Driving licence for towing

[popupJohn]

Popup junior has just bought his 1st car (Ford Focus) and is about to take his test. His eyes are already on the caravan and ive told him he will have to take an additional test to tow it.

So far ive not found out what the extra test involves. Can anybody give me some info on it please?

(Oh its not that I dont want him to borrow it its just that it`s Mine, MINE MINE)

 

[Martin_E]

Hi Popup John,

I think this is what you are after.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/TowingAndCommercialVehiclesArticles/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4022521&chk=UotF/k
Martin "E"

 

[popupJohn]

Many thanks Martin"E"

 

[BigAl1]

Tell Jounior to buy his own caravan.

I think he can tow a max train weight of 3.5tonnes with a new licence.

 

[BigAl1]

Tell Jounior to buy his own caravan.

I think he can tow a max train weight of 3.5tonnes with a new licence.

and Junior as well......

 

[andrew_5089729]

Big Al is right

It's a tad confusing and I looked into this a few years ago as I too have the same licence.

You can tow a maximum train weight of 3500kg. You cannot tow anything heavier than the kerbweight of your car - so if car is 1200kg and trailer is 1250kg it's a no-no. You can tow a 3500kg vehicle with a trailer of up to 750kg only.

When I was looking into this 5-6 years ago when I contacted the DSA they told me exactly how much the test would cost but had no information on where I could take the test or what I needed to do - hey at least they've improved the information these days!

A

 

[popupJohn]

Thanks for the comments above.

I must say tho that I am looking more for the contents of the test.

I.E..

Reversing into spaces,

Hitching up,

Blocking centre lanes of motorways (joke)

Rural/town driving

 

[Steve L]

Your safe for now pop's.

Junior can only tow 750Kgs behind the focus, so I'd get him an Eriba Puk to put him in his place. He he.

It's been a long time coming has the day that folks towing trailers have to have some idea of how to reverse, turn the rig round and understand safe practice of hitching up etc.

The info so far is informative and by going to Martin's link you'll get the info.

Finding a training school is harder and I'd see what the two clubs can offer at that level. Also you can take the test I guess using a 4X4 and a flat goods trailer which would bear no resemblance to a caravan as you have agood rearward visability where as, with a caravan you are reliant on mirrors.

Steve.

 

[Martin_E]

Hi Steve,

If you follow this link

http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=103
It says

B + E in the case of a vehicle first used on or after the 1 October 2003 the following additional standards will apply:

the cargo compartment of the trailer must consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the towing vehicle; the closed box body may also be slightly less wide than the towing vehicle provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the towing vehicle.