The Government is Tackling The HGV Driver Shortage - Which Means New Rules For Towing
Unless you have been living under a rock for the last couple of months, you will be well aware that there is a dramatic shortage of HGV drivers in the United Kingdom. Ignoring the political ramifications of this situation, the bad publicity has focused the government's thinking and ensured that changes are being made to rectify the situation.
Other than improving the availability of products in the supermarkets, you might be forgiven for thinking that the strategies the government is following will not have any impact on you personally, but the reality could be very different.
That is because one of the blockage points to increasing the number of HGV drivers has been finding a way to offer more HGV driving tests. The government's solution to this issue was to develop a system that would allow everyday car or family drivers to tow heavier trailers and caravans, with the need for a specific driving test removed. Because they will not need to take tests, the theory is that more HGV testing appointments will exist.
Just be aware that at the time of writing, the date for these changes to take place has not been confirmed, so always err on the side of safety. If you think you need a BE license, then confirm with the DVLA if you still require that test before towing a trailer, which would put you over the weight limit of 750 KG or more.
What Does The Current Legislation Say
As the law currently stands, and before any changes are made official, if you passed your category B (car or small vehicle) test prior to January 1997, then you are allowed by the law to tow anything up to and including 3,500 KG MAM. MAM stands for Maximum Authorised Mass.
If you passed your test after January 1997, then you can legally tow up to 750 KG or more, provided the combined weight of the car and whatever you are towing is less than 3,500 KG.
Additionally, you are allowed to tow up to 3,500 KG without holding a BE category license, provided that you display learner plates on the front of your car and on the rear of whatever you are towing, and provided that you are in the company of someone who does possess a BE license.
When the laws do change, anyone will be able to legally tow anything up to 3,500 KG. The DVLA will automatically update any driving license affected by this law change to include the category BE.
This is excellent news for anyone interested in towing a caravan or trailer tent but who didn't want to go through the hassle and expense of taking an additional test. If, having read this article, you are more convinced than ever that it would be beneficial to have a tow bar fitted to your vehicle, then contact us today on 0161 4747474.
As the premier provider of tow bar fitting in Manchester and the surrounding areas, we look forward to helping you enjoy the many benefits that a professionally fitted towbar delivers.