There are many types of reasons to use a trailer, personal use and commercial. But before we dive into these. Here are some details on trailer licences.
What is B + E license?
On a Category BE license you can drive a vehicle with a MAM of 3,500kg with a trailer. The size of the trailer depends on the BE ‘valid from’ date shown on your licence. If the date is: before 19 January 2013, you can tow any size trailer on or after 19 January 2013, you can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 3,500kg.
If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 1997 you can:
drive a car or van up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM
tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg
Towing Penalties
Penalties for not having the correct entitlement mean you run the risk of 9 points on your licence, and a fine; 3 points for ‘no category’, 6 points for ‘no insurance’ and there could also be a fine of £400+.
For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car
Common Types of trailers of their uses:
Caravans
A caravan, travel trailer, camper or camper trailer is towed behind a road vehicle to provide a place to sleep which is more comfortable and protected than a tent. It provides the means for people to have their own home on a journey or a vacation, without relying on a motel or hotel, and enables them to stay in places where none is available.
Horse Trailer
A horse trailer or horse van (also called a horse float in Australia and New Zealand or horsebox in the British Isles) is used to transport horses. There are many different designs, ranging in size from small units capable of holding two or three horses, able to be pulled by a pickup truck or even a SUV; to gooseneck designs that carry six to eight horses, usually pulled by 1-ton dually-style pickups.
Box trailer
Boz trailers have a large capacity and a great value. They are suitable for fishing, camping, luggage, carrying various equipment and bikes.
Businesses who use trailers
They are many types of businesses who may need to train staff to use a trailer. Here is a list of some:
- Warehouses / Industry / Wholesale
- Construction
- Farmers
- Horse related / Stables
- Animal transport
- Cabling
- Plumbers
- Boat companies
- Sports / Fitness
- Mobile entertainment
- Catering
- Gardening
- Mobile games companies
Learn more about our B + E trailer towing course or contact us if you unsure if you need a trailer licence.