Driving Licence Requirements for Towing a Caravan

Thinking about buying a caravan and heading off on your first UK adventure? Before you hitch up and set off, it is worth taking a few minutes to understand what your driving licence actually allows you to tow.

The good news is that for most drivers, the rules are far simpler than they used to be. A change in UK law in December 2021 means the vast majority of full car licence holders can now tow a caravan without any additional test or qualification.

Here is everything you need to know.

What Changed in December 2021?

Before December 2021, drivers who passed their test after 1 January 1997 needed to take a separate test (known as the B+E test) in order to tow a caravan or trailer over 750kg. This requirement was scrapped by the DVLA, and category BE entitlement was automatically added to the driver records of those affected.

This means that if you hold a full UK car licence and passed your test after 1 January 1997, your towing permissions have already been updated. There is nothing you need to apply for or do.

What Does Your Licence Allow You to Tow?

Your towing entitlement depends on when you passed your driving test. Here is a straightforward breakdown.

Passed your test on or after 1 January 1997

You can tow a caravan or trailer with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of up to 3,500kg. The MAM is the maximum permitted weight of the caravan including everything loaded inside it. The combined MAM of your car and caravan must not exceed 7,000kg.

For the majority of UK caravans, this allowance is more than sufficient. Most touring caravans fall well within this limit.

Passed your test before 1 January 1997

Your towing entitlement is broader. You are generally permitted to tow a vehicle and trailer combination with a combined MAM of up to 8,250kg, provided you hold the C1+E entitlement on your licence. This was applied to most pre-1997 licences by default.

What about Northern Ireland?

It is worth noting that the 2021 rule change applies to Great Britain only. In Northern Ireland, drivers who passed their test after 1 January 1997 still need to pass the separate B+E test if they wish to tow a combined outfit weighing more than 3,500kg MAM. Always check your specific licence entitlements if you hold a Northern Irish licence.

What is MAM and Why Does It Matter?

MAM stands for Maximum Authorised Mass. It refers to the maximum permitted weight of a vehicle or trailer, including its full load. When it comes to towing, you need to consider the MAM of both your car and the caravan.

Your car’s towing capacity is a separate consideration from your licence entitlement. Even if your licence permits you to tow up to 3,500kg, you are still bound by your vehicle’s own manufacturer-stated towing limit. You will find this in your car’s handbook or on the manufacturer’s website. Exceeding it is not only dangerous but can also invalidate your insurance.

As a general guide, it is recommended that the laden weight of your caravan does not exceed 85% of your car’s kerbweight. This helps maintain stability and reduces the risk of the caravan swaying on the road.

Do You Need Any Additional Equipment?

Beyond your licence, there are a few practical requirements to be aware of before you tow:

• Towing mirrors. If your caravan is wider than your car, you are legally required to fit suitable towing mirrors that give you a clear view of the road behind. Driving without them can result in a fine.
• Matching number plate. The rear of the caravan must display a number plate that matches your towing vehicle.
• Working lights. Brake lights, indicators, and rear reflectors on the caravan must all be in full working order.
• Breakaway cable. This is a legal requirement and acts as a safety mechanism to apply the caravan’s brakes if it becomes detached from the towing vehicle.

It is also worth checking your car insurance policy. Some policies extend to cover a caravan while it is being towed, but many do not. Separate caravan insurance is widely available and well worth considering.

Speed Limits When Towing

Towing a caravan comes with lower speed limits than standard car driving. In the UK these are:

• Motorways and dual carriageways: 60mph
• Single carriageways: 50mph

These limits apply regardless of the posted road limit. You are also not permitted to use the outside lane of a three-lane motorway when towing. Penalty points and fines can apply if these rules are broken.

Should You Take a Towing Course?

Even though no additional test is required for most drivers, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) strongly recommends taking a practical towing course before heading out. Towing a caravan handles very differently from driving a car alone, and a course will give you hands-on experience with coupling, reversing, manoeuvring, and on-road safety.

Investing a small amount of time in proper training gives you the confidence to enjoy your caravan from day one, rather than spending your first few trips feeling uncertain behind the wheel.

Towing and Caravan Finance: How Pegasus Finance Can Help

If you have confirmed your licence covers what you need to tow, the next step is finding the right caravan and, for many buyers, arranging finance to fund it.

At Pegasus Finance, our friendly team of personal advisors provides a free, one-to-one service to help you find affordable finance for your chosen caravan. We work with a range of lenders and take the time to understand your individual circumstances, so you can focus on planning your next adventure rather than getting lost in paperwork. Finance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

In Summary

For most UK drivers holding a full car licence, there is no need for a separate towing licence. The 2021 rule change means that towing a caravan of up to 3,500kg MAM is within reach without any additional test. The key things to check are your car’s own towing capacity, your specific licence entitlements, and that your caravan is properly equipped before setting off.

Ready to start thinking about which caravan is right for you? Get in touch with the Pegasus Finance team today for friendly, obligation-free guidance on caravan finance options that suit your needs.