What can you tow with a car | Limits & Licence Requirements
- Brent
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Updated: May 12
Towing with a car opens up a world of possibilities, whether you're hauling a trailer, caravan, or other equipment. However, it’s important to know the rules, weight limits, and licensing requirements before you hit the road. Here's a comprehensive guide to towing with a car, ensuring you do it safely and legally.
What You Can Tow
Before you start towing, it’s essential to understand what you can and can’t tow with your car. The key is knowing the combined weight of your car and the trailer, known as the maximum authorised mass (MAM). This figure is usually provided in your vehicle’s owner manual and can often be found on a sticker or plate attached to the vehicle or trailer.
Towing Weight and Width Limits
The weight of the trailer you can tow depends on when you obtained your driving licence. Here’s a breakdown:
If You Got Your Licence Before 1 January 1997: You’re generally allowed to tow a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg MAM. This includes towing a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM. Check your driving licence to confirm your specific details.
If You Got Your Licence From 1 January 1997: If you passed your driving test after this date, your licence allows you to tow a trailer with a maximum weight of 3,500kg MAM, commonly referred to as a category BE vehicle. This weight limit includes the combined weight of your car and trailer.
Be sure to double-check your driving licence for the specific categories of vehicles you are legally permitted to drive. If you don’t have the category BE on your licence, don’t worry – it can be added when you renew your driving licence.
Trailers, Caravans, and Towing Equipment
When towing, it’s not just about the weight – the type of equipment you're towing is also important. Whether you're hauling a caravan, plant trailer, or another type of load, always check the trailer’s design, coupling, and compatibility with your car.
To tow large items like caravans, horseboxes, or heavy trailers, consider training or taking a course to ensure you’re confident in your skills. Training providers like the National Register of LGV Instructors or Safe Towing Scheme offer courses to help you tow safely.
Towing an American Caravan or Trailer
Towing an American caravan or trailer may have additional considerations due to different weight limits and coupling systems. Be sure to check the specific requirements for these types of trailers and confirm that your vehicle is equipped to tow them safely.
Training to Tow a Trailer
If you're new to towing or need to brush up on your skills, it’s a good idea to seek training. There are various training options available, ranging from beginner courses to more advanced programs for towing heavier vehicles.
To find the right course, visit:
Ensure you check the type of training offered and any associated costs before booking.
Towing Heavier Vehicle and Trailer Combinations
If you wish to tow a combination that exceeds the weight limits allowed by your current driving licence, you’ll need to upgrade. This requires applying for a provisional licence for a medium-sized lorry and trailer (category C1+E) and passing both a theory and driving test.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be able to tow combinations weighing up to 12,000kg MAM.
Towing with a car can be a breeze
Towing with a car can be a breeze once you understand the rules and ensure that you have the right training and equipment. Whether you’re towing a trailer, caravan, or other heavy equipment, always check the weight limits and follow the correct procedures for a safe and hassle-free experience. Always check first on the gov.uk website if you have any queries.
-Brent
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