17/12/2021
Car and trailer rules coming into force
[N.B - NOT MADE CLEAR BELOW - THIS RULE CHANGE DOES *NOT* ALLOW THOSE WHO PASSED AFTER JANUARY 1st 1997 EQUAL TOWING RIGHTS WITH THOSE WHO PASSED THEIR TEST BEFORE JANUARY 1st 1997, WHO CAN TOW HEAVIER TRAILERS.]
THIS FROM DVSA
“We wrote to you on 23 November to let you know that the changes to B+E testing had been re-laid in parliament to restart the process for this change.
The legislation has now been passed and the changes have been brought into force today, 16 December.
What this means for car drivers towing a trailer
Drivers who passed their car driving test from 1 January 1997 will be allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) without passing an additional car and trailer test.
DVSA stopped doing car and trailer tests from 20 September.
You can find out more information about the new rules for towing a trailer or caravan with a car on GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-rules-for-towing-a-trailer-or-caravan-with-a-car-from-autumn-2021
Changes to driving licences
DVLA will update affected driving licence records to reflect the changes.
The car and trailer category (B+E) will be added to the driving licence when a new photocard driving licence is issued.
Make sure you tow safely
Although the law on who can tow a trailer has changed, your responsibilities have not. So whatever you’re towing, make it SAFE:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tow-a-trailer-with-a-car-safety-checks
Service – has it been serviced recently?
Air in tyres – check pressure, tread depth and condition.
Fit the breakaway cable or safety chain and check electrical connections.
Examine lights, mirrors, load and weight limit, and do the jockey wheel test.
All car drivers wishing to tow a trailer for leisure or business will be encouraged to undertake voluntary training through an accreditation scheme which we are developing with help from the trailer industry and training providers.
The scheme is planned to be launched early next year and will focus on a core module for all drivers, with sector specific modules for different towing activities.
You can find more information about towing safely on GOV.UK.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tow-a-trailer-with-a-car-safety-checks ”
END
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKDVSA/bulletins/301309b
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