Safety concerns delay changes to trailer towing licence rules
© Tim Scrivener A law change that would allow drivers who passed their car test after 1 January 1997 to tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg without taking a separate test has been delayed.
The change was due to come into force on Monday 15 November, but will be scrutinised further after being challenged in parliament due to road safety concerns.
See also: Road rules reminder: Trailer safety, tractor speed and licences
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) confirmed in September its intention to change the law to help free up more testing capacity for lorry drivers.
But in a new statement, it said: “The rules about towing a trailer or a caravan with a car will not be changing on 15 November 2021.
“The change will be introduced in autumn 2021, subject to parliamentary approvals.”
This means anyone who does not already hold a trailer licence for towing a heavier weight trailer with a light vehicle (B + E) will continue to be unable to tow.
Some drivers are now left in limbo as the DVSA stopped B+E trailer tests on 20 September in anticipation of the November law change.
NFU Scotland transport specialist Jamie Smart said: “This is the worst of both worlds, as nobody can now obtain a licence to tow with a car or pickup, and you can’t tow without one.
“Regardless of when the rule change comes into force, we continue to urge members to ensure that anybody towing has had adequate training to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure compliance with health and safety legislation around trailers.”
In response to road safety concerns, the DVSA said it was working with the trailer industry to develop a voluntary training scheme for drivers wanting to tow a trailer of any size for business or leisure.
A DVSA spokesperson said: “Road safety continues to be of paramount importance and all car drivers will still be encouraged to undertake training to tow trailers and caravans.”
If caught towing without a licence, drivers face nine penalty points – three for not having a licence and six for not having insurance – and a fine upwards of £800.
