The government has decided to scrap the requirement for drivers to take an additional test to tow a trailer.
It follows a public consultation aimed at getting more heavy goods vehicle drivers (HGV) onto the road.
Along with other measures, the Department for Transport believes that an additional 50,000 tests could be made available annually.
The new rules will take effect in the autumn.
What are the current rules on towing a trailer?
At present, the law states that those who passed their driving test after 1 January 1997 can drive a car or van up to 3,500kg MAM (maximum authorised mass) towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM (up to 4,250kg in total).
Alternatively, they can tow a trailer over 750kg MAM, as long as it does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle (up to 3,500kg in total)
Licenses issued from 19 January 2013 allowed for towing a trailer over 750kg MAM, as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg.
To tow anything heavier, drivers would need to pass a trailer test.
Those who obtained a driving licence before January 1997 have been allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg (MAM), without a test.
What will the new trailer towing rules allow?
When the law changes in the autumn, drivers who have passed their test after 1 January 1997 will be allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM without taking an additional car and trailer driving test.
The DVLA will automatically update driving licence records to reflect the changes. When a driving licence is renewed, it will show the ‘BE’ category upon it.
There should be no need to contact the DVLA directly to gain the updated category.
The changes will apply to England, Wales, and Scotland only. As Northern Ireland issues licences through the separate Driver and Vehicle Agency, the new rules will not affect residents there.
What can I tow before the new rules come into force?
The government has not set an exact date for the new rules to come into force. Until that date, drivers must abide by the current limitations on their driving licence.
Towing a trailer heavier than permitted by your licence can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Drivers can continue to use L-plates to be supervised towing heaving trailers.
What if I already have a trailer test booked?
To address the HGV driver shortage quickly, the DVSA will stop all trailer tests after 20 September 2021.
For tests booked before the 20 September, drivers can opt to take the test as planned. Alternatively, tests can be cancelled, with a refund of the fee available from the DVSA.
Tests booked for after 20 September 2021 will be cancelled and refunded automatically by the DVSA.
No compensation will be paid for any private lessons on training undertaken to prepare for cancelled tests.
Will the rule changes affect road safety?
As reported last month, road safety charity IAM RoadSmart was concerned by the government’s proposals to remove the licence test requirements.
Neil Greig of IAM RoadSmart commented previously that: “People need proper training to be able to drive an articulated vehicle, particularly when they are doing so for the first time.”
As part of the changes in legislation, the government will still recommend that drivers take trailer lessons from a professional instructor before towing for the first time.
What other changes are being made to driving tests?
Estimates suggest the new trailer rules will allow an extra 30,000 HGV tests to be conducted each year.
HGV tests themselves will also be made simpler, with a reversing element and ‘uncoupling and recoupling’ exercise removed. Instead of being tested by the DVSA, these will be evaluated by a separate third party.
Finally, HGV drivers will be able to progress straight to using an articulated vehicle, without having to obtain a licence for a smaller vehicle first. This will free up capacity for an additional 20,000 tests each year.
According to the Road Haulage Association, the UK currently has a shortage of around 100,000 professional HGV drivers.
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