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Caravan Familiarisation

Our Caravan Familiarisation course has been specifically tailored towards those of you who are new to towing a caravan or for those who have not towed a caravan in a while and require some refresher training. This course will help build confidence for drivers when towing a caravan and will practice reversing manoeuvres and safe driving.

In order to complete this course, you will need to hold the correct licence that you need to tow a caravan or for the caravan that you intend to tow.

Caravan Driver Training

Caravan Familiarisation Training Courses

Caravan Familiarisation Course

Course Details

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information on caravan towing and the questions raised below read the articles below.

CLICK HERE TO READ 2 START’S GUIDE TO TOWING A CARAVAN

CLICK HERE TO READ VEHICLE AND CARAVAN TOWING WEIGHTS EXPLAINED!

What are the legal requirements when towing a caravan?

It is important that before buying and/or towing a caravan that you have the correct licence to do so. Furthermore, you will also need to have a valid MOT, Tax and insurance for your vehicle, although, you do not need to have an MOT for your caravan.

Which licence do I need to tow my caravan?

It is common that in order to tow a caravan you will need either a B or B+E licence, however, if the towing vehicle is over 3,500kgs, you will need a C1+E licence.

The date of which you passed your car driving test (B) will affect the vehicle weight and caravan that you are able to tow. The combinations are set out below:

  • If you passed your test before 1st January 1997, you are allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination with a MAM of up to 8,250kgs.
  • If you passed your test on or after 1st January 1997, you can drive vehicles with a MAM up to 3,500kgs with a trailer up to 750kgs.

A B+E licence will allow you to drive a vehicle with a MAM of 3,500kgs with a trailer. The weight of the trailer you can tow is dependent on the B+E ‘valid from’ date on the back of your licence. If the date it:

  • Before 19th January 2013, you can tow any size trailer (as long as it weighs less than the vehicle you are towing with).
  • On or after 19th January 2013, you can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 3,500kgs.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK B+E COURSES ONLINE NOW!

How do I work out the towing capacity of my vehicle?

The maximum weight that you are legally allowed to tow is indicated by the towing capacity of your vehicle. Although the towing capacity may be legally viable to tow, it may not be safe or comfortable to tow at this weight, especially if you are new to caravanning.

The towing capacity will be shown in the handbook of the vehicle or on the VIN plate which can be visible in a number of places on the towing vehicle. To work out the towing weight using the VIN plate, you need to take deduct line one from line two and this will give you the towing limit.

How to find the MTPLM of my caravan?

The MTPLM stands for Maximum Technically Permitted Laden Mass and is typically listed on a plate near the door frame of the caravan. It can also be found in the owner’s manual.

How should I load my caravan safely?

It is recommended that you should place heavier items such as water and tinned food over the axel. Medium items such as luggage on either end of the caravan and lighter items on the top of the caravan such as blankets and cushions.

Why train with 2 Start?

Extremely dedicated and qualified driver training instructors.
Automatic and air-conditioned training vehicles.
Dedicated on-site reversing facilities.

Contact our team of trailer training advisors today to discuss your options!

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Call our advisors on: 02392 123 555
Speak with our experienced advisors Monday – Friday 7:00am – 5:30pm

