Oh, brilliant! The government in its infinite wisdom has decided that anyone with a full driving license can now hitch up a caravan, a horse box, or even a small nation-state and tow it down the motorway without so much as a “by your leave.” That’s right, folks, as of December 2021, the need for a specialist test to tow trailers is no more. So, if you passed your driving test after January 1, 1997, you can legally drag along up to 3,500 kilograms without any prior experience or training.
Now, let’s be clear—3,500 kilograms is a lot of weight. That’s the equivalent of towing a fully grown hippo or a particularly chunky giraffe. And guess what? You don’t need any formal training or a test to do it. All you need is a driver’s license and perhaps a cavalier attitude towards road safety. Apparently, the DVLA has even updated our driving licenses to reflect this change, like it’s some badge of honor. “Congratulations! You’ve earned the right to become a potential menace on the road!”
But, in all seriousness, this could be a recipe for disaster. Yes, you might not be fined directly for towing without having taken a test (because, you know, you no longer need one), but the potential for accidents is sky-high. I mean, we’ve all seen those nail-biting moments on the motorway when someone’s trailer starts to sway dangerously, and you just know they’ve never reversed anything bigger than a shopping trolley.
So, what’s the sensible advice here? Simple: Get some training! Even if the law doesn’t demand it, your own common sense should. There are towing courses out there, offered by caravanning clubs and driving schools, where you can learn crucial skills like safe hitching and, of course, reversing without jack-knifing your precious load straight into a tree. Trust me, a bit of training can save a lot of embarrassment and potentially a lot of money.
And if you’re going to brave the roads this summer with your trailer in tow, here are some basics:
- Know Your Weight: Don’t just guess. Check the Gross Train Weight on your car’s VIN plate to ensure you’re not exceeding what your vehicle can legally and safely pull. And remember, with all that extra weight, you’ll need longer to stop, so keep your distance. No one wants to be the star of a motorway pile-up.
- Insurance Isn’t a Given: Most standard car insurance policies will only offer third-party cover when you’re towing, which means if your trailer decides to take a solo trip, you’re on the hook for your own losses. Also, ensure your breakdown cover includes trailers—many don’t unless specified. So, unless you fancy being stranded on the hard shoulder with a fully laden caravan, check your policy!
- Mind Your Speed: Towing comes with its own speed limits—50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. These are lower than for normal driving, so don’t get carried away trying to break land speed records.
- Engine Power Matters: Not all cars are created equal when it comes to towing. Make sure your vehicle’s up to the job. A good rule of thumb? If the trailer’s weight is about 85% or less of your car’s kerb weight, you’re in a good spot.
- Reversing Like a Pro: This one’s a real trick. When it comes to reversing with a trailer, slow and steady is the name of the game. Find an empty space—think a big field or an unused car park—and practice. It’s not just about not crashing; it’s about crashing in a way that no one has to see.
So, while it might sound like a bit of fun to hitch up whatever you fancy and head off into the sunset, take a moment to consider the practicalities. A bit of preparation and a lot of caution go a long way in ensuring your adventures don’t end in disaster. Remember, it’s not just about the freedom of the open road, but also about keeping that road safe for everyone else.