It has been announced that the caravan test is being scrapped, with new laws to be introduced later this year.
As it stands, what you can tow depends on when you passed your test. However, the new rules – which were announced on the Government’s website – mean that anyone who passed their test after 1 January 1997 will be able to tow a trailer that is up to 3,500kg MAM (maximum authorised mass) without taking an additional test.
Drivers will still need to follow the current rules until the new laws come into effect later this year – the exact date is currently unspecified.
The Government has warned drivers not to break the current rules beforehand, saying “you can be fined up to £1,000, be banned from driving and get up to 6 penalty points on your driving licence if you tow anything heavier before the law changes.”
The only exception will be if you are under supervision. In such a situation, you will need to be accompanied by someone who is at least 21 years old and who has had BE on their driving licence for three years, with clearly displayed L plates on both car and trailer.
People who are looking to start driving a car and trailer are also being encouraged to undergo lessons with a driving instructor, while the ‘National standard for driving cars and light vans’ will provide advice on the skills and understanding required to tow.
Car and trailer driving tests cancelled
Car and trailer tests are also ending from 20th September – from then, you will no longer be able to book or take a car and trailer driving test.
If a test is booked in before 20 September, it will still go ahead, although you will also have the option of cancelling it should you no longer wish to do it.
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The new rules mean that anyone who passed their test after 1 January 1997 will be able to tow a trailer that is up to 3,500kg MAM (maximum authorised mass) without taking an additional test.
