilities, block bookings as well as weekly lessons.
Please contact me for further information and prices.
