Looking for a car to tow 1574kg (Pegasus Grande GT75 Portofino) without B+E

[manuelverges]

Hi there,

We are considering to buy a new car and a caravan.

We liked the Pegasus Grande GT75 Portofino (open to suggestions) https://www.baileyofbristol.co.uk/t...us-grande-gt75/pegasus-grande-gt75-portofino/

We were thinking about a Nissan Qashqai but the Gross Vehicle Weight is 2030 and the maximun towing 1500.

We don't want to go over 3500MMA as we don't want to get the B+E driving licence.

Any recomendations o suggestions?

Thanks in advance

 

[Buckman]

Hi there,

We are considering to buy a new car and a caravan.

We liked the Pegasus Grande GT75 Portofino (open to suggestions) https://www.baileyofbristol.co.uk/t...us-grande-gt75/pegasus-grande-gt75-portofino/

We were thinking about a Nissan Qashqai but the Gross Vehicle Weight is 2030 and the maximun towing 1500.

We don't want to go over 3500MMA as we don't want to get the B+E driving licence.

Any recomendations o suggestions?

Thanks in advance

The B+E restriction is no longer applicable so you can legally exceed 3500kg with the correct car. Which model of Qashqai are you thinking about as they come with 1.3, 1.5 and 1.7 engines and will be auto or manual?

The MTPLM of the Bailey is 1574 so ideally you would be looking at a vehicle where the kerbweight or MRO is greater than 1600kg for a safe tow. In my opinion all the Qashqai are too light for that caravan.

 

[manuelverges]

Thanks Buckman, where did you read B+E is not longer needed? Is that in UK, in EU or both?

 

[otherclive]

Thanks Buckman, where did you read B+E is not longer needed? Is that in UK, in EU or both?

It was revoked shortly after covid lockdowns ended. This link might help. Even if your licence is B you don’t need to change it in UK. But when it renews make sure it gets updated. But would need updating for travel in Europe with a caravan.

B+E Car & Trailer Towing Licences Explained

Do you know what trailer weight you can tow on a car or B+E licence? We explain the licence categories, restrictions and whether you actually need to pass a B+E trailer towing test.

www.smhtrailertraining-kent.co.uk

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62876d2cd3bf7f1f4947d306/inf30-requirements-for-towing-trailers-in-great-britain.pdf

 

[manuelverges]

Many thanks for the info otherclive !

 

[RogerL]

Thanks Buckman, where did you read B+E is not longer needed? Is that in UK, in EU or both?

That's in the UK only - each country in the EU will set it's own rules on how to obtain BE and some countries still require a test.

 

[Tobes]

The B+E restriction is no longer applicable so you can legally exceed 3500kg with the correct car. Which model of Qashqai are you thinking about as they come with 1.3, 1.5 and 1.7 engines and will be auto or manual?

The MTPLM of the Bailey is 1574 so ideally you would be looking at a vehicle where the kerbweight or MRO is greater than 1600kg for a safe tow. In my opinion all the Qashqai are too light for that caravan.

Just a minor correction here. B+E _is_ still applicable in the UK, but if you passed your test after lockdown, it is automatically added to your license, just like in the old days. Anyone who passed in the intermediate period and didn't get a new license issued will have it added on the next license update.

 

[manuelverges]

Just a minor correction here. B+E _is_ still applicable in the UK, but if you passed your test after lockdown, it is automatically added to your license, just like in the old days. Anyone who passed in the intermediate period and didn't get a new license issued will have it added on the next license update.

So then, do I need to do an exam for B+E in UK?

 

[RogerL]

So then, do I need to do an exam for B+E in UK?

No, not if you have a UK licence - just get DVLA to replace your licence, it'll automatically show BE.

 

[manuelverges]

RogerL I have a Spanish one for now, I've been considering to change it for a UK one as I've been living here for the last 5 years

 

[otherclive]

The rules for EU licence holders and non EU licence holders are different. I thought an EU citizen had to exchange their EU licence for a UK licence after three years residence. No test being required.

Here’s the HMG online checker which also gives guidance on how to exchange a non UK licence if that’s required.

Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence

Use this tool to see if you can drive in Great Britain with your non-GB driving licence

www.gov.uk

 

[RogerL]

The rules for EU licence holders and non EU licence holders are different. I thought an EU citizen had to exchange their EU licence for a UK licence after three years residence. No test being required.

Here’s the HMG online checker.

Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence

Use this tool to see if you can drive in Great Britain with your non-GB driving licence

www.gov.uk

From that link "If you were younger than 67 when you became a resident, you can drive on your EU licence until you’re 70" so the OP may be able to use his EU licence for some years yet.

 

[Buckman]

RogerL I have a Spanish one for now, I've been considering to change it for a UK one as I've been living here for the last 5 years

Not sure, but if you a permanent resident in the UK the foreign driving licence needs to be exchanged for UK driving licence within 12 months.

 

[RogerL]

Not sure, but if you a permanent resident in the UK the foreign driving licence needs to be exchanged for UK driving licence within 12 months.

Otherclive's link give the detail - the 12 months is for non-EU licences.