Update on 16/12/2021
The Government rules for towing a trailer were amended - see link here.
The Government confirmed the following changes for transporting horses in horse boxes and trailers - see link here. These include being suitably qualified and having your horsebox MOT tested.
15/09/2021
Up until now the rules on towing a trailer, horse box or caravan using a car have been regulated based on when you passed your driving test. The rules will be changing by the end of 2021. The new rules will still depend on when you originally passed your car driving test.
First you need to check when your original car driving licence was issued (when you successfully passed your test).
The need for car and trailer driving tests will stop from 20th September 2021. The date that the law on towing trailers with a car changes has not yet been announced. However, if you passed your car driving test on or after 1st January 1997, you will be allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500 kg MAM when the law changes. The DVLA will automatically update your driving licence record with category BE to show that you're allowed to tow trailers.
Sign up for e-mail alerts direct from the government website to be informed of when the law changes.
Beware! You can be fined up to £1,000, be banned from driving and get up to 6 penalty points if you tow anything heavier before the law changes! You can tow heavier items if you are supervised by someone who is 21 years old+ and has had category BE on their licence for 3 years+. You must display 'L' plates.
Driving a car and trailer is a heavy weight and a big responsibility. You may be pulling a large load such as a horse box with horses inside, a loaded trailer with equipment or a staycation ready caravan loaded with luggage. There's an art to this! We recommend taking training from a suitably qualified driving instructor before attempting towing. Here's a company we recommend.
There are many things to consider before setting off. For example, you will need to be sure you have good visibility so may need extra mirrors; you should know how to safely couple and uncouple the towed vehicle; to make sure your insurance covers the situation; to know how to brake properly and reverse safely; to descend hills properly and how to tackle cross winds.
Above all BE SAFE! Conscious un-coupling is not just for movie stars! Learn how to deal with all aspects of owning and driving a trailer or caravan. We recommend taking some instruction and professional advice before towing a trailer or caravan with a car for the first time. The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) publishes a Guide To Towing which is available as an eBook. The Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) also has some helpful information.
Download the VOSA Guide For Horse Box & Trailer Owners
Remember to choose a car that's up to the job of towing. Read our blog on What is the best car for towing a horse trailer or caravan for some suggestions, or browse our full range of new cars and vans here.
We hope this blog has helped you consider the wider picture when deciding to tow a trailer or caravan with a car. If you would like any help with researching the towing capacity of any of the vehicles we sell, please feel free to call our showrooms and our staff will be more than happy to help.
