Driving Licence and Towing

As of 16th November 2021, all car drivers who have passed their driving test after 1 January 1997 can tow a trailer up to 3,500kg in weight. Your photocard driving licence may not state this at the moment but the DVLA will have updated your driving licence records to reflect the changes. You don’t need to contact DVLA for this – it will be done automatically. The car and trailer category will be added to your photo card driving licence when you apply for a new licence.

Car drivers who passed their test before January 1997 will already have this category on their licence and can also tow a trailer or caravan up to 3,500kg gross.

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

DVSA stopped doing car and trailer tests in September, allowing them to increase HGV driving tests to help tackle the lorry driver shortage.

This information is not a definitive statement of law.

Please refer to your individual drivers’ license to confirm your personal entitlement and seek advice from the DVLA and the professional bodies where necessary.

Details of the necessary licensing details and towing laws can be found on the UK Government Towing Guidelines