Berkshire Driving School - Trailer Towing
Topics on this page: Are you qualified? : Trailer Frequently Asked Questions : New 2010 Legislation changes
Why train with me?
I use to run a class 1 driving school. The trailer test is conducted the same way as the current LGV test with the same manoeuvre as an articulated vehicle. I have been training on vehicles with trailers for the last 30 years and have an enormous experience of test routes and the expectations of the examiners. Accordingly I have a high pass rate and Clients take the shortest period of training to pass. The minimum test vehicle I use contributes to my cost-effectiveness.
Trailer Towing - are you qualified?
Internet forums are littered with postings concerning trailer towing weights. It is not a straightforward matter to calculate the legality of various vehicle and trailer combinations. Vehicle manufacturers often leave important towing data off their websites making an informed decision difficult. Consequently many drivers are towing illegally and quite unaware of the fact. Insurance companies are obviously aware of the regulations and may well refuse to pay out in the event of a claim if a vehicle has been operated illegally - they are, after all in business to make money. I have endeavoured to simplify the regulations but the usual caveats apply. I have added links to my sources so you can check my interpretations of the regulations for yourself. This article will be particularly relevant if you do not have the +E on your driving license and you tow a braked trailer.
When I first drafted this article it was littered with the word 'normally'. It did not make easy reading so I have simplified this article by removing this word. There will be cases where it would be perfectly reasonable and legal to tow an outfit such as when you need to get it to a place of safety. Also these regulations may not apply if, for example the outfit had a flashing amber beacon or a very low speed limit or a police escort.
If you do not have +E on your driving license you may tow a trailer up to 0.75 tonnes - the 'camping type' that is un-braked, even if you tow with a 3.5 tonne truck. If you have a horse box, tow a vehicle on a trailer or tow heavy machinery it is probable that you will need +E on your license. This is because you are constrained by two main factors -
-
The Maximum Authorised Mass of the outfit.
Without the +E you will be limited to 3.5 tonnes see -
http://www.direct.gov.uk/.....caravanstrailerscommercialvehicles/dg_4022521 -
General guidance recommends that the laden weight of the trailer does not exceed 85% of the un-laden weight of the car. It is illegal for the maximum authorised mass of the trailer to exceed the unladen weight of the car.
http://www.direct.gov.uk.....CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_10013073
Assume that you tow a horse box with, for example, a Range Rover
http://www.landrover.com/gb/en/rr/range-rover/
Note that even Land Rover hide the technical details we require when choosing a tow vehicle.
The manual shows that his vehicle has a kerb weight of 2.7 tonnes. Without the +E you are restricted to a trailer with a weight of 0.8 tonne. (Remember that you are restricted to 3.5 tonnes)
Assume that you have a Horse box with an un-laden weight of 0.8 tonnes, Without +E you still would not be permitted to tow this trailer even if it was empty. This is despite the un-laden mass of our outfit being just 3.5 tonnes. This is because the regulations refer to the 'Maximum Authorised Mass' (see the link in 1) Let me elaborate -
This trailer has a plated weight of 2.2 tonnes. That is, because the manufacturer has designed the trailer to take a load. The tyres and structure have been deemed capable of safely operating at this weight when the trailer is fully loaded. The manufacturer has put a plate on the chassis stating just that. Using the trailer loaded beyond this weigh will be illegal. Likewise our tow-car has a plate fixed to it somewhere. What is on the plate is usually more easily found by reading the vehicle handbook. Our example Range Rover has, according to the book, a gross vehicle weight of 3.1 tonnes. If coupled with this horse box, the maximum authorised mass of the outfit would be 5.3 tonnes - way over the permitted Maximum Authorised Mass limit of 3.5 tonnes for those without the +E. Note that the Maximum Authorised Mass remains the same - pulling this outfit un-laden will not alter this fact. It would be illegal for a driver without the +E entitlement to draw this trailer on a public road.
Let us check to see if a driver with +E is permitted to drive this outfit.
