My Son in Law is 27 years old and passed his car test in 2005, he wants to purchase and tow a caravan with his Discovery. As they have 5 children they will be looking for a twin axle caravan, Will he have to take a trailer test or can he hitch up and go. Regards
Can he or cant he
- Thread starter Barkas
- Start date
It all depends on the weight of the caravan he is intending to tow, but a twin axle will probably be over the limit for a straightforward Category B driving licence so he would have to take a B+E test. For further information refer to the DVLA website.
Hi,
A Group B licence allows you to drive up to 3500kg MGW (repeat -MGW). It MAY allow you to drive up to 3500MGW and tow a further 750kg MGW. You cannot drive 3499kg and tow tow 751kg MGW. (OK, maybe you can if it raining .... I kid you not, I think)
My Discovery weighed close on 2000kg UNLADEN. I suspect that the MGW was about 2500kg (Anybody know? Its in the handbook, and should be on a plate. So at best you have about 1000kg available for the trailer. I've made small 4-wheel trailers, but never met a lightweight 4-wheel caravan. A non-starter, I reckon.
Repeat again - it the Maximum Gross Weights that matter. Unladen weight is irelevent if you have a Disc
602
A Group B licence allows you to drive up to 3500kg MGW (repeat -MGW). It MAY allow you to drive up to 3500MGW and tow a further 750kg MGW. You cannot drive 3499kg and tow tow 751kg MGW. (OK, maybe you can if it raining .... I kid you not, I think)
My Discovery weighed close on 2000kg UNLADEN. I suspect that the MGW was about 2500kg (Anybody know? Its in the handbook, and should be on a plate. So at best you have about 1000kg available for the trailer. I've made small 4-wheel trailers, but never met a lightweight 4-wheel caravan. A non-starter, I reckon.
Repeat again - it the Maximum Gross Weights that matter. Unladen weight is irelevent if you have a Disc
602
Thanks for that guys,after reading that hes going to book a trailer test before going to buy a caravan, Cheers
Greetings,
I know this information is no good specifically for your son in law. However, a post 1997 passer may tow a caravan over the 3500kgs MGW limit provided that they;
A, Display L plates to front and rear of outfit, and,
B, Be supervised by a person who can tow the outfit ie. a person who passed their test before the 1997 date or a person who has since passed the 'trailer test'. They can also tow on Motorways as well. (under the above conditions)
I know this information is no good specifically for your son in law. However, a post 1997 passer may tow a caravan over the 3500kgs MGW limit provided that they;
A, Display L plates to front and rear of outfit, and,
B, Be supervised by a person who can tow the outfit ie. a person who passed their test before the 1997 date or a person who has since passed the 'trailer test'. They can also tow on Motorways as well. (under the above conditions)
Hi Del,
Thanks for clarify that point. I guessed it was the case, but wasn't certain.
My brain is starting to hurt, trying to think up a feasible circumstance where ......
I taught my wife to drive, circa 1970, she took one professional lesson, and passed first time, in South London. I am now 70+, but she is still under 70. and has a B+E licence, as do I.
Now lets ASSUME I am "disqualified till test pass". When I repass my test, I guess I will get a B-only licence. ????
That means that I will need her to accompany me if I drive anything that requires a B+E licence. In spite of me teaching her to drive. Hmmmm! Divorce? Murder? ;-)
602
Thanks for clarify that point. I guessed it was the case, but wasn't certain.
My brain is starting to hurt, trying to think up a feasible circumstance where ......
I taught my wife to drive, circa 1970, she took one professional lesson, and passed first time, in South London. I am now 70+, but she is still under 70. and has a B+E licence, as do I.
Now lets ASSUME I am "disqualified till test pass". When I repass my test, I guess I will get a B-only licence. ????
That means that I will need her to accompany me if I drive anything that requires a B+E licence. In spite of me teaching her to drive. Hmmmm! Divorce? Murder? ;-)
602
Greetings 602
Why don't you have a medical to get your entitlements back.
I can't believe it could be so bad. (that is unless they fail to take account of the hatchet in your head as a result of the wife getting upset!!!)
Why don't you have a medical to get your entitlements back.
I can't believe it could be so bad. (that is unless they fail to take account of the hatchet in your head as a result of the wife getting upset!!!)
Hi Del,
Sorry! I still have my B+E entitlement, despite a hole in my head (really), I was just trying to think up possible anomolies in the licencing laws. I lost my C and D entitlements when I turned 70, but having thought about it, I can't envisage ever having drive to anything over 3500kg MGW.
Mmmmm! I passed my test (second time I passed) in a Bedford 4x4 RL truck, that the RAF called a seven-and-half-tonner, mixing it with the trams in Blackpool. I suppose I can't drive one of those anymore? Shame! But realisticly, its unlikely. There are a few Land Rovers with a MGW in excess off 3500kg, so I had better keep my wits about me.
602
Sorry! I still have my B+E entitlement, despite a hole in my head (really), I was just trying to think up possible anomolies in the licencing laws. I lost my C and D entitlements when I turned 70, but having thought about it, I can't envisage ever having drive to anything over 3500kg MGW.
Mmmmm! I passed my test (second time I passed) in a Bedford 4x4 RL truck, that the RAF called a seven-and-half-tonner, mixing it with the trams in Blackpool. I suppose I can't drive one of those anymore? Shame! But realisticly, its unlikely. There are a few Land Rovers with a MGW in excess off 3500kg, so I had better keep my wits about me.
602
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