What our customers had to say

  • Portsmouth
  • Southampton
  • Reading
  • Worthing

Portsmouth

2 Start Ltd (Portsmouth), Unit 4 Shawcross Ind Est, Ackworth Road, Hilsea, Portsmouth, PO3 5HU
Call: 02392 123555

2 Start Training
2 Start Training
4.9
Based on 108 reviews
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mike clarkmike clark
12:26 24 Mar 22
Passed my Class 2 HGV test today first time with 2 Start LTD. What can I say, excellent training and constant focus on getting you test ready. Massive thank you to Katie & Kev who both went out there way to make passing seem easy! If you are reading this, contemplating starting your lessons and looking for a reliable training centre with excellent instructors..... look no further!!Mike
Shaun ThompsonShaun Thompson
20:53 17 Feb 22
Over the moon with the training I received! Clear and thorough! Passed my CAT C first time with many thanks to instructor Robin who really gets the best of you, definitely returning soon for my C+E
Dr WDr W
10:15 11 Feb 22
Passed my D1 with 2 Start this week. The staff are great, it was a very fun week. Would definitely recommend!
Luke WhiteLuke White
13:36 18 Jan 22
The whole place is brilliant.Would highly recommend.Thank you to the whole team.Luke WhiteCM Sports
Dion HintonDion Hinton
12:52 17 Jan 22
Recently attended a Transport Manager CPC course at the Portsmouth depot.The course content was superbly delivered linking to real world scenarios making it easy to understand and absorb.The staff and tutors were incredibly friendly and helpful going above and beyond to assist in anyway they could.Very enjoyable experience from start to finish would definitely recommend.
David IsleDavid Isle
20:20 17 Dec 21
Completed my CPC training today after 5Days of online courses with Nicky HansonOne of 2 Start Training instructors with bags of real life HGV driving experience under her belt, that made learning a pleasure and enjoyable.Thanks Nicky. David
micheal reesmicheal rees
11:06 03 Dec 21
It was well run and very efficient the trainer was top notch and gave me a lot of information I was unaware of.
jelly64bellyjelly64belly
15:02 20 Nov 21
My 3 days at Portsmouth was fun Don my instructor amazing allways going through happy and allways up for a chat 💬 taught me all I need to know 10/10
GregGreg
07:46 06 Nov 21
Brilliant HGV training centre. Will and Kev trained me. All the guys are brilliant and helpful. Got me through my class 2 test 😁🚛👌🏼
W AW A
17:48 18 Oct 21
Recently just passed C+E having been instructed by Don.Don is an excellent instructor, his calm method of teaching made it a really enjoyable week for us, he gave pointers when needed and answered every of the many questions asked.As a result of Don's great instruction, we passed 1st time.Thanks 2 start and Don!
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Southampton

2 Start Ltd (Southampton), Unit 2 Four Dells Farm, Poles Lane, Otterbourne, Winchester, SO21 2DY
Call: 02382 022975

2 Start Training
2 Start Training
4.9
Based on 61 reviews
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Michal GandynMichal Gandyn
16:05 24 Jun 22
Hi. Today I finish my periodic CPC Course. Was really nice 5 days. A lot og group talks about rules on the Road sharing experiences. Thank you Adam Grant our instructor. Highly recommend 2 start ltd.
Jack TaylorJack Taylor
17:29 09 Mar 22
Couldn’t recommend these guys more. Good quality vehicles and amazing instructors that fill you with confidence. First time pass with 1 minor. A special thanks to Carl, Joe, Dell and Mark.
Adam BainAdam Bain
16:26 13 Jan 22
I went from zero experience to passing and I absolutely believe it was down to Martin and the rest of the team. They were patient and professional and I enjoyed every min. Passed first time as well.
Richard JonesRichard Jones
18:42 15 Dec 21
I was allocated Instructor Martin Keen who was very professional and extremely knowledgeable. I particularly enjoyed the constructive criticism and feedback of the errors of my ways and techniques of driving as I progressed through the course, which I took on board and on my test day I was well ready and confident in passing. which I then passed my practical C + E driving test. Happy with this company.
Damian HumphreyDamian Humphrey
23:18 11 Dec 21
I passed my class 2 first time. My instructor (angel in disghise) was Janet. Would highly recommend 2 Start. Top drawer professionals. Well worth it. Thankyou so very much.
Graham EmeryGraham Emery
06:52 27 Nov 21
I can’t recommend 2Start highly enough, I did class 2 training and test with them and then Class 1 training and test. Janette was very patient and professional during my class 2 and likewise Adam was to during my class 1. Both instructors put me at ease which made for a great week of training. Due to my own stupidity I failed my first test on both classes but I went back for second tests and Martin took me to them, again very calming and professional. Great company, nice vehicles to learn in.
James ReynoldsJames Reynolds
16:45 09 Jul 21
Absolutely fantastic group of people, massive thanks to Martin for the training on my cat c and an even bigger thanks to Carl for my first day on my cat ce and Adam your just a gem
Zack ReveleyZack Reveley
15:28 05 Apr 21
The staff are friendly and easy to get along with, which helped ease me into learning at my own pace. All the instructors were experience drivers with many years in professional industries. I have managed to complete my Cat C and Mod 4 with the company, with ease. The website is easy to navigate with multiple ways to communicate with the adviser team based in Portsmouth. Also having prices available to view beforehand makes it easy to see how much money will likely be required, and when talking to Jack (adviser) it was all streamlined, quick and with no forceful selling like I had experience with other companies.One thing to note is they do not guide you through the theory process as this will be something you will need to prep for and complete prior to practicals, however there are a lot of material available online and in the DVSA books (recommend "The official DVSA guide to: Driving goods vehicle" a lot of useful information).
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Reading