Let us refer to the 85% regulation in greater detail
http://www.direct.gov.uk/.....CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_10013073
Caravans and horse boxes are subject to swaying in side winds and should weigh less than the towing vehicle to avoid the 'tail wagging the dog Referring to my paragraph marked '2)' - 'General guidance recommends that the laden weight of the trailer does not exceed 85% of the un-laden weight of the car.' The un-laden weight of our Range Rover is 2.7 tonnes (its kerb weight). 80% of this is 2.3 tonnes. Our trailer has a Maximum Authorised Mass of 2.2 tonnes so our combination is a good match.
This similar horse trailer has a maximum authorised mass of 2.6 tonnes. It would be inadvisable (but not illegal) to draw this trailer with the Range Rover - the 85% limit is exceeded but the laden weight of the trailer is just below the un-laden weight of the towing vehicle. In this event I would consult with the insurance company if I were to tow the trailer with our Range Rover.
This plant trailer weighs less than the horse box and has a lower centre of gravity. It could perhaps safely be towed by our Range Rover at motorway speeds - illegally. Its plated weight is 4 tonnes which is well over our Range Rovers' un-laden weight . Your insurance would be invalid and you could end up with points on your license. As I said earlier, towing regulations are difficult to understand and I have simplified them for brevity. Please refer to original sources.
Let us return to the '85%limit' I mentioned earlier. With the +E towing entitlement you can tow a horse box weighing 85% of the kerb weight of the Range Rover). 85% of 2.7 is 2.2 tonnes. This means that the train weigh is 2.2+2.7 or 4.9 tonnes. (Note that the manufacturer authorises the vehicle to tow 3.5 tonnes - but usually off road in this country).
Many younger drivers are unaware that they may be towing illegally and thereby invalidating their insurance.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/.....caravanstrailerscommercialvehicles/dg_4022521
Click here to read up on practical cases which may apply to you-
Trailer training need not be expensive if you are a good driver. The minimum cost of training will be -
| Assesment 3 hours | £105 |
| Trailer test paid to the DSA http://www.direct.gov.uk/.....LearningToDriveOrRide/DG_4022530 | £115 |
| Hire of vehicle for the driving test | £105 |
| Total minimum cost | £225 |
This assumes that you can drive reliably to the standard you drove when you passed the driving test and can reverse a trailer with reasonable accuracy. Our driving test outfit is the minimum test vehicle and will give you the easiest vehicle to drive for the test.
Frequently Asked Trailer Questions
- What is the MAM?
- What is a Tonne?
- What are 'grandfather rights'?
- Give an example of 'grandfather rights'
- What is the vehicle weight when pulling a trailer?
- Does 'fully comprehensive insurance' cover all damage done by a driver?
- What are the current restrictions to car provisional license holders?
- What are the restrictions applying to trailer drivers?
- How does the car + trailer test differ from the car test?
- How do I uncouple the trailer?
- How do I recouple the trailer?
- What is meant by 'vehicle security' when recoupling?
- What is an 'anti-sway' device?
- How is snaking avoided?
- What compatibility issues are important?
- Is the weight on the tow bar important?
- What is a jack knife and how do I correct it?
- What is 'brake fade' and how do I avoid it?
- When driving off, what is the most important safety concern?
- What restrictions apply to trailer drivers?
- How much is Car Tax?
- Do I need a Trailer Licence?
1. What is the MAM?
The MAM is the maximum authorised mass (weight) also known as the gross vehicle weight. It is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of the maximum permitted payload.
Click here to return to FAQ2. What is a Tonne?
A tonne is a metric ton or 1000kg.
Click here to return to FAQ3. What are 'grandfather rights'?
Grandfather's rights are the continued rights to drive vehicles although the law has changed. New drivers with the same license will not be permitted to drive certain vehicles which had hitherto been allowed if that person had passed the test at an earlier date.
Click here to return to FAQ4. Give an example of 'grandfather rights'
Drivers who passed the test before 1 January 1997 are permitted to drive vehicle and trailer combinations up to 8.25 tonnes. They are also permitted to drive medium goods vehicles which have a MAM of 7.5 tonnes. Drivers who passed their test after this date are restricted to vehicle and trailer combinations of 3.5 tonnes MAM. They are also restricted to small trailers with a MAM of 750 kg, 3/4 metric ton.
