Did you know that soon anyone will be able to tow a caravan? Well almost. From Autumn 2021, the government has decided that you no longer need to take a test to tow a caravan or trailer. There has been no date set yet and we still don’t know when this is going to come into effect, despite the fact it is already the end of September. However, we’re here to help you unpick the gobbledygook that is the new rules for towing a trailer or caravan with a car.
What are the current rules for towing a trailer or caravan?
Licences issued before 1 January 1997
If you passed your driving test before 1997, you automatically were entitled to drive anything up to 7500kg, also called a C1 entitlement. You could also drive a trailer up to 750kg on top of that. That means your total MAM (maximum authorised mass) is 8,250 kilos.
That C1 entitlement is taken away when you turn 70, unless you have a doctor’s medical to get it reinstated – but this is at a cost.
So, for those that passed their test before 1997, these changes will have no effect. However, if you passed your test between January 1997 and January 2013, there was a change.
Licences issued from 1 January 1997 to 18 January 2013
In 1997, the government decided that getting out of a Fiesta and into a massive Ford Cargo Lorry was not the best idea (Matt knows from personal experience that this is true). The rules change to a car or van up to 3,500kg MAM, towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM (this is up to 4,250kg in total).
You can also tow a trailer over 750kg, as long as it is no more than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle (up to 3,500kg in total).
Licences issued from 19 January 2013
In 2013, the government then said, nope, you can’t do that anymore. If you passed your car driving test from 19 January 2013, you have the same rule of towing a car or van up to 3,500kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM (up to 4,250kg in total).
The difference is that you can only tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the towing vehicle and trailer and is no more than 3,500kg.
So what rules are changing for towing a trailer or caravan with a car?
For those who passed their test before 1 January 1997, there is no change. You can still drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM.
For those who passed after 1 January 1997 you will no longer have to take a trailer towing test and you can tow a caravan or trailer up to 3500kg MAM.
Why is the government changing towing rules?
Well, it’s great news for caravan dealers; they will be able to sell caravans to anyone. However, that’s not the reason.
As we’ve all seen in the news, we’re really short of HGV drivers in this country. By getting rid of this regulation, the route to driving a lorry is much quicker and easier.
It does help the caravan industry massively, which is great news. But is it clever? We’re not too sure. Training is going to be lax because there is no requirement for this.
Here, at The Motorhome Holiday Company, we hope dealerships that sell caravans will take responsibility for the folks buying these caravans and train them properly. We also hope that people buying them will also take it upon themselves to undergo proper training.
We fear the worst, which could mean huge and horrible accidents on the motorways in the coming years due to people towing caravans and trailers incorrectly, using the wrong safety kit (or none at all) or incorrectly loading their trailer.
These accidents have real life consequences, like in 2014 when an incorrectly towed trailer tragically killed 3-year-old Freddie Hussey.
What should you do in the meantime?
If you passed your driving test after 1997 then towing rules are going to change and become more relaxed for you. If you’re thinking of buying a caravan, please research, research, research. Get trained, ask someone with more experience, watch videos and talk to a caravan dealer about what you need to know. Please be safe and make sure you tow safely.
If you break the rules in the meantime, before the rules change, you could receive a £1000 fine and 6 points, or even a ban, on your driver’s license.
Quick tips on towing a caravan or trailer safely
If you’re unsure about how to tow a caravan correctly, there’s a brilliant video on YouTube called Towing a trailer can be dangerous with the wrong weight distribution. This video explains why weight distribution is crucial in towing safely and avoiding dangerous caravan sway.
Make sure you understand the basic safety checks you must carry out before towing and purchase the correct safety equipment – most of which are also a legal requirement. This includes towing mirrors and a breakaway cable.
If you don’t know what these things are then the internet is your best friend. Get shopping or come and see us at That Leisure Shop, our new online store where we stock all these caravan essentials.
We are more than happy to advise you on all the necessary and important kit, so come and talk to us! Or head to your local caravan and motorhome shop.
Whatever you do, stay safe and stay within the law.
Read more and support the #towsafe4freddie campaign here.
Learn more about towing safety here.
Shop for caravan towing essentials here.
Read more about the new rules for towing a trailer or caravan with a car here.
Booking a motorhome for your next holiday?
Check your dates or find out more about how we can give you a great motorhome experience by sending us an enquiry.
+44 (0)117 290 9000
team@motorhomeholidaycompany.com
A370, Hewish, Bristol, BS24 6RT
The Motorhome Holiday Company; your (towing safety) adventure starts here.