New trailer and caravan towing rules introduced

New rules allowing drivers who passed their test from 1 January 1997 to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM (maximum authorised max) have finally been introduced. 

Previously, car drivers who passed their test from that date needed to take an additional car and trailer driving test to tow heavier trailers. 

Drivers have been in limbo since September when the rule change was first announced. 

It was expected to take effect on 15 November but was then delayed for a month, until 16 December. 

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will be updating driving licence records to reflect the change and drivers will get category BE added to their licence when they get a new photocard. 

It is not necessary for drivers to contact the DVLA for this to happen, it will be done automatically. 

Those who passed their driving test before 1 January 1997 are not affected by the rule change.

The DVLA is advising drivers to take training from a driving instructor if they want to start driving a car and trailer. 

However, about a third (32 per cent) of respondents to the Government's consultation on the rule change said that they didn't think drivers would continue to want to take some training if a test was not required. 

What happens about existing car and trailer driving test bookings?

Car and trailer driving tests have now stopped.

The DVLA said that it has automatically cancelled and refunded individual drivers who had a test booked.

If the test was booked through a driving instructor the DVLA advises drivers to talk to their instructor about what happens next.

The DVLA said that drivers cannot get a refund or compensation for any training which they've taken to help them prepare to take the test.