Click here to return to FAQ
5. What is the maximum weight a car or 4X4 may pull?
The DVLA states -
"Category B vehicles may be coupled with a trailer up to 750kgs MAM
(allowing a combined weight up to 4.25 tonnes MAM) or a trailer over
750kgs MAM provided the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen
weight of the towing vehicle, and the combination does not exceed 3.5
tonnes MAM."
Reference is made to the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of vehicles and trailers. This should be taken to mean the permissible maximum weight, also known as the gross vehicle weight.
As for towing caravans, existing general guidance recommends that the laden weight of the caravan does not exceed 85% of the unladen weight of the car. In the majority of cases, caravans and small trailers towed by cars should be within the new category B threshold.
For example: Say that the unladen weight of a typical 4X4 may be 2 tonnes.
The manufacturer may authorise a MAM of 2.75 tonnes. ie it may be permitted
to carry a payload of 750kg max.
This leaves just 750kg for the trailer (ie a small camping trailer, usually
unbraked.) Clearly the 4x4 is capable of drawing a far larger trailer than
this but the driver must have a trailer licence entitlement to do so.
So, two requirements are needed. There are that the vehicle has a towing limit and also legal restrictions apply.
The vehicle weight is the maximum mass of the car plus trailer. Be aware of
this so that you may comply with weight limit signs.
You should find that your trailer is marked with the unladen weight and payload.
(Our present trailer has a payload of 1,000kg and an unladen weight of 276kg bringing
the maximum authorized mass to 1276kg. This is just over the minimum driving test
vehicle requirements.) Our BMW 120d has a maximum permitted towing mass of 1,200kg
(as printed in the manufacturer's handbook) so is a good match for this trailer.
When fully laden the trailer will weigh less than 80% of the car and therefore
complies with the Code of Practice recommended by the Caravan Club.
If the trailer has no brakes it may have a maximum authorized mass of 750kg and may be driven by car drivers. 'L' plates and a supervising driver are not required. However the trailer must weigh less than half the weight of the towing vehicle's kerb weight.
Trailers with overrun brakes may have a maximum authorized mass of 3.5 tonnes if permitted by the manufacturer (as denoted by the plate). They usually have a maximum authorized mass exceeding 750kg and restrictions apply if the driver does not have grandfather rights to draw such a trailer - namely the front and rear of the vehicle must display 'L' plates and the driver must be supervised by a qualified driver. The trailer when loaded must not exceed the car manufacturer's design limit (see handbook). Note that although the vehicle may easily pull the trailer, legal considerations should be observed. Failure to do so would invalidate the insurance. For example a car plus trailer license will not allow the driver to draw a combination greater than 4.25 tonnes (3.5 tonne vehicle drawing a 750kg trailer). Above this mass a medium or large driving license is required to be held by the driver.
Click here to return to FAQ6. Does 'fully comprehensive insurance' cover all damage done by a driver?
No, for example, if a driver overloads a bridge, this is not likely to be covered by the vehicle insurance.
Click here to return to FAQ
7. What are the current restrictions to car provisional license holders?
These include not pulling a trailer and not driving on the motorway. They should also display 'L' plates and be accompanied by a suitably qualified driver.
Click here to return to FAQ8. What are the restrictions applying to trailer drivers?
These include not using the third lane of motorways and lower speed limits on many roads:
- Motorways and dual carriageways,60mph,
- other roads, 50mph.
Note that some vehicles (eg Ford Ka) are not permitted to tow trailers of any description. Click here to return to FAQ
9. How does the car + trailer test differ from the car test?
- The test is longer,
- The test centre has a manoeuvring area,
- No manoeuvres are conducted on the road,
- There is no emergency stop,
- The 'controlled stop' is conducted on the manoeuvring area,
- The examiner will ask the candidate to perform a manoeuvring exercise,
- The examiner will ask questions on vehicle safety
- An uncoupling and recoupling exercise is performed,
- The candidate is expected to drive to a higher standard.
10. How do I uncouple the trailer?
- Select a suitable place to leave the trailer. This should be level and convenient for others.
