www.nwcampers.co.uk

Gazmister123 · by **Gazmister123** on Wed Mar 11, 2009 12:09 pm

I just thought I would put up a simple to read post to help anyone with any confusion over the B+E Licensing entitlements for people who passed there test after 01/01/1997 as there seems to be a lot of info around that could confuse people

Well here goes.
If you passed your driving test after 01/01/1997 you are entitled to tow, however the combined weight of your caravan fully loaded (MTPLM) and your cars Maximum Authorised Mass (Not the kerb weight as this is generally lower) does not exceed 3500kgs.
E.G. If you have a 1000kg caravan fully loaded, you could tow this with a car providing the max weight of the car is not over 2500kgs.

The law also states that you must not tow more than 100% the kerb weight of the towing vehicle, the recommended figure is 85% although this 85% figure is not mandatory.

Its easy to get confused between kerb weights and the maximum weight of the vehicles, So always look for the highest figures both caravans and cars to make sure you are towing within the law. Or alternatively do the B+E Training then the world is your Oyster! Although this is expensive it is probably worth it if you have a big family car and would like a big family caravan.

I think the Caravan and Camping club are starting B+E training from this year, when my OH did it she did it through a local driving school that had trailers and towing vehicles they conducted the training in, she did it over 3 days and the total including test cost us around £650,

The test itself consists of a reversing exercise, normal road driving, motorway and a few show me tell me questions. I would not recommend doing the test without training, as the examiners are looking for a very high standard of driving competency. (My OH drives coaches and buses for a living and she was amazed at the bad habits she had to re-iron out)

Hope this has helped anyone new to touring.