If you passed your car driving test (category B) after the 1st January 1997, you are only entitled to tow a combined (car + trailer) weight of up to 4.25 tonnes MAM with a gross trailer weight of 750kgs.

However if the gross weight of your trailer is to exceed 750Kg (which is permitted) then your allowed MAM is reduced to 3.5 tonnes.

If this is the combination of your car and caravan then the gross trailer weight must not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle or the manufactures recommended max trailer weight.

So, you may now not be able to tow the caravan of your dreams! What can you do? You will need to take a supplementary towing test. When you pass this test you will be allowed to tow vehicles with a higher weight limit.

The car and trailer test (B+E) is based on the lorry driving test and lasts for approximately one hour. The B+E tests are conducted at vocational (bus and lorry) driving test centres. The towing test includes vehicle safety questions, an off-road reverse manoeuvre, a controlled stop, uncoupling and coupling of the caravan or trailer, and driving on the road. All the things you should already be able to do when towing a caravan.

You won't be expected to carry out any of the following manoeuvres:

Turning in the road

There are basic safety checks that you should be able to carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks during the test may involve opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, you won't be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.

You'll be asked five questions, which will be a combination of 'show me' and 'tell me'. A driving fault will be recorded for each incorrect answer to a maximum of four driving faults. If you answer all five questions incorrectly, a serious fault will be recorded.

Further information on the car and trailer test can be found at www.direct.gov.uk . Tests can also be booked online at this website.

Remember, towing experience is the most important factor - A towing course would be an excellent start. These are often held by the major caravan clubs and are well worth the cost, just for the peace of mind when towing a caravan.

A book called "Towing and the Law" is available from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (www.smmt.co.uk) and will cost you just £3.00.

Alternatively, a book from the Police Foundation called "The Essential Handbook" is available for £9.99. Your can either order it from their website (www.police-foundation.org.uk) or from a good bookshop.

Please contact us if you have taken the supplementary test for towing a caravan, and let us know how you got on!

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Remember, the safety of yourself, your family and other road users is of paramount importance. Take it easy until you have a few years experience under your belt. A good caravanner never lets himself become complacent!