- Leave the car is a safe condition and apply the trailer handbrake.
- Disconnect the safety cable and electrical plug,
- Lower the jockey wheel and disconnect the trailer cup from the tow ball,
- Move the car away,
- Check the trailer brakes.
- Check the trailer security.
11. How do I recouple the trailer?
- Check that the trailer handbrake is applied,
- Reverse close to the trailer tow cup and leave the car is a safe condition.
- (A stick by the trailers tow cup could be used or check visually.)
- You should consider repositioning the car if needed. (It is easier to swing the trailer round rather than to pull it up to the car. A tandem axle trailer is easier to swing round if the jockey wheel lifts the front wheels off the ground))
- Wind down the jockey wheel so that the tow cup is slightly higher than the car tow ball.
- Release the trailer handbrake carefully and swing the tow cup over the tow ball, be prepared to reapply the trailer handbrake if the trailer threatens to move too quickly,
- Raise the jockey wheel to lower the tow cup onto the car tow ball.
- ENSURE THAT A SAFE COUPLING HAS BEEN EFFECTED. Raise the back of the car by lowering the jockey wheel down a little.
- Raise the jockey wheel completely and lock it up, making certain that it does not interfere with the brake actuator.
- Make certain that the green plug or handle has sprung out,
- Connect break-away cable and the black electrical plug. (The drain hole is at the bottom)
- Release the trailer brake,
- Make certain that the slack in the cables is sufficient to allow manoeuvring yet will not let them drag on the ground.
- Check lights, tyres and vehicle security. (The brake lights need the ignition to be switched on, have a handy stick which can be wedged between seat and brake pedal if you are on your own.)
- Adjust any retrofitted mirrors.
- Check the coupling and brakes before leaving the yard by accelerating and braking.
12. What is meant by 'vehicle security' when recoupling?
- The trailer used by us is small and light. Ensure that the tipping mechanism is locked down and that the lid catches are secure.
- Larger trailers may need an anti sway (or stabiliser) devices to be attached after the towing vehicle has been coupled.
- Caravans require more attention. Drawers and cupboards must be locked, gas bottles stowed, stop cocks, windows and skylights closed, chemical toilets emptied, electrical appliances made safe, loose items secured.
- The number plate may need to be changed. The trailer should be serviceable which is important if it has been standing for a long period.
13. What is an 'anti-sway' device?
These are sometimes used on higher trailers to stop them swaying or snaking in the wind. They dampen the movement between trailer and towing vehicle.
Click here to return to FAQ14. How is snaking avoided?
Increasing the nose weight, fitting an anti-sway device, increasing the trailers tyre pressures and travelling slower will reduce this effect. Should this occur, braking will exacerbate this. Drive sympathetically and lift off the accelerator should this should occur. Consider accelerating if a transitory gust is the cause of the problem.
Click here to return to FAQ15. What compatibility issues are important?
- Old trailers may have a smaller non-metric tow cup which is incompatible with modern cars.
- Some trailers may have a tow eye which needs a tow pin on the towing vehicle
- Older trailers may need to have the over run brakes disabled when reversing, a collar is slipped over the spring arm.
- Non-standard lighting plugs may be used on older equipment.
- The tow hitch must be the correct height, especially if the trailer has more than one axle.
16. Is the weight on the tow bar important?
The weight should be such so that it can be coupled up to the car without too much effort. Excessive weight on the tow bar will set the car head lights too high and make the steering dangerously light.
Too little weight will make the combination snake the coupling may bang when going over bumps and the rear of the car will be excessively bouncy.
A nose weight of between 50 to 100kg should be considered. The load on the trailer may be re-distributed to achieve this.
Click here to return to FAQ17. What is a jack knife and how do I correct it?
Jack knifes come in two forms. Firstly, when reversing, the angle of the trailer can become so acute that the driver will not be able to recover when on full lock. Driving forward and straightening will sort this out.
A second type is a dangerous condition caused by the driver slowing down too sharply when cornering. The trailer goes straight on and pushes the back of the car round. If the driver had braked on the straight and accelerated gently when cornering, this could have been avoided. If the driver is lucky and catches the situation in time then accelerating might restore stability.
