History

On 1st January 1997 the trailer and towing licencing and testing system changed with the introduction of the B+E Car and Trailer Test.

Although this test has been around for nearly 10 years, a vast number of people (including some instructors) are unaware of ther new legislation. This has led to instances of people driving unlicenced and uninsured due to ignorance of the law, resulting in penalty points and hefty fines.

Requirements

What follows is a brief summary of the rules, and should not be taken as a comprehensive explanation.

A B+E driving licence is required to tow a large trailer behind a motor vehicle.
A car is defined as a vehicle with no more than 8 seats, and a maximum permitted weight of 3500kg. A trailer is anything that is towed by a vehicle e.g. Horse boxes, Box van, large caravan, Car transporters etc. Trailers with a gross weight of more than 750kg need to be fitted with brakes, usually "over-run" brakes worked from the tow ball.

A driver without a B+E licence can tow a trailer, providing the gross weight of the trailer is less than the un-laden weight of the towing vehicle. The whole combination must weigh less than 3500kg in total. A post '97 licence holder can however tow a trailer with a gross weight of around 1.5 tons, providing the towing vehicle and trailer are very carefully matched. If this matching is not done correctly, it will fail to comply with the exemption, resulting in the driver being unlicensed and uninsured. In a court of law this could carry a maximum of 9 penalty points and a £1000 fine and in some cases even a ban.

More information

Ifor Williams have produced a "Licensed to Tow?" guide which provides an explanation of towing restrictions and options for drivers that have passed their test since 1st January 1997. Click here to download the guide.

Where can I get training?

Barnwell Trailers are pleased to be able to offer B+E training, testing and certification. Please contact Mike for further details.