2 Start Ltd (Reading), Unit 32 Youngs Ind Est, Paices Hill, Reading, RG7 4PW
Call: 01184 021861

2 Start Training
2 Start Training
4.9
Based on 83 reviews
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Barrie WoodBarrie Wood
15:20 01 Jul 22
Just completed the 5 day CPC course on line with Nicky Hanson for my cat C , it was really informative and i learned so much, thanks Nicky.Big thank you from me to all at 2start.Barrie wood
Five past midnightFive past midnight
23:20 21 May 22
Great team here at 2 start I highly recommend using them. I had a fantastic week past all my test to drive c2 lorry I failed my practical due to my own error and nothing to do with these guys . I just got one retest to get done but there coaching and support before and after was excellent . Great team thanks again guys hope see you again soon
Anto RuseAnto Ruse
13:15 06 May 22
Thanks guys for everything!I've passed my Class 2 Driving test today with help from the best team (10start Reading) 😄😄😄
Mark RileyMark Riley
15:50 13 Apr 22
Had a great time with Phil, can’t recommend this place enough. I’ll be telling anyone who needs training to come here.
Adam CollyerAdam Collyer
20:05 25 Mar 22
I've just passed my class 2 test today and I couldn't rate this company anymore . From start to finish they have been amazing . I also done my cpc a few months back aswell . My instructor Clinton k was outstanding . He was very informative and really helped me to pass my test first time . Massive praise to Clinton k and the 2start team for everything .
Mathew DawsonMathew Dawson
10:45 20 Jan 22
Taken Cat C with this company and Alex (one of the instructors) made you feel relaxed from the start. 5* service and passed first time.
Mike BrooksMike Brooks
19:18 15 Jan 22
I have just completed a 5 day Fork Lift Truck course here. Very professional setup and a great facility.Mark was my instructor & he was brilliant with us.Definitely recommend him and this company10/10
Ilie ViorelIlie Viorel
10:18 21 Oct 21
Had a great time with Clint.s.at reading passed my artic test today thank you to all the staff at 2 start Readingthank you
Me And MeMe And Me
11:44 15 Oct 21
Instructor was very knowledgeable and knew what he was doing. Most importantly he new to convey that knowledge.
Jamie LinegarJamie Linegar
08:51 15 Sep 21
Big thank you to Clint, Aussie Clint and Mark for all helping me pass my Category C1 License. They are all great instructors and would highly recommend to anyone looking to pass! Thanks again!
TobyToby
12:30 26 Jul 21
Passed my category c with these today ! Nice clean vehicles very professional instructors . Mark s my instructor was Great from start to finish! Turned me from a B to a C licence in a week! Pleasure to have been a student here 👍 advice : just listen 👂 as the guys here know what they are talking about
Mark IMark I
15:38 16 Jul 21
Really helpful, friendly staff and great vehicles to learn in.
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Worthing