Click here to return to FAQ18. What is 'brake fade' and how do I avoid it?
Hot friction material may lose its efficiency when hot or metal parts distort slightly. Old hydraulic fluid may produce bubbles if subjected to heat, air is squashy.
Cars have disk brakes which do not suffer brake fade since they offer superior cooling and brake disks expand towards the pads. Trailers have drum brakes which can overheat causing the drums to expand away from the brake shoes.
When approaching long descents trailer drivers should keep their brakes cool by ?
- Slowing before the descent,
- Selecting a low gear to increase engine braking.
19. When driving off, what is the most important safety concern?
Visibility is restricted so be vigilant with your observation by checking ALL mirrors and looking round effectively, covering all sides of the vehicle. Watch out for pedestrians stepping over the tow hitch!
Click here to return to FAQ20. What restrictions apply to trailer drivers?
- Don't use the outside lane of a three lane motorway
- Don't exceed 60mph on the motorway
- Don't exceed 50 on other roads
- Watch out for weight limit signs since the vehicle now includes the trailer.
- Height and width restrictions may apply to your outfit.
21. How much is Car Tax?
For current rates of car tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) click here
http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/ved/ then please come back
For additional useful information on vehicle taxation click here
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/faq/faqindex.htmClick here to return to FAQ
22. Do I need a Trailer Licence?
If you wish to tow a larger trailer, the kind that have brakes fitted, and you do not have 'grandfather rights' (see questions 3 and 4 for explanation) then you will probably need to get your entitlement by passing the trailer test.
For additional useful information on trailer regulations click here
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/media/pdf/leaflets/inf30.pdfClick here to return to FAQ
Changes to the law in 2010
Topic on this page: Trailer Towing without entitlement : Supervising Learner Drivers
Trailer towing without trailer entitlement
Many younger drivers who own horses, tow stock cars or trail small yachts drive illegally. This is because the laws controlling towing with vehicles are hugely complicated. The problem occurs if an insurance claim has to be made. Insurance companies are well aware of the regulations and will not pay out unless they have to.
If you passed your test 1 January 1997 and you have not passed the trailer test, you will not have +E on your license. If you tow a trailer with over-run brakes you may be driving illegally. There are two main reasons for this -
- You are limited to a maximum authorised train weight of 3.5 tonnes -
In practice a good tow-car will have a high maximum laden weight, which would permit only a tiny trailer to be pulled. The combination would otherwise have a maximum permitted weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes.
- The maximum trailer weight must not exceed the unladen weight of the car -
A decently sized trailer could be coupled to a smaller car to avoid going over the 3.5 tonne weight limit. Unfortunately that would result in the trailer having a higher maximum permitted weight than the unladen weight of the car.
If you thought that a trailer of 1.75 tonnes maximum permitted weight could be coupled with a family saloon car with a maximum laden weight of 1.75 tonnes to form a vehicle combination of 3.5 tonnes you would be neglecting the fact that a car with a maximum weight of 1.75 tonne car would have an unladen weight considerably less than 1.75 tonnes. The 1.75 tonne maximum permitted weight of the trailer would therefore be greater than the unladen weight of the car. The maximum trailer weight should be less than the unladen weight of the car. In practice you would be restricted to a trailer of about 1.5 tonnes providing you were careful with vehicle selection. This may be ...
| Weight of car empty | 1.5 tonnes |
| Seats for five passengers each weighing 75kg, | 0.375 tonnes |
| 25 kg allowed per passenger for luggage | 0.125 tonnes |
| Total maximum permitted weight of the car | 2.0 tonnes |
| Total maximum permitted weight of the trailer | 1.5 tonnes |
| Total maximum permitted train weight | 3.5 tonnes |
I have "fiddled" these figures to make the numbers round up nicely and you would need to look at the user manuals of both the trailer and the car, or better still, get the information from the VIN plates. These are fixed to the chassis of the trailer and car.
