As you may be aware, the government has made changes to the B+E (car and trailer) testing from Monday 20th September 2021.
What are the changes?
There are no more driving tests for B+E towing categories
The following Government guidance outlines what you can currently tow depending on when you passed your car driving test.
You’ll get category BE added to your driving licence when you get a new photo card driving licence.
You do not need to contact DVLA for this to happen. It will be done automatically.
The date the law will change has not yet been confirmed but you can sign up for email alerts to be told when the law changes.
What can I do until the law changes?
Until the law changes later in autumn 2021, you must continue to follow the current rules about what you’re allowed to tow based on when you passed your car driving test.
You can be fined up to £1,000, be banned from driving and get up to 6 penalty points on your driving licence if you tow anything heavier before the law changes.
You’re only allowed to tow anything heavier if you’re being supervised. When you’re being supervised, you must:
Display L plates to the front of the car and the rear of the trailer.
Be accompanied by a person who’s at least 21 years old and has had category BE on their driving licence for at least 3 years.
What should I do if I'm driving a car and trailer/caravan for the first time?
It’s best to take training from a driving instructor if you want to start towing a trailer or caravan.
With this in mind, COTS Training have put together a course for anyone wishing to undertake B+E safety training, for either personal driver safety or employers who may wish to consider this training for any members of staff who will use a vehicle to tow a trailer.
For information regarding the B+E training we are currently offering, CLICK HERE.
If you would like to book, ask any questions or seek further advice, please contact the office on 01792 587250