What licence do you need to tow a trailer or caravan

11 May 2026

Before you hitch up, one simple question: does your licence allow you to tow that trailer? The answer depends on weight and on when you passed your test.

The principle in the UK

If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 1997 you can tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM with a standard category B licence: the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car and trailer test was scrapped. Drivers who passed before that date usually keep larger entitlements.

The right habit

Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate for the exact limits before towing. To pick a car that stays within sensible limits, the comparison tool and the Dacia Jogger page help.

Next, read how to work out towing capacity and speed limits when towing.

This article explains the general rules; your official documents always take precedence.