Let us take practical examples, "Tow Cars of the Year 2010",
In these two examples I have underlined the figure, which restricts the towing capacity -
Golf 2.0 TDi
| Weight of car empty | 1.35 tonnes |
| Total maximum permitted weight of the car | 1.92 tonnes |
| Manufacturers Towing Weight | 1.5 tonnes |
| Maximum towing weight permitted with this car | |
| If driver does not have trailer entitlement | 1.35 tonnes |
| If driver has the trailer entitlement | 1.5 tonnes |
Land Rover Discovery 4 V6
| Weight of car empty | 2.5 tonnes |
| Total permitted weight of the car | 3.2 tonnes* |
| Manufacturers towing weight with towing pack | 7.7 tonnes |
| Maximum towing weight with this car | |
| If driver does not have trailer entitlement | 0.75 tonnes (unbraked)* |
*You would expect that the maximum trailer weight would be only 300kg. However unbraked trailers can be drawn by most vehicles over 1.5 tonnes unladen weight and by car drivers with a 'full' license but without trailer entitlement. Such trailers are restricted to 750kg (providing the trailer weighs less than half the weight of the car)
There are some other complications which would influence your choice of vehicle and trailer ? for example it is advisable that when towing a caravan or a trailer which could be affected by side winds, the laden trailer should not exceed 85% of the unladen weight of the towing vehicle. This means an empty caravan of 2.1 tonnes could be towed with the Discovery providing the driver had the trailer entitlement. (85% of 2.5 is 2.1)
Overrun brakes are not permitted on trailers over 3.5 tonnes so although the towing weight of the Discovery may exceed this figure, in practice this is not possible with a B+E driving license. Trailer towing legislation is a complex matter!
Supervising Drivers ?
From April 2010 it became a reqirement that Drivers supervising learners in certain large vehicles should have passed the driving test in that class of vehicle and have held the right to drive that type of vehicle for at least three continuous years. Mums and Dads with 'grandfather rights' may be releived to learn that cars pulling trailers are EXEMPTED from this requirement.
In summary -
Without the trailer entitlement, (the +E group) on your driving license you would not be permitted to tow most car trailers or horseboxes, empty or loaded. Unless of course you displayed "L" plates, have a suitably qualified driver accompanying you and arranging insurance for the purpose. You must check that older drivers who are permitted to pull a trailer are actually permitted to supervise you when you practice. This limitation does not usually apply to car + trailer combinations.
When you have passed the trailer driving test these driving license restrictions are removed and bigger trailers may be towed. In three years you will be permitted to supervise other trailer learners (providing you have reached the age of 21). Be aware that this article focuses on the driving license regulations - other regulations may prevent you towing heavy loads at normal road speeds.
Click here to return to FAQ
Supervising Learner Drivers of category C1 and D1 including vehicle plus trailer combinations
Before January 1997, drivers who passed the car-driving test were also granted implied entitlement to drive small lorries, buses and vehicle plus trailer combinations (categories C1, C1+E, D1 and D1+E) subject to certain restrictions.
Learner drivers should not drive a vehicle on public roads unless a qualified driver is supervising them. The qualified driver (also known as the accompanying driver) must hold a full licence for the category of vehicle being driven and must have held that licence for the relevant period of time - usually 3 years. Implied rights entitlements do not meet the first of those criteria because of the restrictions attaching to the licence. Also, there are road safety issues involved where a person who has never passed the relevant driving test acts as the supervisor for a learner driver in a category C1 or D1 vehicle (including +E combinations)THIS REGULATION DOES NOT PREVENT PARENTS WITH "GRANDFATHER RIGHTS" FROM ACTING AS SUPERVISERS FOR DRIVERS LEARNING TO TOW A TRAILER BEHIND A CAR.
These changes will not affect anyone's existing entitlement to drive C1 or D1 vehicles or vehicle plus trailer combinations. But they will prevent anyone from acting as an accompanying driver in such vehicles if they only hold pre-1997 implied entitlements.
If they now pass the relevant driving test(s) and meet the appropriate medical standards they will have to wait until they have held their new entitlement for three years before they can act as the supervising driver.
However, if they have passed a driving test for one category of vocational licence and have held that licence for a period of three years, they will only have to wait a period of one year from the date they pass the test for another category of vocational vehicle before they can supervise a learner driver in that category of vehicle.
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