Towing question please help

JB1

Aug 4, 2022
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Hi can anyone please confirm the train weight ie vehicle and caravan/ trailer that the 2021 change in the towing law allows people who passed their driving test after January 1997 I think ? I am Just checking for my son. I think the train weight vehicle and caravan is a total 3500kg Many thanks for any input .
 
Nov 6, 2005
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Hi can anyone please confirm the train weight ie vehicle and caravan/ trailer that the 2021 change in the towing law allows people who passed their driving test after January 1997 I think ? I am Just checking for my son. I think the train weight vehicle and caravan is a total 3500kg Many thanks for any input .
You're incorrect - all drivers with a UK car licence get the same* entitlement - a vehicle up to 3500kg and a trailer up to 3500kg, train weight 7000kg.

Note that if towing abroad the BE will need to be on the licence - but for UK only use the BE isn't necessary as it will be added at next licence renewal.

* some older drivers can tow an even heavier trailer but irrelevant for caravans and trailers in practice.
 
Mar 12, 2025
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Thank you RogerL for you reply I've looked and looked and never been able to understand the towing regs etc, regarding train waights etc, how simply you put it thank you I passed my test post 1997 so always been confused,
Incidentally I drive a tri axeled 42 foot coach with 55 pax and luggage 18 tonne give or take but not allowed to drive a motorhome over 3500kg.
Another ref that the British government should sort out
 
Nov 6, 2005
8,609
3,059
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Thank you RogerL for you reply I've looked and looked and never been able to understand the towing regs etc, regarding train waights etc, how simply you put it thank you I passed my test post 1997 so always been confused,
Incidentally I drive a tri axeled 42 foot coach with 55 pax and luggage 18 tonne give or take but not allowed to drive a motorhome over 3500kg.
Another ref that the British government should sort out
Have you got C1 on your licence - that's all you need for a motorhome up to 7.5 tonnes.
 
Jul 15, 2008
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No I have not, that's my point I can drive a 18 tonne coach but I can't drive a motorhome up to 7.5 tonnes ........

.....yes and you and your son can drive a car + caravan combination weighing up to 7000kgs but are limited 3500kgs for a vehicle without a trailer/ caravan.
e.g.(motorhome )

Your D licence only covers Public Service Vehicles as you know .....lots of ridiculous driving licence rules that don't make much sense out there!
 
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