Do I Need to take a B+E Test?

Changes to the licensing and testing system on 1st January 1997 saw the introduction of a completely new test [B+E Car & Trailer Test]

Although the test has been around for a number of years now a huge number of people are completely unaware of it.

This involves drivers in driving when unlicensed and therefore uninsured through ignorance of the law.

Many choose to ignore the law and make a decision to drive unlicensed to tow legally. If you intend to tow it is recommended that you take the test to avoid any misinterpretation by you, the police or your insurers.

The information listed below is not intended to be a definitive statement Of Law. You should check with the DVLA for the specific advice you need.

The driving licence you need to tow a caravan or other large trailer.

The ability to tow will depend on the driving licence you hold. The category entitlement on your driving licence will determine the type of trailer you can tow.

What is the B+E entitlement?

Category B+E allows vehicles up to 3.5tonnes MAM to be combined with trailers in excess of 750kgs MAM. In order to gain this entitlement new category B licence holders have to pass a further practical test for B+E. There is no category B+E Theory test.

Car licences held before 1st January 1997.

Drivers who passed a car test before 1st January 1997 retain their existing entitlement to tow trailers until their licence expires. This means they are generally entitled to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8.25 tonnes MAM.

However if a driver has had to take a retest after the date above they will have lost the entitlement to tow that was licensed and need to take the B+E test, if they wish to tow larger trailer combinations.

Car licences first obtained since 1st January 1997.

Drivers who passed a car test on or after 1st January 1997 are limited to vehicles up to 3.5tonnes MAM towing a trailer up to 750kgs, or a vehicle and trailer combination up to 3.5 tonnes MAM providing the MAM of the trailer doesn’t exceed the unladen mass of the towing vehicle. You will need to pass an additional driving test in B+E if you wish to tow a caravan or other trailer combination which exceeds these weight limits.

What is MAM

We refer to the term MAM of vehicles and Trailers throughout the site. This should be taken to mean the permissible maximum weight, also known as the gross vehicle weight.