Just months after scrapping relevant tests, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is set to introduce training schemes in March 2022 to help drivers familiarise themselves ahead of towing caravans and trailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DVSA is working on a new voluntary trailer training accreditation scheme that will offer motorists the necessary competency, skills, and knowledge to ensure they are towing safely. After all, when we are towing something, the number one priority should always be the safety aspects involved. Keeping you, your passengers, your vehicle and the trailer or caravan, and other road users safe is essential every time you head out on the roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IAM RoadSmart is on hand with some top tips to help keep you and others safe on the roads and clarify what has changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s changed?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The rules around towing a trailer or caravan with a car changed on 16th<\/sup>\u00a0December 2021, and as part of those changes anyone who passed their car driving test from 1st<\/sup>\u00a0January 1997 is now allowed to tow a trailer of up to 3,500kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM). If you passed your car driving test before 1st<\/sup>\u00a0January 1997, you are not affected by this change. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please note:<\/em>\u00a0Car and trailer driving tests have now stopped so you can no longer book one. If you had booked a test yourself, the DVSA has automatically cancelled and refunded it. DVLA will update your driving licence record to show that you\u2019re allowed to tow trailers. You do not need to contact DVLA for this to happen as it\u2019ll be done automatically. You\u2019ll get\u00a0category BE<\/a>\u00a0added to your driving licence when you next apply to get a new driving licence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing your limits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n All cars have a maximum weight they can tow, and this is usually listed in the handbook or specification sheet, alternatively the vehicle\u2019s \u2018gross train weight\u2019 may be listed on the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate on the car, which is normally under the bonnet or inside the driver\u2019s door. Always check before planning your trip. Be aware that some vehicles may have a zero permitted towing weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Checking your connections <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Check that your breakaway cable or secondary coupling is undamaged and connected correctly to a suitable point on the tow bar or towing vehicle. As well as inspecting for damage, make sure that the trailer is correctly coupled to the tow-ball or pin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Service your trailer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not neglect your trailer when you are planning your vehicle service requirements; if you are not competent yourself take it into a specialist. The NTTA (National Trailer Towing Association) will offer a free visual safety check at one of their approved centres.\u00a0NTTA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tyre pressure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The tyre pressures must be correct and all tyres free from cuts, bulges and with adequate tread (including the spare which should be inflated to the highest pressure that may be required). Remember, tyres must have a continuous tread depth of at least 1.6mm on cars, light vans and trailers, across the centre three-quarters of the width. Visit\u00a0Tyre Safe<\/a>\u00a0if you need to check your pressures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fit the plates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Be sure the correct number plate is fitted. This should be the same registration number as your vehicle and needs to conform to DVLA Standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visibility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Having a good view of the rear of your trailer or caravan is always advisable. This usually means seeing an area 4 metres wide from the side of and 20 metres behind. Almost all vehicles including 4×4’s will require extended mirrors to achieve this, and if the caravan or trailer is wider than the car they will always be required. You can be fined up to \u00a31,000 and get 3 penalty points for failing to use suitable towing mirrors, so check your visibility before travelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, don’t forget to remove the mirrors when you’re not towing – it’s illegal to have them fitted if you don’t need them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Watch your speed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Always keep to the legal speed limit for the road you are using, and in case you need a recap here are the speed limits for cars towing caravans or trailers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It should also be remembered that you must not travel in the outer lanes of a motorway with three lanes or more if you are driving a vehicle towing a trailer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather forecast<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You should have increased vigilance when towing in wet, icy or windy weather conditions as you are at amplified risk. Avoid towing in these circumstances if you can, but if you have no choice then be careful when driving downhill or round a tight bend, and be careful of exposed areas where the wind may affect you. When you\u2019re turning, engage a lower gear to give you more engine braking. Also check the\u00a0Met Office<\/a>\u00a0for the latest weather forecast to help you to plan your route. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Richard Gladman, Head of Driving and Riding Standards at IAM RoadSmart, said<\/strong>: \u201cThe removal of the requirement to be tested to tow a trailer should not be seen as a removal of the requirement to ensure you are competent to tow it. Whilst it may be possible to manually handle a smaller trailer on your own a larger unit will often prevent this. A sound knowledge of the dynamics of moving forward, the intricacies of reversing and the knowledge required to ensure safe loading are paramount to staying safe. If you are unsure sign up for a course at one of the Caravan or camping clubs, or make use of the knowledge of a friend or relative who may have the requisite skills.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Just months after scrapping relevant tests, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is set to introduce training schemes in March 2022 to help drivers familiarise themselves ahead of towing caravans and trailers. 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