Towing A CaravanYour Driving Licence
You may not realise it but nowadays you cannot just hitch up and start towing a caravan - there may be restrictions on your driving licence.
If you passed your test after 1st January 1997 then you will have restrictions on your driving licence. You are allowed to tow a caravan or trailer up to 750 kgs (gross vehicle weight) only.
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:
An emergency stop on the public road
Reversing around a corner
Reverse parking
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.
If you passed your test before 1st January 1997 you are allowed to tow any weight of caravan. Just 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!
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!
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