What you can tow

You can tow trailers up to a certain weight with your car driving licence. The weight you’re allowed to tow depends on when you got your licence.

You’ll need to know the weight of both the vehicle and trailer - also known as the ‘maximum authorised mass’ (MAM).

The MAM is listed in the owner’s manual and is normally shown on a plate or sticker fitted to the vehicle or trailer.

If you got your licence before 1 January 1997

You can usually drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg MAM. View your driving licence information to check.

You’re also allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.

If you got your licence from 1 January 1997

You can tow a trailer that weighs up to 3,500kg MAM.

Training to tow a trailer

You can get training on how to tow a trailer safely, including caravans or horse boxes.

You can find a training provider or course through:

Check with the provider on the type of training they offer and the cost.

Towing heavier vehicle and trailer combinations

To tow combinations that are heavier than what’s allowed by your current licence, you need to:

  1. Apply for a provisional licence for a medium-sized lorry and trailer (category C1+E).

  2. Pass the lorry theory test.

  3. Pass the C1+E driving test

You need to take extra Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) tests if driving the medium-sized lorry is the main part of your job.

Once you’ve done this you can drive vehicles and trailers with a combined weight of up to 12,000kg MAM.