Regulations regarding towing trailers or caravans with a vehicle underwent revisions as of December 16, 2021. The specifications for permissible towing capacities vary based on the date you obtained your driver's license.
What Could You Tow Before The Rules Changed on 16 December 2021?
Driving licences that were issued after 1 January 1997
Those driving licences issued for people who passed their driving test on or after 1 January 1997 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
• MAM is the limit on how much the vehicle can weigh when it’s loaded.
Note that MAM is the actual weight limits of the car and trailer NOT the current weight.
If you want to tow anything heavier than this you will need to pass a separate car and trailer driving test.
Driving licences issued before 1 January 1997For those people who passed their driving test before 1 January 1997 the rules are a little more relaxed. You are normally allowed to drive a car and trailer with a combined MAM up to maximum of 8,250kg (MAM).
You’re also allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.
What changed on 16 December 2021? What Are The New Towing Rules?
If your car driving test was taken on or after January 1, 1997, there's an important update: you're now permitted to tow trailers with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of up to 3,500kg.
DVLA will automatically update your driving license record to reflect this towing privilege. There's no need for you to contact DVLA; the update will be processed automatically. The category BE will be added to your driving license the next time you apply for a new one.
However, if you passed your car driving test before January 1, 1997, this change does not affect you.
What If I had previously passed a car and trailer driving test?
Refunds or compensations for any training undertaken to prepare for a car and trailer driving test are not available. Similarly, refunds for any tests taken are also not permitted.
