Category B+E training (also known as car and trailer training) is designed to give students confidence when driving and manoeuvring with a car trailer attachment.
A category B vehicle is outlined as any vehicle which does not exceed 3.5 tonnes in Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM). This can also include a trailer rated to carry up to 750Kg (+E attachment). If your MAM is 3,500Kg or less, then your trailer must not be any longer than 7 metres.
There have been some major changes around B+E driver training & testing announced by the Government.
New Car & Trailer Regulations of 2021
The government issues a new guidance relating to the new rules for towing a trailer with a car. As of Monday 20th September 2021, passing a car & trailer driving test is no longer a legal requirement.
However, it has also been stated that “It’s best to take training from a driving instructor if you want to start driving a car and trailer.”
Everyone’s driving abilities and confidence varies, depending on experience and knowledge of the Highway Code and driving experience. Those who are confident in towing a trailer will drive different to those who are not as confident or have been driving for a lesser time.
Another blog from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) titled “Why learning to tow is important” discusses how “Reversing with a caravan or trailer can be tricky if you’ve never had to do it before.”
Different Driving Techniques
As your vehicle is longer with the trailer attachment, driving and manoeuvring will be different. If you are not aware of these changes, then going straight to driving with a trailer will be more challenging than you will anticipate.
Reiterating this point, it is also explained that “You’re going to notice some big differences in what you can see behind you and how your vehicle handles”
You may also find yourself more concerned with the lack of vision you will have behind your vehicle due to the attachment. That is why also understanding what additional attachments you may need will help. For example, extended wing mirror attachments will help you see your blind spots.
Although you may feel like because the legislations have changed, you will not need to bother with training, this is most certainly NOT the case.
The case of Freddie Hussey is one of importance. A three-year-old who was killed by a runaway trailer in Bristol in 2014. This is one of the many incidents involving trailers in the UK.
Understanding the importance of coupling and uncoupling procedures is one of many competencies you should be confident in. This helps reduce the risk of incidents.
This is why you must still complete some level of training to build your knowledge and understanding of the safe use and driving of a car with a trailer attachment.
B+E Refresher Training
2 Start know it can be difficult to drive bigger vehicles, or vehicles with attachments, when you only have experience at driving normal Category B (car) vehicle.
That is why we have put together our B+E refresher training course to help those of you who wish to gain more confidence and experience at towing a trailer with a car before setting off on your own.
Practical Driver Training
This part of the training (depending on the course chosen) will give you knowledge on how to complete reversing procedures. Also included is helping you understand the different type of driving techniques you will use when reversing with a trailer attachment.
2 Start are one of the few logistic training providers with dedicated reversing area within their training depot. These areas help students practice reversing manoeuvres without the stress of public traffic. This means that you will have time to understand the techniques you are using and why they are important.
What Does Car and Trailer Training Include?
2 Start offer three types of courses for car and trailer training.
Coupling & Uncoupling Procedures
You will be given a thorough understanding of how to securely couple and uncouple a trailer to your vehicle.
You will also be shown how to identify any signs of the couple attachment not being secure. This could include knowing if the trailer is too high to secure coupling, and ensuring the coupling isn’t too loose that it could detach the trailer.
Safety Procedures
There are several safety checks that must be completed on a trailer. These can include:
- Checking that the breakaway cable is not worn or damaged and will not drag on the ground when driving
- Ensuring wheels on trailers are in best condition. This includes the wheel nuts and bolts tightened at the correct tension.
- Indicators are in working order
- Ensuring the trailer is not exceeding the weight stipulated on the vehicle manufacturers plate.
Furthering this, your trailer can become unstable if you drive too fast, the trailer is loaded incorrectly, or you break harshly on a bend.
Can you tow on a Motorway
As long as you have a valid licence, you are allowed to tow a trailer with a car on a motorway. However, you must stick to the restrictions given, such as only using the left-hand lane (unless signs tell you otherwise), sticking to the restricted speed of 60 Miles Per Hour (Mph) and displaying your number plate on the back of your trailer.
Car and Trailer Speed Limits
Speed limits in the UK are dependent on the vehicle you are driving. If you are driving a car and trailer, the speed limits are as follows.
| Built up Areas (England, Scotland and Northern Ireland) | 30 Mph |
| Built up Areas (Wales) | 20 Mph |
| Single Carriageway | 50 Mph |
| Dual Carriageway | 60 Mph |
| Motorway | 60 Mph |
Invest in Your Car and Trailer Training Today
This is why it is important to still familiarise yourself with trailer driving before implementing it on road, as well as understanding the rules and restrictions for car and trailer driving. The more confidence and knowledge you have with driving with a trailer accident could reduce risk of incident.
Although the training and test is no longer a legal requirement, it doesn’t mean that you should not gain the confidence and skills from an experienced B+E instructor.
You can book your car and trailer training with 2 Start, by calling 02392 123 555, or fill out our enquiry form today.
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