What trailer can I tow?

Wondering what trailer you’re allowed to tow with your car?

You’re not alone; plenty of people wonder how to tow trailers safely, what the legal requirements are, and whether there are any specific towing laws they should be aware of.

If you’re unsure, don’t just go hooking any old trailer to the back of your car hoping for the best. Not only could you be putting yourself and other drivers in danger by going above a maximum towing capacity, you might be breaking the law.

At HGV Training Network, we’re experts in HGV training and heavy vehicles in general – including trailers – which is why we offer expert trailer training to equip you with the knowledge and confidence you need to move trailers of all kinds safely. To find out more, get in touch with a HGVTN expert today, or keep reading to learn more.

Am I allowed to tow a trailer with my car?

Whether or not you’re allowed to tow a trailer with your car depends on when you received your driver’s licence:

If you received your licence after the 1st of January 1997, your MAM must not exceed 3,500kg.

If you received your licence before the 1st of January 1997, you can drive a vehicle and trailer with a total weight of 8,250kg (MAM).

What is maximum authorised mass (MAM)?

MAM stands for ‘maximum authorised mass’ but is also sometimes referred to in other ways, such as ‘gross vehicle weight’, ‘maximum towing weight’, or ‘gross train weight.’ In short, it is the maximum weight of a vehicle and trailer combination. 

For example, if your MAM is set at 3500kg, but the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer goes beyond this figure, this is unacceptable.

Exceeding the legally recognised MAM is a serious offence and is punishable with on-the-spot fines of up to £300. When excessive weight becomes a clear danger to other drivers, you may also be summoned to court, which is why having full knowledge of your MAM before travel is essential.

If you’re unsure what your car’s towing capacity is, you can usually find it in your car owner’s manual or attached to your trailer via a sticker somewhere on the body. Beyond this, you should contact your car or trailer manufacturer directly for more information or consult the DVLA.

Did You Know – HGVTN has over 50 professional driver training centres across the country? Click here to see a full list!

What caravan can I tow?

If you’re one of many people in the UK who enjoys a good caravan holiday, you’ll be pleased to know you’re able to tow a caravan with a standard car licence, depending on the weights listed above. 

Once again, if you passed your car driving test before Jan 1st 1997, your MAM (vehicle and caravan total weight) can not exceed 8,250kg.

If you passed your test after Jan 1st 1997, the combined MAM between your car and caravan can not exceed 3,500kg.

You should also ensure your tow bars meet all relevant EU regulations, so that they’re safe to attach to both your car and the caravan in question. If you have any concerns, speak to a HGVTN expert and we’d be happy to enlighten you.

What driving licence do I need to drive a caravan?

In either of the above scenarios, you’ll need a Category B (Cat B) licence – also known as a standard car licence – if you wish to tow caravans.

If you have this licence, simply following the rules and dates outlined above should be enough to keep you safe and legal on the road.

However, the rules change once again if your MAM exceeds 8,250kg:

• If your MAM between your caravan and car exceeds 8,250kg, you will be required to apply to the DVLA for a C1E entitlement. This licence lets you drive heavy vehicles and trailers up to 12,000kg in total weight.
• You will also need to pass a driving test to prove you’re able to handle such vehicles and trailers safely.

To find out more about this test, and the training involved, speak to a member of the HGVTN team today.

Explore trailer training with HGVTN

If you want to tow a trailer or caravan and ensure you’re fully equipped to deal with the added weight, while also being aware of all UK towing laws, speak to HGV Training Network.

We offer professional trailer training and a trailer driving test – as well as horsebox training – so you’re completely prepared to deal with the pressures of driving such vehicles and add-ons safely and competently.

To find out more about towing vehicle training and to book your place, get in touch with HGVTN today.