2 Start Ltd (Worthing), The Vinery Ind Est, Unit 54 & 55, Poling, Worthing, BN18 9PY
Call: 01903 952410

2 Start Training
2 Start Training
5.0
Based on 31 reviews
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Paul curryPaul curry
13:46 10 Jun 22
Did my C+E with 2 Start this week and passed first time. Paul my instructor was fantastic, explained everything precisely and made me feel very relaxed and comfortable. I highly recommend 2 Start and from my experience Paul
simon curtissimon curtis
19:15 10 May 22
Getting in and driving an artic for the first time is a daunting task to say the least. My instructor (Paul) was awesome. His instructions were clear and easy to understand and I'm sure he must have got a little fed up having to repeat himself to me. His patience with me was endless he always stayed calm which made the training quite a relaxed experience and made for a nice drive. He was friendly and great to talk to which made the driving more enjoyable it was actually a good laugh and good fun. I could actually hear Paul's voice in my mind as I took my test like an angel on my shoulder. I passed first time and I can't thank him enough for all his help. I highly recommend 2 start, if I could give more stars I would.Thanks again Paul, wishing you all the best mate.Mr S CurtisPs Paul should definitely get employee of the month again.
shawn dwyershawn dwyer
15:02 25 Mar 22
would highly recommend rob who was my cat c trainer,always able to answer any queastions and explain things clearly,top bloke
Alin PopAlin Pop
19:35 18 Mar 22
Briliant team!!! With their help and professionalism I have managed to get a better sense of what it means to be behind the wheel of a lorry. They helped me with information regarding all my questions and to improve to my driving skills in order to pass the driving test for cat C. Can't wait to carry on with them and start doing my C+E and CPC. They are the best and I have already recommended them to a friend who is about to start also his practice with them. Thank you for all the help Paul.
Steve MorrisSteve Morris
12:34 11 Mar 22
Mark (Worthing Manager) and Paul (instructor) worked tirelessly to give me all the help I needed to pass my class C. It took a few goes but I got there and the encouragement was always there. Good facilities at Worthing and I’ll be back their at some point to get my C + E. On passing was being driven back from Lancing and passed Mark in a 2Start Artic training another student heading to Lancing...got a loud congrats blast on the air horn and saw Mark bouncing up and down on his seat and giving me the thumbs up...it made me laugh. Good guys at Worthing & good training.
Amy PlantAmy Plant
12:47 31 Jan 22
Brilliant place,they helped me through my cat c tests.i was a very nervous learner and i passed.awesome instructors and Paul was a great trainer.im already saving for my next test and wouldn't even think about going elsewhere.
Ryan FraserRyan Fraser
11:26 15 Dec 21
Very professional tutors explain everything clearly so the information stays in would highly recommend this company
Adrian TharbyAdrian Tharby
10:35 15 Dec 21
Superb trading team. Paul excellent communicator and patient approach to teaching. Highly recommend this team for all logistics training.
MattMatt
02:59 06 Dec 21
I've been looking to get into the HGV industry as a lorry driver and I've been looking into booking a course, so I thought I'd try some introduction/trial drives with a few companies to see which company I like the most.After trying a few companies, 2 Start Training in Worthing is by far the best company I've experienced. The instructor Paul was very good, he was able to communicate and teach clearly and effectively and he made me feel at ease.2 Start Training had by far the best lorry to train in. A different company that I had an introduction drive with put me in a old, worn out lorry that broke down!2 Start Training have a professional, cosy office/reception area with break out rooms, along with a fully stocked vending machine. I'll definitely be completing a 5 day course in order to hopefully gain my HGV class 2 (category C) licence.I would highly recommend this company if you're looking to gain qualifications for the haulage industry.
Tim NichollsTim Nicholls
16:57 25 Nov 21
Mark and the team at 2 Start Worthing are utterly professional and ably demonstrate their commitment to getting you to the best standard. Great motivators who encourage and build your confidence. They are approachable enthusiastic and make full use of their good facilities and equipment.
Jeremy SkinnerJeremy Skinner
15:20 25 Nov 21
Jon my trainer answered all my questions and made me feel relaxed, and ready for my new job. Thanks, great service.
Darren RadmoreDarren Radmore
20:57 21 Sep 21
Fantastic experience with the worthing team. Passed class 2 first time. Great team of staff and a great instructor Sean who was very professional and easy to get along with. Thanks to everyone at 2Start Training.
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