Towing a Trailer Cat B+E

This can be a very confusing area, however its not a grey area as some may say.

If you know anybody who is towing a trailer and they passed their test after 1st January 1997 then they may be towing illegally. (They’ll be 31/32 years old)

These drivers are allowed to drive and tow a combination of up to 3.5 tonnes (category B) with a 750kg trailer (4.25 tonnes total Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) Category B, which is a standard car, vehicles with trailers over 750kg, provided that the combined MAM does not exceed 3.5 tonnes and the gross MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle. To be able to tow combinations outside this weight requires an additional test.

For example, if you know anyone towing a trailer of 1.25 tonnes with a vehicle of the same weight vehicle, they will be towing illegally Should the same vehicle with an unladen weight of 1.25 tonnes and a MAM of 2 tonnes when coupled with a trailer with a MAM of 1.5 tonnes would fall within category B+E. This is because although the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is within the 3.5 tonnes MAM limit, the MAM of the trailer is more than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle. Vehicle manufacturers normally recommend a maximum weight of trailer appropriate to their vehicle and details can be found in the vehicle's handbook or obtained from the dealerships. The size of the trailer recommended for an average family car with an unladen weight of around 1 tonne would be well within the new category B threshold.

An exemption from the driver licensing trailer limit allows a category B licence holder to tow a broken down vehicle from a position where it would otherwise cause danger or obstruction to other road users.

Towing caravans

As for towing caravans, existing general guidance recommends that the laden weight of the caravan does not exceed 85% of the unladen weight of the car. In the majority of cases, caravans and small trailers towed by cars should be within the new category B threshold.

By passing a category B test national categories F (tractor), K (pedestrian controlled vehicle) and P (moped) continue to be added automatically.

Category B+E: Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes MAM towing trailers over 750kgs MAM Category B+E allows vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes MAM to be combined with trailers in excess of 750kgs MAM. In order to gain this entitlement new category B licence holders have to pass a further practical test for category B+E, however you do not need to take a Theory Test. For driver licensing purposes there are no vehicle/trailer weight ratio limits for category B+E.

If in doubt, take the test. It’s better to invest in trailer towing lessons than that of a possible £500 fine and points on your licence.

Approach Motoring School