There are now new rules around towing a caravan with a car from this September.

The government announced earlier in September it was scraping towing tests for drivers as it struggles to deal with the ongoing lorry driver shortage. By abolishing caravan and trailer tests, the Department of Transport is hoping to free up 30,000 HGV test slots every year.

What does this mean for drivers?

If you passed your car driving test before 1^st January 1997, you will not be affected by the changes as you’re usually allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg maximum authorised mass.

If you passed your car driving test from 1 January 1997, you are now allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM.

With regards to your driving licence, DVLA has updated your records to show that you are allowed to tow trailers. You will also get category BE added to your driving licence when you get a new photocard driving licence.

According to the National Caravan Council, it is estimated there are around 555,000 touring caravans, 365,000 caravan holiday homes and a further 255,000 motorhomes currently in the UK

As staycations and flightless holidays became greatly popular at the end of the pandemic, hotels and holiday resorts have been booked up for months in advance. This new law gives the opportunity for families to enjoy some time-off without the need to wait on passing a driving test.

If you’re planning on enjoying a caravan holiday, the last thing you need is an unexpected breakdown. Best4’s Auto Caravan Warranty ticks all the boxes for any regular or occasional caravan user. It comes with European roadside assistance and recovery services for free.

To get a quote for your caravan click here!

Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-rules-for-towing-a-trailer-or-caravan-with-a-car-from-autumn-2021

Source: https://www.caravantimes.co.uk/features/is-2021-going-to-be-a-new-age-for-the-caravan-holiday/