New driving licence rules for towing trailers

11th November 2012

New driving licence rules come into force next year, for drivers with a licence to drive small vehicles (Categories B and B+E) who want to tow a trailer. 

The new will apply to drivers passing their test on or after that date only – the rights of existing licence holders will not be affected until their licence expires.

From January 19 2013, motorists who pass their test to drive vehicles up to 3,500kg (Category B) will be able to tow a light trailer weighing up to 7,500kg.  They will only be able to tow a trailer over 750kg if the combined weight of the towing vehicle plus the trailer is no more than 3,500kg.

To tow a trailer weighing over 750kg, where the combined weight is more than 3,500kg, they would have to pass a further test for Category B+E vehicles.

After passing the B+E test, the trailer must be no heavier than 3,500kg and the combined weight up to 7,000kg.

To tow a trailer weighing more than 3,500kg, the driver must pass additional tests for Category C1E (medium-sized goods vehicles with trailers).